Winemakers On Fire, Issue #39

Good day, and a warm welcome!

This week, we're honoured to introduce you to Ntsiki Biyela, a trailblazing winemaker from South Africa whose journey to success is far from ordinary. Raised in the rural landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal, she initially harboured dreams of becoming an engineer. However, when those dreams didn't materialise, she seized an opportunity to pursue a winemaking scholarship at Stellenbosch University—a bold move, considering she had never even tasted wine before. Her story serves as a testament to the power of determination and resilience, proving that sometimes taking a chance on the unknown can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

In Case You Missed It

The State of Wine: Has the Global Industry Reached Peak Performance, Or Are the Best Vintages Yet to Come?

Here are a few quick takeaways from last week's Uncorking Secrets deep dive:

1. Despite a decline in global wine consumption since 2007, the industry can still achieve growth by adopting innovative strategies that prioritise customers over products. By avoiding marketing myopia and focusing on customer needs and preferences, wine brands can tap into new opportunities for success.

2. To stand out in a competitive market, wine brands can differentiate themselves by offering unique experiences that go beyond the product, fostering customer loyalty through compelling storytelling and memorable encounters.

3. Wineries that focus solely on production may struggle to stay relevant. By embracing creativity, agility, and customer-centricity, and prioritising long-term growth over short-term gains, they can unlock new opportunities for success.

We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our Uncorking Secrets deep dive. If you're curious to learn more about The State of Wine, we invite you to explore last week's full article. It offers an in-depth look at the subject, complete with fascinating insights and stories. Feel free to click this link if you'd like to delve deeper and learn more.

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From Humble Beginnings to Trailblazing Winemaker: How Ntsiki Biyela Built a South African Wine Brand Infused with Her Heritage

Ntsiki Biyela's path to becoming South Africa's first black female winemaker was anything but straightforward. Growing up in rural KwaZulu-Natal, she dreamed of being an engineer. When those plans fell through, she took a chance on a winemaking scholarship at Stellenbosch University, despite having never tasted wine before. 

After graduating in 2003, Ntsiki honed her craft at various wineries before launching her own brand, Aslina Wines, in 2016. Named after her late grandmother, Aslina embodies Ntsiki's mission to create an exceptional South African wine brand infused with her heritage.

In this exclusive interview, we speak with this groundbreaking entrepreneur and winemaker about her remarkable journey. We explore the challenges she's overcome as a black woman pioneering her way in a historically white, male-dominated industry. Ntsiki also shares insights into how she built and differentiated Aslina Wines, from sourcing funding to balancing her dual roles as owner and winemaker. Most importantly, she offers inspirational advice for young entrepreneurs and winemakers aiming to follow in her footsteps.

You started Aslina Wines in 2016 after working 13 years at Stellekaya. What made you decide it was time to start your own brand? 

I have always known that I wanted to start my own business. After working for 13 years, I had grown as a winemaker, so it was progression; the time and the opportunity had arrived.

Launching a new wine brand requires a significant upfront investment. How did you fund the early stages of Aslina Wines?

I collaborated with a winemaker from California. This was initiated by Mika Bulmash from Wine for the World in the USA. I used the proceeds from that as capital. I also asked suppliers for preferential payment terms, and many agreed, luckily.

As a black woman in the South African wine industry, what unique challenges have you faced in getting Aslina Wines off the ground? How have you overcome them?

Being a winemaker gave me a competitive advantage in the market. The issue, I would say, is the general struggle of not having your own space, but this is true for most new winemakers. I cannot think of any unique challenges when launching the brand, but when I first started as a winemaker, it was when people did not believe I was actually a winemaker.

How do you balance your dual roles as owner and winemaker for Aslina Wines? What's your advice for aspiring entrepreneur-winemakers?

It is difficult because I need to be operational while also looking at the business from the top to see where it is going and ensure we are fulfilling the company's vision. I could not do this without the help of my coaches and mentors, as bouncing between two levels is difficult. What is also important is that I work with people who are leaders in their own right. They understand my vision and are eager to put it into action and make Aslina Wines a success. 

The best advice I’d give to winemakers is to not be afraid to ask for help. We have a tendency to believe that we can do everything ourselves because no one else can, but I believe we must learn to let go and trust the people we delegate to. Mistakes will be made but accept them as a natural part of the process.

What's been your biggest lesson learned or "a-ha" moment in your entrepreneurial journey with Aslina Wines?

You always need the right people in your circle to walk with you and check your blind spots, whether they are colleagues, family, friends, or advisers. 

How do you differentiate Aslina Wines in the market? What sets your wines apart?

Aslina wines are rooted in heritage and culture, and the labels reflect this. The brand is all about feeling at home, being grounded, family, passion, being African, and love.  

You named Aslina Wines after your grandmother. How do her spirit and legacy influence the brand? 

My grandmother was the embodiment of love and did everything with love, which I have carried with me in everything I do. I create wine that I enjoy drinking. Our values as a company are grounded in love.

What excites you most about the future growth potential of Aslina Wines? Where would you like to see the brand in 5-10 years?

We have a lot of plans for Aslina Wines. We have recently established a tasting room in Stellenbosch, and we are focused on that right now. What is that quote about plans again? “Don't tell people your plans. Show them your results!” So, all I will say now is that we are focused on growing as a brand and solidifying our space in the industry.

As a mentor for young winemakers, what business advice do you give them as they consider starting their own brands someday?

Do not be afraid to ask for what you want. The worst possible answer is no.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of entrepreneurial advice, what would it be?

Never let anyone tell you what your worth is. When I initially started Aslina Wines, I asked for that advice, and it was given to me.

Essential Insights

Unveiling Ntsiki Biyela's Guiding Beliefs

1. The power of perseverance and self-belief. As a black woman winemaker, Ntsiki faced doubts about her abilities early in her career. However, her determination and belief in herself allowed her to overcome these challenges and ultimately launch her own successful wine brand, Aslina Wines. Her journey underscores the importance of persevering despite obstacles and having confidence in one's capabilities.

2. Building a strong support system is crucial for entrepreneurial success. Ntsiki emphasises the value of surrounding yourself with the right people—coaches, mentors, and trusted colleagues—who understand your vision and can provide guidance. She stresses the importance of being open to advice and letting go of the belief that you can do everything alone. A solid support network can help identify blind spots and propel your entrepreneurial journey.

3. Staying grounded in your roots and values. Aslina Wines is deeply rooted in Ntsiki's cultural heritage and family values, particularly the love and spirit of her grandmother, after whom the brand is named. This connection to her roots differentiates Aslina in the market and infuses the brand with authentic meaning. Ntsiki's experience highlights the power of drawing from your authentic identity and values when building a successful enterprise.

Thank you, Ntsiki, for sharing your inspiring advice with young entrepreneurs and winemakers hoping to follow in your footsteps. We wish you and your team every success in the future.

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