The Rangaka family did not know anything about wine but that did not deter them from making their mark in a tough industry with M’hudi Wines. Today, this family-owned vineyard near Stellenbosch embodies a tale of resilience and new beginnings. Rae-Leigh Adonis, finance manager at M’hudi Wines, shares their story in our Faces of Summer campaign.
M’hudi Wines mirrors the story of the heroine in Sol Plaatjie’s novel who fled her war-torn home in search of a new beginning. Similar to the determined character, the Rangaka family moved from Johannesburg to start a new chapter as farm owners.
“They didn’t know anything about the wine industry or winemaking,” Adonis says. “They didn’t even drink wine at the time.”
M’hudi comes from the Setswana word “mohudi” which means “harvester”. Originally from North West, the Rangaka family decided to search for a place where the whole family could spend more quality time together.
“Our wines come from the Paarl Valley region. The brand lives in Stellenbosch on a 43-hectare farm,” Adonis explains.
The vineyard lies in a valley with deep Table Mountain sandstone soils over clay. The valley floor is very hot in summer but is regularly cooled by morning mists and vigorous doses of the renowned Cape Town south-easterly wind in the afternoons.
Top pick for summer
Adonis’s first wine choice for the Faces of Summer is their Family Boutique Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2021.
“What is special about it is that it is fermented in 500-litre French oak barrels for 10 months. We’ve received a double gold international award for it and it’s our best-seller,” she says.
The tasting notes are fruit salad and quince on the nose, rich and creamy on the palate, with pineapple, stewed fruits and dried apricots.
This wine is complex and has lots of depth. It pairs well with a seafood casserole, chicken curry or fragrant cheese.
A collector’s item
Her second choice is their Family Boutique Pinotage with tasting notes of red berries and dark chocolate, with red velvet cake, sour cherry and kirschwasser on the nose.
“This should be in your collection of wines. It is a new style of winemaking,” Adonis recommends.
This pinotage is enjoyed best among friends or with dishes such as tuna steak, lamb tika masala or glazed pork ribs.
Adonis knows wine is more than a drink, it’s often a conversation starter! She swears stories get more interesting over a glass of M’hudi wine.
If you would like to join the fun, M’hudi Wines is ready for your visit, whether it’s a planned hangout or a surprise pop-in during the festive season.
READ NEXT: Faces of Summer: Discover Bayede Royal Wines, fit for a king
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
