Elethu farm has just completed its seventh harvest – a testament to sound foundations of this Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment initiative proudly under the wing of Bonnievale Wines. To boot, the Workers Empowerment Trust that owns the 60ha farm takes full control of operations at the end of May 2020.

This rise of one of South Africa’s first full-circle BBBEE wine projects represents a milestone for all involved: a black-owned farm; with black-owned and managed vineyards; black-managed winemaking and the coming of a black-owned wine label.

Elethu was established in 2007, with fertile river-fronting land donated for the initiative by the Langeberg Municipality. Its name means “ours”, in Xhosa.

Following careful preparation, 10ha of vineyards comprising predominantly Sauvignon Blanc, Nouvelle and Colombar were planted.

The plantings have since expanded to 16ha, with Cabernet Sauvignon already a strong feature. Its proven quality grape production was again demonstrated with the most recent harvest.
Key to the initiative has been the strong mentorship by vastly experienced grape producer members who have generational know-how of the region’s conditions, and the highly skilled winery staff of Bonnievale Wines.

Wine has been farmed in the Bonnievale Valley for over a century thanks to its inimitable suitability to produce outstanding quality of fruit. Here, a diversity of soils, micro-climates and aspects matched by passion underlies the character of every bottle bearing the name of Bonnievale.

While Elethu supplies fruit to Bonnievale Wines, the workers receive training in aspects from management to viticulture.

In addition to the advantages of ownership that have empowered the trust’s 30 beneficiaries, the enterprise has created indirect benefits for the families that are also sustained.

The change in operations at the end of this month sees the departure of the commercial farmer who has co-farmed with the trust’s farm manager. Now all employees will be paid by the trust.
Furthermore, the significant improvement in capacity of Elethu’s irrigation dam has improved drought-resilience and ensured an adequate supply of water for the future.

With its winemaking strength enhanced by the overseeing of the project by winemaker Edwin Mathambo, new projects have also come on-stream. The trust purchased several new oak barrels to mature Cabernet Sauvignon wine for release under its own label by the end of 2022.

It is also scheduled over the coming year to plant an additional eight hectares of vines, comprising 2.7ha of Cabernet Sauvignon; 2.7ha of Merlot; and, 2.7ha of Chardonnay; and, the SA Wine Industry Transformation Fund has approved funding for essential infrastructure upgrades.