Blending her artistic eye with winemaking precision, Antoinette Rapitsi has co-created Redamancy Vineyards – a brand where every bottle tells a story of love, creativity, and connection.
For Redamancy Vineyards’ Antoinette Rapitsi, wine isn’t simply a drink, it is a story waiting to unfold. “Wine often surprises you,” she remarks.
“Sometimes it lets you down when you think you can trust it, but its ability to transform from a tiny seed into something so powerful is remarkable. It creates memories and changes how people interact.”
Born and raised in Soweto, Johannesburg, Rapitsi combines her background in interior design with the nuanced artistry of winemaking, creating a brand that’s as personal as it is exceptional.
“For me, the worlds of wine and interior design share similarities – they are both sensory activities. You deal with touch, taste, smell, and aesthetics, all aimed at bringing people together,” she explains.
A vineyard full of love
The decision to start Redamancy Vineyards was born during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rapitsi and her husband, Marc van Uytvanck, owned land in Stellenbosch for years, dreaming of making wine just for themselves to relax with their dogs and share with friends and family.
“But then we thought, ‘If we’re going to make this much wine, we’d better sell it or we’ll turn into alcoholics,” Rapitsi recalls.
Amid the pandemic’s challenges, the couple sought to create something that symbolised love and togetherness. “We found the word ‘Redamancy’, which means reciprocal love. That’s what we wanted to convey – our love for each other, our family, and our craft.”
This ethos is woven into every aspect of their business, from sourcing ethically farmed grapes to designing a brand that reflects their personal story.
Rapitsi says, “It’s a love project, a love story, and we hope that comes through in our wine.”
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Chardonnay: A brave step
Redamancy’s 2023 vintage Chardonnay, aptly named Brave, is a nod to both their golden retriever and their bold decision to experiment with malolactic fermentation for a light and elegant Chardonnay.
“Our first two vintages weren’t malolactic, but we wanted to see how this cooler-climate grape would respond,” says Rapitsi.
The wine, which has received accolades such as 4.5 Platter stars, double gold from Gilbert and Gaillard and 91 points from Tim Atkin, is versatile.
“It’s perfect as an aperitif or paired with food. Start with asparagus and poached egg topped with grated parmesan, or move to mains like mushroom risotto or salmon.”
What makes this chardonnay special is its unique flavour profile, influenced by the coastal vineyard where the grapes are grown. “The vines benefit from the sea breeze, which imparts marine notes to the wine,” she explains. “It has a good linear palate – smooth and round, with hints of citrus, pineapple, and stone fruit balanced by savoury undertones.”
Cabernet sauvignon: A local champion
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is another standout from Redamancy. Sourced from a neighbouring farm in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch, the wine has garnered significant recognition, including 4 Platter stars, double gold from Gilbert and Gaillard and being named the Wine of the Month by the Wine of the Month Club.
“This cabernet is light on the palate but complex on the nose,” Rapitsi explains. “It offers aromas of cigar box, berries, and mixed herbs. It’s designed to be approachable yet layered.”
As Redamancy Vineyards continues to grow, Rapitsi remains committed to preserving the personal touch that defines the brand. “We wanted our wine to tell a story – not just of love but of transformation and creativity.”
Through their wines, Rapitsi and her husband hope that their wine brings people together while celebrating the beauty of new beginnings.
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