New wine for Biko and Bonnievale

BIKO is an iconic South African name but until now, it’s not one you’d associate with wine. That changed this week with the release of the Samora Biko Private Reserve Shiraz 2010.

The new label is the result of a black economic empowerment partnership between Samora Biko, the second-oldest son of struggle hero Steve Biko and Ntsiki Mashalaba, and the Jonker family of the Jonkheer Private Cellar in Bonnievale. The maiden release comprises just 20 barrels and, while the intention is to introduce a new varietal to the range each year, if the allocated wine does not meet the standards set for the brand, it will not be bottled.

“Because the range carries the personal insignia of Samora Biko, we want it to be exceptional without fail,” says Jonkheer winemaker and marketing director Dirk Jonker.

Biko — who, in addition to being the MD of oil and gas company Taleveras Oil SA, is chairman of the new partnership, Jonkheer Africa — and Jonker met on the golf course near Bonnievale some years ago. They discovered a mutual love of wine (and golf) and established a friendship, which led to the new business.

“Being in the wine business for so long, we know how difficult it is to build a new brand and the influence of the Biko name is not lost on us,” says Jonker. “However, it also comes with immense responsibility, which is why Samora and I agreed not to commercialise the Samora Biko range, and to ensure workers and employees at Jonkheer and surrounding communities benefit from the project.”

Biko, whose interest in wine has grown in the past eight years, is determined to be as “hands on” as possible in all aspects of the venture.

“The thing that convinced me to get involved was that Dirk and I share the same sentiments about the inclusiveness of the project. I liked the fact that when we began discussing the possibility of a partnership years ago, he wanted everyone in the community to benefit from it. But, yes. I’m also very interested in wine and am serious about being part of the development of the brand and winemaking process. It’s an exciting opportunity to learn something new and to contribute to the upliftment of others.”

Jonkheer Africa, which will also take care of the cellar’s other wine labels, Jonkheer and Bakenkop, is officially a joint venture between the Jonker Family Trust and the Samora Biko Family Trust (not to be confused with the Steve Biko Foundation). In addition to farm workers and employees receiving a percentage of its profits, a community training centre in Bonnievale will also benefit from money raised by the company.

www.jonkheer.co.za