Ntsiki Biyela shattered barriers as one of South Africa’s first Black female winemakers—a groundbreaking achievement in a country where apartheid-era policies had long excluded Black South Africans from the wine industry. By 2016, she founded Aslina Wines, a label named in honor of her late grandmother, Aslina, whose strength and love continue to inspire Ntsiki’s journey. As someone who has deeply admired both Ntsiki and her wines, I was thrilled to sit down with her and learn more about her remarkable story.
Ntsiki’s journey from Mahlabathini, a semi-rural town in KwaZulu-Natal, to Stellenbosch University—and eventually to the helm of her own wine label—is a tale of determination and vision. Growing up, wine was far removed from her world, but when she was awarded a scholarship to study winemaking, she seized the opportunity. “It was a last-ditch effort to attend college,” Ntsiki recalls. Yet, when she arrived at Stellenbosch, 900 miles from home, she realized she was exactly where she was meant to be. “The winemaker, Philip Constandius, was so passionate about what he was doing that I said, ‘I want to be like him.’” This passion ignited her path through her academic work an after she graduated with a degree in viticulture and oenology.
After earning her degree, Ntsiki joined Stellakaya, where she spent over a decade honing her craft and earning numerous accolades including Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2009, the Top 20 Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink by Fortune magazine in 2017, and a finalist for Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2020. Yet, she always dreamed of creating something of her own. In 2016, she launched Aslina Wines, an embodiment of her personal and professional evolution. The Aslina range—including a zesty Sauvignon Blanc, a well-rounded Chardonnay, a distinctive skin-contact Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and the flagship Umsasane Bordeaux-style blend—reflects Ntsiki’s innovative spirit and deep connection to her heritage.
“Umsasane is the Zulu word for the acacia tree, an icon in Africa,” Ntsiki explains. “It was also my grandmother’s nickname, so this wine is a double dose of grandma.” Crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, Umsasane’s complexity mirrors Ntsiki’s own layered story. When asked who she would share a bottle of wine with, past or present, Ntsiki quickly named her grandmother and the Umsasane blend. Her grandmother’s enduring influence and the wine’s tribute to her legacy make this pairing especially poignant.
In speaking with Ntsiki, it’s impossible not to be captivated by her infectious personality and her thoughtful approach to both winemaking and life. She credits her grandmother, whom she describes as a deeply spiritual woman who led with love and determination, for shaping her ethos. “Innovation in wine is about innovating ourselves as people,” Ntsiki shares. “We must remain adaptive and never stagnant.”
This philosophy is evident in Aslina’s growth. Last year, Ntsiki opened a tasting room, a welcoming space designed to reflect African authenticity while offering a sense of home and belonging. “I want everyone who walks through the door to feel like they’ve come home,” she says. For Ntsiki, the experience of wine goes beyond flavor notes and technical details. “Before you break down the pH levels, how does the wine make you feel? What kind of conversation are you having with it? It should feel like a warm blanket in winter.”
Beyond her winemaking, Ntsiki serves on the board of the Pinotage Youth Development Academy, which trains young South Africans from disadvantaged communities for careers in the wine industry. “Working with them is a constant reminder of who I am, where I came from, and where I want to be,” she reflects.
Ntsiki’s commitment to evolving herself and her craft is unwavering. She continues to explore new methods, such as experimenting with skin fermentation, while staying true to the values her grandmother instilled in her. “When it comes from a place of love, there’s endless opportunity.”
Ultimately, what sets Ntsiki Biyela apart is not just her talent as a winemaker but her ability to connect deeply—to her roots, to her craft, and to the people who enjoy her wines. Her story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of leading with love. If you can get hold of a few bottles of Aslina wines, you will not be disappointed. And even better, if you have the opportunity to meet Ntsiki, you’ll find that she is not only a very talented winemaker but also a fabulous storyteller who brings her wines to life.
Here are a few bottles to try that encapsulate Ntsiki’s philosophy and craftsmanship:
2023 Aslina (Stellenbosch, South Africa) Chardonnay ($22) 92: Vibrant, round, and refreshing, this Chardonnay showcases luscious notes of lemon peel, lime, white peach, yellow pear, and pineapple core, all balanced by a taut minerality and a subtle hint of cream. With an Old World, Burgundian elegance, it’s a wine to savor slowly and enjoy to the fullest. 92
2021 Aslina (Stellenbosch, South Africa) “Umsasane” Red Blend ($34) 94: The 2021 “Umsasane” is a captivating Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. It unfolds with luscious layers of ripe red and black plums, vibrant acidity, and velvety tannins, complemented by subtle hints of dried herbs, spice, and pencil shavings. The finish is long and refined, ensuring this exceptional wine remains a versatile pairing for years to come. Enjoy now or cellar for years to come. 94
2021 Aslina (Stellenbosch, South Africa) Cabernet Sauvignon ($26) 93: This is, without a doubt, the only Cabernet under $30 that will be a staple in my collection. A vibrant rush of cassis, blackberry, spiced cherry, and plum skin gives way to deeper, savory layers of cocoa powder, cedar, and turned earth. Bright acidity and succulent tannins bring structure and finesse, leading to a long, satisfying finish. It’s undeniably full-bodied, yet beautifully balanced. 93