The range will be available exclusively at Shoprite and Shoprite LiquorShops nationwide. Beverly Farmer, co-founder and CEO of Women in Wine, says the partnership with Shoprite accomplishes much more than just making their wine more accessible.

“It’s about the diversity, innovation and strength of businesses owned by black women.”

The 20 women who started Women in Wine come from diverse backgrounds in viticulture. The enterprise is focused on opening doors for women in the wine industry, including vineyard workers and their families.

The women also established the Farm Worker Women’s Trust, a collaborative effort with strategic partners to identify opportunities for job training. Approximately 200 female vineyard workers currently benefit from the trust.

One of them is Ursula Vriesenhof, who started as a picker before being promoted to the cellar and later taking on an administrative role.

She says the progress in her career is thanks to the exposure and training she received through the trust. “Now I have come full circle – I’m back in the vineyard, but this time as a supervisor.”

Last December, Shoprite agreed to sell Women in Wine’s “natural sweet” range, consisting of a red, a white and a rosé. Farmer says they are fresh and fruity everyday wines.

“Every bottle tells a story. Our labels, designed in collaboration with Shoprite, honour the wine’s character and craftsmanship and celebrate the invaluable contribution of women producers.”