Seemola is going places with her wine brand
Pretoria socialite Moyahabo Seemola is the founder and co-winemaker of Pheliwines with the support of two of her friends. Her wines have been greeted with a warm reception – particularly in Spain, where her Oudstad Sauvignon Blanc 2016 won a bronze medal in May.
How did you come up with the idea of starting your own wine label?
We realised that there’s a growing keen nose for South African wines abroad, and set out to explore the idea of the export market in wine.
What inspired your liking for wine?
I developed a passion for wine during my visit to Nigeria. Friends invited me to Lagos in 2010 and 2011, after I lost my dearest mom in May 2010. I had an absolutely wonderful time trying out many varieties of wines from countries like Chile, France, etc. Not finding many South African cultivars around, I promised myself that upon my return home I would learn and explore SA wines.
How did you go about launching your wine?
We launched Pheliwines at home, in Atteridgeville, as well as at the restaurant and pub called Dibango’s operated by my uncle Obert Masipa.
What has been your milestone since starting your own label?
My greatest achievement yet has been the honour of sharing the platform with top wineries while receiving the bronze award in Madrid, Spain, for our Oudstad Sauvignon Blanc 2016, in May.
What does the Pheliwines range consist of?
Two dry wine cultivars, one white and one red. The Sauvignon Blanc 2016 and Black Rock Syrah 2014.
Do you export your wine?
We are in the preparation stages of exporting to Spain.
How much wine do you bottle at present?
We have bottled 3 000 bottles of each cultivar to date, and there’s so more to come.
And the name Pheliwines?
It was inspired by a place I call home, where I was born and bred, Phelindaba, Atteridgeville. Oudstad in particular is the first settlement in Atteridgeville. And Black Rock is in Saulsville.