For many of us around the world, South Africa is known as a region that’s synonymous with wine. For those of us who aren’t deeply familiar with the country, it can be easy to imagine all South Africans growing up with an intrinsic knowledge of wine. But we often tend to forget the vastness of the country, the nuances in culture and differences in family traditions.
“I’ve never seen [my family] drinking wine”, said Kwanele Mhlobo, who is originally from a small town in Eastern Cape. “It was [only] when I came to the Western Cape that wine became a big thing, and now I’m drinking wine! Who would have thought?”
Did you miss out on part one? Click here to read the Q&A with Siphokazi Kwakweni, Programme Manager, PYDA, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
A sentiment echoed by another former Eastern Cape resident of Ntomboxolo, Jejane, “Wine was just [seen] as a drink like others. I never thought about it.”
But even for those that are surrounded by vineyards, the thought of actually carving out a successful career in wine can be a very distant dream.
“I grew up surrounded by vineyards,” said Phiwe Vokwana, “I was a child and I didn’t realise grapes were so important - we just thought they were to eat. We would go [to eat the] grapes then get chased by the farmers!”
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