Food & Drink: Raising a Glass with Thandi Wines

Thandi Wines [South Africa]

The Xhosa word for ‘nurturing love’ Thandi is the name given to a wine brand that is not your average wine company, but one this breaking boundaries. Established in Elgin, South Africa in 1995 Thandi Wines has ethical trading and social transformation at the heart of its core values, actively involving the community within the entire wine production chain to help create wealth and uplift previously disadvantaged people.

Whilst also focusing on producing a high-quality product, it is these values that saw the company become the first wine brand in the world to receive Fairtrade accreditation in 2003. 250 farm-worker families hold 55% shares in the company in addition to land-ownership of three farms ranging from 50%-100% shareholding, making it the biggest black-owned exporting wine company in South Africa.

With increasing international stockists, profits are ploughed back into the company’s initiatives such as providing adult education, tertiary education bursaries and a crèche for the farmer workers children. Thandi Wines encourages visitors to the farm to see firsthand the brand at work and to sample some their fine offerings in the beautiful tranquil surroundings of the farm.

…and; if you do decide to enjoy a glass of Thandi Wines please remember to drink responsibly