WeeklySA_AdminGO-GETTER:Makhobela sets his sights on growing his wine to become premium brand
By Len Maseko
Congratulations on your debut wines?
A -Thank you so much, it is been a dream that I really am grateful to live.
How did you come up with the idea of starting your own wine label?
A -My love for finer things really led me to the birth of Billion, and what’s finer than good wine? Nothing. So, as I was exposing myself to wine tasting events in Stellenbosch and Port Elizabeth I got attached to the industry. Also, I saw it was white people who were dominating the game. I wanted to be an inspiration to my black community, to show that no dream is far-fetched.
What inspired your liking for wine?
A – I love how wine matures with time, the complexity of orchestrating it, which is then made easier when one pours it into a glass, a marvel journey that a few get to witness.
All this has turned to teach me one thing in life, patience is virtue.
How did you arrive at the choice of grape varieties to make your wines?
A – As my wines are blends, the red being made of Pinotage, Merlot and Shiraz. While the White is made of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. These grapes are part of the leading grapes in the industry, which people love and appreciate. I thought to myself, why not give the best of 3 worlds in one bottle to marvel my customers?
Where do you source the grapes for your wines?
A – Our wine farm in Stellenbosch is inspired by the French tradition as the owner of the farm is French.
He genuinely comes with amazing ways used in France to grow grapes and harvest them in SA, which makes our wines an international breeze for those who know their wine, and also swings in the beginners in the industry to appreciate good wine.
How do you work as a team in terms of styling your wines?
As said previously, the farm owner is French. He has taught a couple of farmers his tricks and different ways to produce good premium wine. We are all dedicated to quality winemaking, and everyone has their role in producing wine that will really make a statement, without saying a word.
How did you go about launching your wine?
A – It is amazing that my wine turns a year today. As I am answering these questions I have since launched it online. The Covid lockdowns in our country have really made it difficult for us, winemakers, to thrive. However, I managed to launch my wines online, something a lot of people really appreciated as the first batch of over 1 000 bottles got sold out during the first month.
What has been your milestone since starting your own label?
A – Having to see my bottles being shelved at both Pick n’ Pay and Ultra Liquors. Another sweet memory, was getting a thumbs-up from wine experts at our first exhibition event, which happened in Centurion, among other winemakers. Ours was in the top 2, and we were just months old.
What does the name of your wines signify?
A – Billion Premium Wines is named after a luxury word that don’t get spoken of everyday, but everyone in this world wishes to have their name and a billion in one sentence. This is also because of my desire to become one of world’s billionaires in the nearer future.
What does your range consist of?
A – We have Premium Red and Premium White. My wines are blends, the red being made of Pinotage, Merlot and Shiraz. While the White is made of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Also, we are busy with producing Billion MCC, which is to be launched soon.
Do you export your wine?
A – Covid 19 has been a challenge really to fully expand to the export market. However, we have managed to export a couple of cases to Botswana and Lesotho.
How much wine do you bottle at present?
A – We are bottling about 5 000 bottles at present.
How have your wines been received so far?
A – It has been a humbling and amazing journey. Our wines have really been greatly appreciated by everyone. Also, a lot of people have made it their Number One wine to date.
When consumers encounter your wines for the first time, what is it that you want them to experience and to know about the philosophy behind the crafting of the wines?
A- I want them to see a dream come to life of a young man from a place regarded as an informal settlement, which is Orange Farm. A place where no one thought something great would come out, but a young dreamer from them managed to give the world one of the best premium wines.
What challenges have you faced so far when it comes to marketing your wine?
A – Truly, we were able to market the brand very well, with it being recognised by big retailers and restaurants. The only challenge has been the supply as there were too many stops and go’s because of Covid Lockdown restrictions.
Do you make the wine yourself? What training have you had in winemaking?
A – I am hands-on in the project. However, it is not that hectic as I would love it to be, the French farm owner and other farmers have been of amazing help, though, and the training I have received from the owner has really been an international one. I am also currently studying towards a sommelier qualification.
What lessons has your journey taught you so far?
A – That no dream is too huge for anyone to achieve, that dreams are on the other side of willingness.
What can we expect from you in the five years?
A – Billion will be globally competing with big brands that are well known. We should be global by then, making a presence in every continent.
Besides making wine, what do you do?
A – I am a serial entrepreneur with a couple of start-ups specialising in brand architecture, investing, and strongly interested in the digital economy.
What is your favourite slogan or mantra, the one that keeps you going, no matter what?
A – Don’t just exist, because your breams are valid. That’s the one. We must live our dreams.
