A wine blog by Susannah Gold
Today's post is about Ntsiki Biyela from Aslina Wines. I met Ntsiki in 2010 when she was the winemaker for South African winery Stellekaya. We did a couple of events together in New York that year and I was impressed with her personally and professionally, her strength and courage and her fun loving manner in... Continue Reading →
This is a photo of my friend, Ntsiki Biyela from Stellekaya. I met her six years ago this month. I think it was on January 18. I had written a long article for the magazine Gourmet Retailer on South African wines and they found me through that piece. I organized a few press events for... Continue Reading →
At a tasting in New York in April, I was introduced to the owner of the Chateau d'Arsac and their vast selection of wines, including those from the Winemakers' Collection. Chateau d'Arsac is one of the oldest estates in the Medoc. The estate went through a series of trials and tribulations in the past centuries... Continue Reading →
Rumor has it or Skype at least that my friend and favorite South African winemaker is in town (NYC) this weekend - Ntsiki Biyela. I haven't seen Ntsiki in a few years but have spoken with her after her stay in Italy working at Petra. I'm curious to hear how her winemaking has been influenced... Continue Reading →
Women in Wine Friday's is back and this week's focus is on Ntsiki Biyela, one of my favorite wine makers, a gem of a lady from South African winery Stellekaya. I have written extensively about Ntsiki in the past but today wanted to highlight what she though of working in the Maremma area of Tuscany... Continue Reading →
Today is Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday. I remember the day he was released from prison perfectly. I remember how happy I was to think he was free. Thinking of all he has done in the ensuing years, since that day, is truly beyond inspiring. Would that the world had more people like Mandela. South Africa... Continue Reading →
Let me start by saying Chenin blanc is my favorite international white wine grape. It is versatile yet recognizable, fruity but also filled with minerality and I think the sexiest white grape around. Of course there are many indigenous white grape varieties that I admire from Viognier to Vermentino but Chenin blanc, grown in many... Continue Reading →
On Sunday night I had the pleasure of attending a wine dinner at Sojourn on East 79th Street. Stellekaya wines were paired with some South African delicacies which were new to me. Among the delicious dishes were this oxtail, biltong with Peri Peri, brochettes with Piccalli sauce and the best prawns I have ever eaten... Continue Reading →
Wines of South Africa is holding a big tasting on May 11, its first in New York City. I am very excited and have become quite enthusiastic about South African wines thanks to an introduction to the wines last summer at the Society of Wine Educators conference in Sacramento. This past January, I was lucky... Continue Reading →
I met Ntsiki Biyela, a 30 something South African winemaker who was born and raised in Kwa-Zulu Natal, about a month ago during her visit to promote Stellekaya's wines in the United States. Ntsiki is one of only two or three black female winemakers in South Africa but that isn't the only reason that she's... Continue Reading →
