I am reposting this article on Ntsiki because I see she is coming to town this weekend. Here is a link for an event at Pierre Loti that I saw on Local Wine Events. Ntiski is really inspiring and if you can, this is a great way to taste her wines. I met Ntsiki Biyela,... Continue Reading →
New World/Old World Wines: South Africa & Madiba On My Mind
Like much of the world, I have been watching hours of programs about Nelson Mandela's life and his example. He is so inspiring that one can only try to be joyous and cheerful when thinking about his spirit despite the fact that he has left our earthly domain. As this is a wine blog, of... Continue Reading →
Women In Wine Fridays: Stellekaya’s Ntsiki Biyela
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 Fridays: Stellekaya’s Nitsiki Biyela Discusses Her Time In Italy at Petra
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 →
South African Chenin Blanc From Joostenberg- A Summer Treat
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 →
Where To Get A Great South African Meal In New York: A Few Gems
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 →
South African Wine Week – M’hudi and Seven Sisters Wineries
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 →
Women in Wine: A Chat With Stellekaya’s Ntsiki Biyela
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 →