Banele Vakele has long envisioned a brand celebrated globally for its exceptional wines. In 2021, that dream became reality with the launch of Tembela Wines.
Born in the Eastern Cape and raised in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, Banele Vakele’s winemaking journey was inspired by the land that shaped him.
He earned a scholarship to a top high school in Constantia, Cape Town, and quickly became known as the class clown, thanks to his playful grin and charm. When he had trouble concentrating in class, he frequently found himself gazing out the window at a large vineyard across the street. It was during those classroom daydreams that his interest in winemaking began to take shape.
In 2011, Banele enrolled at Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute, where he earned a degree in viticulture and oenology. Following his graduation, he was selected for the Cape Winemaker’s Guild Protégé Programme. During his three years on the programme, he interned at several notable vineyards, including Ernie Els Wines, Groot Constantia and Savage Wines, eventually becoming assistant winemaker at the latter under Duncan Savage. He also gained experience in biodynamic practices at Troon Vineyards in Oregon, and worked at Domaine Chevrot in Burgundy and Sunshine Creek in Australia’s Yarra Valley.
Tembela Wines, which is based at Savage Wines, is named after Banele’s late mom and is Xhosa for faith, hope and belief. “My mom supported me my whole life, and this is a way to keep her memory alive and thank her for her faith in me,” he says.
Banele gained valuable insights from Duncan’s approach to agroecological farming and minimal intervention winemaking and now works with vineyards farmed according to organic farming principles.
“I discovered my wine style through my experiences working with various winemakers and during my winemaking stints abroad,” he says. In America, he deepened his understanding of biodynamic farming, while in Australia, he adapted to modern technology and in France, he emersed himself in traditional Old World winemaking.
Banele started with Syrah and Verdelho but then decided to shake things up and focus on Chenin Blanc as the star white wine. The wine label pays tribute to the two things that are most important to him: his culture and passion for wine. The label design features women in traditional Xhosa clothing carrying wine barrels.
Production is limited with only 200 cases that are produced annually, and just over 100 bottles of each wine are destined for the UK.
The wines have been well received, and many consumers can relate to Banele’s story. “We all have mothers or a mother figure in our lives,” he says. “It’s something special to show them our love and gratitude. On the wine geek side, lots of people want the Verdelho back.”
Banele has achieved significant milestones since launching his brand, including creating a wine for the Tate Modern in London and taking part in the Earthshot Prize in Cape Town last year. He was also in WineLand’s 30 Under 30 list in 2021.
After completing a five-year deal with Duncan, Banele is now taking charge and running Tembela Wines on his own. “It’s a scary and exciting journey,” he says. Banele and Duncan’s paths haven’t separated completely. They’re starting their own brand, with plans for a 50:50 partnership involving a Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon. This arrangement will provide Banele with support to secure his own cellar and fruit supply, and allow him to grow Tembela Wines into his primary business.
The wine industry is not always as glamorous as it seems, Banele says. “One day, you’re making wine, the next you’re the maintenance guy. But in order to grow, you need to put in the hard work.”
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