Aslina Wines

Winery Description

Location and History

Ntsiki Biyela, was born and raised in Mahlabathini, a rural village in KwaZulu-Natal. After completing her matric in 1996, she spent a year as a domestic worker before earning a scholarship to study winemaking at Stellenbosch University in 1999. After graduating in 2003 with a BSc in Agriculture (Viticulture and Oenology), Ntsiki joined the boutique winery Stellekaya as a winemaker the following year.

Ntsiki's ambition to create her own wines was ignited through a collaboration with Californian winemaker Helen Kiplinger, part of Mika Bulmash's Wine for the World initiative. During this collaboration, Ntsiki shared the story of her inspiration: her beloved grandmother, Aslina, who had been a guiding force in her life. In her grandmother's honour, Ntsiki decided to name her future wine brand, Aslina.

Ntsiki's winemaking philosophy was shaped by her early experiences in Tuscany and Bordeaux, where she developed a deep connection with nature, reminiscent of her upbringing in KwaZulu-Natal. A later opportunity to create a wine for The Winemakers' Collection in France further cemented her place in the global wine community.

In 2016, Ntsiki realised her dream by establishing Aslina Wines, a brand inspired by her grandmother's strength and determination. Aslina Wines has since gained a reputation for its premium offerings, embodying Ntsiki's vision of creating an exceptional, world-class brand deeply rooted in her Zulu heritage. The brand's label features a traditional Zulu drinking vessel, a calabash, reimagined with grapes to symbolize her distinctive wines.

Ntsiki Biyela's contributions to the wine industry have been widely recognised. She was voted Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2009 and was a finalist for The Most Influential Women in Business and Government for two consecutive years. In 2017, she was listed among the world's top 10 most Innovative Women in Food and Drink by Fortune's Food & Wine. Ntsiki also serves on the board of directors for the Pinotage Youth Development Academy, helping to prepare young South Africans for careers in the wine and tourism industries, offering them the opportunity to follow in her footsteps.

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Wine Tasting

Aslina Wines offers a diverse range of red and white wines crafted with care and a deep respect for nature's gifts. In The Tasting Room, guests can experience African hospitality while enjoying Aslina's world-renowned wines.

Among the wines in the Aslina collection:

Cabernet Sauvignon: A wine that captures the natural richness and bold structure offered by nature, infused with love, strength, and Ntsiki's deep beliefs.
Sauvignon Blanc: A wine that reveals the wild, unique story of Aslina's winemaking process, delivering a transformative experience on the palate.
Chardonnay: Expressing the diversity of the cultivar and South Africa itself, this wine embodies unity, strength, and the passion with which it was crafted.
Umsasane: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, named after the Zulu word for the umbrella tree and honouring Ntsiki's grandmother. The wine's bold structure, smoothness, and complexity pay tribute to Aslina, the matriarch of the family.
Chenin Blanc: A refreshing wine with rich character, notes of honeybush tea, and a mellowing, textured palate.
Méthode Cap Classique: Pale golden in color with a bouquet of green apples and cucumber hints, this wine offers butterscotch aromas and a rich, creamy complexity, pairing well with rich foods or enjoyed on its own.