Rosé wines fit for a president
Bridge of Hope wines produced as part of a development programme
Rosemary Mosia’s award-winning Bridge of Hope wines were part of the crème de la crème of black-owned wines that were served at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration over the weekend.
The wines served to Ramaphosa's esteemed guests included: Bayede! Koni, Sesfikile, Women in Wine, Carmen Stevens, Mhudi, Thokozani, Lavo, Bridge of Hope and Thembi Wines.
Mosia, 52, who hails from Umndeni in Soweto, said the opportunity to have Bridge of Hope served at the inauguration was presented by the South African Wine Industry Transformation Unit.
“We [black owned brands] have always asked how we can get involved with government because we do want assistance from government,” she said.
The wine producer said she had to provide 14 cases of wine for the inauguration, which was no small feat for a relatively new brand.
“This was a tough order for a SMME but we knew that there would be lots of opportunities there for us,” said Mosia.
She said since the inauguration, Bridge of Hope had enjoyed keen interest from wine lovers, particularly on social media.
Mosia, who runs the business along with her three children, said she fell in love with wine after moving to Cape Town for her job at Transnet.
“When I moved to Cape Town I was exposed to wine and I started to read and learn everything about it,” she said.
She said her extensive career in accounting and auditing had prepared her well for running the business and that the name of her brand was linked to her past profession as an accountant, where they use the term “bridge” in finance.
“When you have a financial background you can do anything,” said Mosia.
Although she mainly works with her son, her twin daughters’ backgrounds in law and lifestyle journalism had assisted her with the running and marketing of the business.
“My daughter, who has a Master’s in law, reads every single document that I have to sign, which is really helpful,” Mosia said.
The wine is produced on Lintonparks Wine Estate in the Western Cape and is part of an enterprise development programme where new wine producers are mentored on how to make wine and sell it internationally.
Her wines have become popular internationally.
“I want to own land and make my own wine and I am currently eyeing a piece of land near Lintonparks,” she said.
Wendy Peterson, from SA African Wine Industry Transformation Unit, said the industry was aiming to transform 20% of the industry by 2025.
“Our efforts are part of the broader Wine Industry Strategic Exercise, which aims to strengthen the South African wine and brand value-chain,” she said.