The world of fine wine has long been defined by tradition, terroir, and a certain—often exclusive—pedigree. Yet, a new generation of winemakers is redefining this narrative by placing sustainability at the very heart of their craft. Among the most influential voices leading this paradigm shift is Ntsiki Biyela, a pioneering South African figure, the country’s first Black female winemaker, and the visionary behind Aslina Wines. For Biyela, sustainability is not a mere marketing buzzword; it is a foundational pillar that encompasses everything from environmental stewardship in the vineyard to social justice in the cellar, creating a holistic model for ethical winemaking that resonates with global consumers.
Biyela’s journey is itself a powerful testament to transformation. Growing up in the rural village of Mahlabathini in KwaZulu-Natal, she knew nothing of wine until a scholarship, intended to change her life, took her to Stellenbosch University to study Viticulture and Oenology. This background, a world away from the historically white-dominated Cape Winelands, imbues her work with a deep-seated understanding of community, upliftment, and the vital role of ethical practices. Her label, Aslina, named after her beloved grandmother, is more than a brand—it is a promise to honour the past while building a more equitable and sustainable future.
The Three Dimensions of Biyela’s Sustainability
In the context of the South African wine industry, which is grappling with the historical legacies of apartheid and the pressing challenges of climate change, sustainability must be viewed through a tripartite lens: Environmental, Economic, and Social. Biyela’s approach to Aslina Wines addresses all three.
1. Environmental Stewardship: Authenticity from the Earth
Biyela’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in minimal intervention, a core principle of environmental sustainability. Her motto, “Keep it authentic, don’t fiddle too much with what nature gives,” speaks to a profound respect for the raw materials and the land they come from. By sourcing grapes from established, quality vineyards in the Stellenbosch region and beyond, Aslina Wines inherently participates in the broader South African wine industry’s commitment to environmental sustainability, which is internationally recognized.
Crucially, Biyela emphasizes adherence to formal sustainability certifications. Aslina Wines partners with vineyards that are IPW (Integrated Production of Wine) certified, a voluntary environmental sustainability scheme adopted by the South African wine industry. This certification ensures a focus on practices such as:
- Water Conservation: Implementing efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, which is paramount in water-scarce regions like the Western Cape, to ensure no water wastage.
- Minimal Chemical Use: Employing integrated pest management (IPM) and using approved, minimal chemical spraying to protect the ecosystem and the health of the workers.
- Biodiversity Protection: The IPW framework encourages producers to conserve the Cape Floral Kingdom—the most biodiverse floral region in the world—which surrounds many of the country’s vineyards.
This dedication to natural expression and environmental care ensures that the final product, from her acclaimed Chardonnay to her Bordeaux-style blend, Umsasane, truly represents the vintage and the terroir of its origin, with the smallest possible ecological footprint.
2. Social Sustainability: Uplifting Communities
In a country still navigating the complex process of socio-economic transformation, the social pillar of sustainability is arguably the most critical for black-owned brands like Aslina. Social sustainability is about creating a safe, ethical, and empowering work environment and contributing to the broader community.
Biyela’s engagement here is multifaceted and deeply personal:
- Ethical Labour Practices: Aslina Wines works with suppliers and vineyards that are WIETA (Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association) certified. WIETA ensures that ethical standards, including fair wages, decent working conditions, and social responsibility, are upheld. This focus directly counters the wine industry’s historical issues with farmworker treatment, making every bottle a statement of ethical trade.
- Transformation and Mentorship: As a trailblazer, Biyela takes her role as a model seriously. She serves on the board of directors for the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA), an organisation dedicated to equipping young, historically disadvantaged South Africans with the skills and confidence necessary for careers in the wine and tourism sectors. This direct involvement in mentorship and skills transfer is crucial for long-term industry transformation, ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity she fought for.
- Empowerment Through Ownership: By establishing her own 100% Black-owned brand, Biyela creates a powerful economic engine for change. Her success acts as a beacon, illustrating the potential for self-determination and ownership in an industry where black ownership remains woefully underrepresented.
3. Economic Sustainability: Crafting a World-Class Brand
For a small, independent brand, economic sustainability means ensuring quality and market appeal to remain viable without compromising ethical standards. Biyela has masterfully achieved this by focusing on premium, world-class quality that commands international attention.
The accolades received by Aslina Wines, such as the Wine of the Year – South Africa at the Sommeliers Choice Awards, are a direct result of her commitment to excellence. This global recognition is essential for securing long-term economic viability, which, in turn, allows her to continue her work in social and environmental sustainability. By successfully competing on the global stage, Biyela proves that a wine brand built on the principles of social justice and environmental care can also be a commercial success, creating a powerful blueprint for others.
A Holistic Future
Ntsiki Biyela’s commitment to sustainability is not about checking boxes; it is a holistic philosophy woven into the fabric of Aslina Wines. It acknowledges the inescapable connection between the health of the land, the welfare of the people, and the future of the product. Her work exemplifies how the new face of South African winemaking is not just about making good wine, but about making wine better—for the environment, for the community, and for the world. Her wines offer more than just a taste of fine South African terroir; they offer a taste of transformation and hope.