This article is a bit different to the usual variety – of décor, design, trends and home inspiration. There are a few moments in your life when you meet with something that leaves such an impact on you that it is almost an imprint of something greater that passed by and touched your life.
Such was the moment when I was introduced to a simple wine label, that beneath its paper stamp held a legacy and roots that stretched far deeper and further than that of the vines from which the wines were born.
It was on a business trip to Durban, and I had been invited to attend a wine tasting and food pairing one evening. I was intrigued by the name of the wine brand – HoM. Which stands for House of Mandela. Over a glass of beautiful bubbly, while the guests arrived, I pondered whether this could truly be linked to one of our world’s most inspirational and revolutionary figureheads, and a man whom I deeply respect. As the evening unfolded, I proved my musings correct, as a most elegant and genteel lady led us through the tasting of various wines within the collection, and took us through a tale of how this label was created. Tukwini Mandela, granddaughter of past-president Nelson Mandela, shared the essence of the Mandela spirit – and what a story it is…
In Tukwini’s words: the past is a prologue to the House of Mandela, and the essence of the name is drawn from our past. The deep honour and respect given to the family’s ancestors serve as the textbook from which the family has drawn many lessons to apply in their lives, lessons which they communicate through art, words and action. And one of the ways that the family decided to honour the legacy of their past was creating “a bridge between our regal, glorious past and the promise of a future filled with possibilities through a product of the fruits of the earth: South African Wine.”
The story of the bee
When chatting to Tukwini during the course of the evening, she shared with me that the totem of the HoM wines – the bee – has far more significant meaning than one may realise. When her grandfather, Nelson, was released from prison, he was followed home by a swarm of bees that made their home on his property. The family sees the bee as representing courage, compassion, concern for others, and making dreams possible through sharing acts of kindness and invoking numerous relationship circles with family, friends, and the broader community. And this is what HoM wants to share with both its South African and its global family.
A paragraph in a presentation that the family has put together to present the label says it so gracefully: “It is our desire that you sip this wine with family and friends and colleagues, and whisper stories to each other of how you add your tiny droplet of love and compassion to the universe. For it is said that ‘in water one sees one’s face, but in wine beholds the heart of another’.”
A community flavour
The wine collections within the HoM fold are a celebration of who the Mandela family is, where they come from, and their contribution to humanity; of their tremendous faith in a better, brighter future; and that love never fails. Working with development organisations and charities in the education, health, agriculture, and alternative energy sectors; the brand also seeks to sponsor a selected number of wine students to study wine-making and viticulture, opening the industry to a colourful spectrum of ethnic groups.
Raising a glass
Aside from the esteemed background of the HoM label, the wines speak for themselves. The Royal Reserve Selection is made up of three single varietals – chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz; with the Thembu range adding further choice in six single varietals – sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, and shiraz. This range is particularly interesting, as the inspiration for the designs of the labels were drawn from Nelson Mandela’s famous bright and eye-catching shirts. And then let’s not forget the one that is always my personal weakness – the bubbly brut, a method cap classique.
Produced in partnership
HoM wines has partnered with three well-known South African estates, namely Fairview, Thelema and Villiera. Selected grapes are brought in from these estates, and put through their paces to create the wines available today. “Through partnering with the finest South African wine makers, [we] blend and develop ‘quality for value’ wines that embellish the best practices of South African wine.”
The house of Mandela
A few weeks after my return to Johannesburg, and Tukwini’s return from the United States, SA Home Owner’s marketing manager, Philile, and I were privileged to visit Tukwini at her mother – Dr Maki Mandela’s – home, to enjoy a cup of coffee with Tukwini and share some exciting ideas to bring House of Mandela wines to our readers. So keep your eyes on our monthly magazine and visit our website to see when and where!
A toast to Mandela
When you have a taste of greatness that embodies the essence of honour, respect, and community, then you know what being a part of the South African family is all about.
With many thanks to Tukwini Mandela for opening her heart and her home to us, and for sharing some of the roots of our South African heritage with us.
For more info on House of Mandela wines visit their website.
For more lifestyle news visit EC Mirror Online.
[signature:kerry]
Leave a Comment