House of Mandela wine launches in the US

The family of Nelson Mandela has expanded its range of House of Mandela wines into the US market, launching at the 2013 South Beach Wine and Food Festival.

The House of Mandela offers two tiers of wine, with prices ranging from US$12 for its Thembu collection to $50 for its Royal Reserve.

Tukwini Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter, told the Huffington Post: “The wine movement is growing. More people are experimenting with wine beyond spirit drinks. And there’s a large segment of the black community which is interested in wine now.”

The Thembu Collection features a Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and a Pinotage plus white wines of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. In the Royal Reserve the House of Mandela has produced a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Shiraz, there is also a sparkling wine available.

House of Mandela also said it will donate a portion of its proceeds to charitable groups working on a range of socio-economic issues in South Africa.

Makaziwe Mandela, the former leader’s daughter said: “It’s a reflection that South Africa is maturing in terms of its wine product.

“There is a lot of synergy between wine and our family. But when you look at how the vine grows, the vine doesn’t grow in a straight line. It twists and turns, representing the twists and turns of life. Life is not a straight line. What we are proud of is that out of adversity we helped create a wonderful experience.”