Aslina Wines
What does your company do?
Aslina Wines is a premium South African wine brand founded in 2016 by Ntsiki Biyela. Named in honour of her grandmother, Aslina represents resilience, connection, and a deep respect for quality winemaking.
With a presence in over 15 countries, Aslina crafts expressive, elegant wines using mostly Stellenbosch-grown grapes, with select parcels from Elgin for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. In 2024, Aslina opened its own tasting room in Stellenbosch, offering guests a warm, immersive experience of the brand. Every bottle reflects a commitment to heritage, innovation, and the spirit of togetherness.
What is your biggest success?
Ntsiki Biyela’s biggest success lies in breaking new ground as one of South Africa’s first Black female winemakers and becoming a global trailblazer in the wine industry. From humble beginnings in rural KwaZulu-Natal, she has built a brand that exports to over 15 countries and opened a tasting room in Stellenbosch in 2024.
Her journey has earned her numerous accolades, including the Diversity and Transformation Award at the 2021 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, Woman Winemaker of the Year (2009), and a spot on Fortune’s list of the Top 10 Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink (2017). More than just winning awards, Ntsiki has shifted perceptions, inspired future generations, and helped reshape the face of South African wine. Her story is one of grit, vision, and redefining what’s possible.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
Ntsiki’s biggest hurdle has been navigating and breaking into a white, male-dominated wine industry as a young Black woman with limited financial resources. Gaining respect and being taken seriously was an uphill battle, especially in the early years when she was often the only woman, and the only black person, in the room.
Accessing funds to study winemaking was the first major obstacle, overcome through a scholarship. Later, the challenge shifted to securing capital to start and grow Aslina Wines, which remains self-funded and independently owned. Building credibility in an industry where few looked like her meant constantly proving her expertise, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
