The Stellenbosch-based Khai Wines not only represents the union of two cultures but also bears testimony to the kind of magic that happens when two women, Lesoga Holzapfel and Ezanne Gouws-du Toit, join forces.
Today, the exclusive wine brand is not only a fusion of two South African cultures but also rooted in a deep desire to uplift rural communities. Increasingly, the white and red blends bottled under the Khai Wines label are becoming hits in the export market.
“Agriculture has always been at the root of what we do at home. So, it came so naturally,” says Holzapfel in a chat with Brian Mahanke, better known as the Black Sommelier. This is as part of the Faces of Summer campaign presented by Food For Mzansi.
Holzapfel, a descendant of the Khoisan who grew up in the North West, holds an MSc in social policy and development from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her business partner, Gouws-du Toit, grew up amongst the vineyards of the Cape Winelands and holds a BSc in oenology.
“I have done everything I think you could possibly do [in the wine industry], from working in the vineyards to tractor driving to doing accounts, exports [and] logistics,” says Gouws-du Toit.
Summer wine selection
The name Khai Wines was inspired by a deep appreciation for the Khoisan tribe, the first inhabitants of South Africa. The word “Khai” means “to rise”. Rightfully so, choosing the name was a careful act, and it was important that it resonated with both Holzapfel and Gouws-du Toit.
“Being two young diverse women in the wine industry, we really wanted to tell a story about positivity and rising from the ashes,” Holzapfel explains.
Both Holzapfel and Gouws-du Toit have travelled the world and experienced various types of wine. This made it especially different to choose their favourite summer wines. In the end, we asked them to pick some of the blends Khai Wines have become known for.
Their first choice is the 2022 Khai White Blend, a powerful blend of 80% chenin blanc and 20% semillon. The blend is described as yellow straw in colour with a subtle green tinge and hints of tropical fruit.
“I love a chenin blanc because [it] has the fruitiness and it’s not too high in acidity,” explains Gouws-du Toit.
Their second choice is the 2011 Khai Rhone Blend, a fusion of 60% shiraz, 25% grenache, and 15% cinsault. Aromas are perfumed, peppery and spicey and exhibit red fruit notes. It is a medium-bodied smooth palate infused with red cherry and herbaceous notes.
- As part of its popular “Faces of Summer” campaign, Food For Mzansi will feature some of South Africa’s finest winemakers and ambassadors.
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