Perfectly suited for relaxed gatherings and joyful occasions, Zulu Girl Wines guarantees unforgettable moments. Picture yourself enjoying their crisp 2023 Vintage Sauvignon Blanc alongside a light seafood feast, or their 2022 Merlot, a smooth companion to summer evenings or a casual braai with friends.
Before diving into their wine journey for the interview with Food For Mzansi, the owners of Zulu Girl Wines, Pam Biyela and Sandy Gumede, put on their branded aprons and declare “It’s wine o’clock!”.
The dynamic duo have a friendship that goes beyond business. Biyela, originally from KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal, and Gumede, hailing from the nearby Dube village, share more than just a passion for wine.
“I founded Zulu Girl Wines with my beautiful friend of over 20 years,” Biyela shares.
“We clicked right away,” says Gumede, reflecting on their early days before kids and husbands. “It was just us, enjoying life in the township, eating chicken dust and dreaming big.”
Their personalities – bold and determined – naturally drew them together. Over time, their friendship evolved into a deep sisterhood. “We are very intentional people,” Gumede says. “We’ve just been there for each other through all life’s ups and downs.”
The third girl in the group
Wine has always been a part of their bond. Biyela says a bottle of wine has always been the third girl in their friendship.
“It helps the conversation to flow, and the creative juices to flow. Instead of brewing a cup of tea for a chat, we pour a glass of wine instead,” Gumede says with belly laughter.
Their wine journey began during the Covid pandemic when access to their favourite wines became scarce.
“When Covid happened, Sandy said, ‘Friend, why are we struggling like this? We can’t access a bottle of wine. Jesus did it. Why can’t we do it? Let’s make our own,’” Biyela recalls.
After extensive research and countless tastings, the two women launched their wine brand, and it quickly became a hit. “Before even considering our own brand, we were already challenging each other on sourcing the best bottles. We became true wine enthusiasts.”
Related stories
- Faces of Summer: Soak up the fun with j9Wine’s fruity finishes
- Faces of Summer: Amile Wines shines bright like a diamond
Wines with personality
Zulu Girl Wines draws heavily from their heritage, with labels that blend vibrant colours and African influences.
“Wine can be intimidating, but when people see ours, it screams ‘I am home. I am South African’,” Biyela says. Their wines, designed for enthusiasts rather than novices, reflect their shared love for quality and authenticity.
The Zulu Girl 2023 Vintage Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp tropical fruit notes, has become their bestseller. “I call it summer in a glass,” Gumede says.
“It evokes happy feelings inside. It’s definitely a celebratory drink. It pairs beautifully with light seafood meals, or you can enjoy it on its own. It has a great potential to age and evolve, revealing more complexity.”
The duo also take pride in their Merlot 2022 vintage, which is rich with dark red fruit aromas like plums and cherries.
“It has the potential of ageing up to eight years. It’s smooth and really represents who I am,” Biyela says of the merlot, a wine perfect for summer nights or a casual braai.
READ NEXT: Wines with soul: Black-owned brands captivate WineX
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain
