When you think of South African wine regions, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and the Swartland spring to mind. But nestled in the heart of the Northern Cape, far from these traditional winemaking areas, a new player is making waves.
Founded by a group of ambitious young entrepreneurs, Tipsy Twenties Winery challenges conventions and proves that love, innovation and resilience can transcend geography. “Wine is often associated with well-known regions, but I saw an opportunity to break boundaries and redefine perceptions,” Tipsy Twenties Winery director and CEO Rethabile Kgatlhane says. “Kuruman may not have a winemaking legacy, but we’re here to show that great wine is not limited by location. It’s fuelled by love and craftsmanship.”
While Tipsy Twenties sources its grapes from a contractor vineyard in the Cape Winelands, the brand’s heart and soul remain deeply rooted in Kuruman. Establishing a winery in an area with no historical ties to viticulture has not been without its challenges. It’s also been a journey requiring learning, innovation and resilience. “Unlike traditional wine regions, there’s no established winemaking infrastructure here,” Rethabile says. “We’ve had to be resourceful, leaning on partnerships, ongoing education and creativity to bring our vision to life.”
Yet, this uncharted territory presents rare opportunities. The lack of preconceived notions about wine culture in Kuruman allows Tipsy Twenties to shape and define its own identity. “We’re creating something truly distinctive with a modern, youthful approach to wine that resonates with new generations of wine lovers.”
The name Tipsy Twenties encapsulates the essence of youth, ambition and adventure. “It’s about embracing experiences, pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible,” Rethabile shares. “Our brand isn’t just about wine, it’s about storytelling, connection and making wine accessible to everyone, not just connoisseurs. Plus, we, the directors, are Gen Zs in our early twenties and, well, too much wine gets you tipsy, so the name just made sense.”
Despite being an unconventional player in the industry, this wine business has been met with enthusiasm. “The local community has been curious and incredibly supportive,” Rethabile says. “People are excited to see a premium wine brand emerging from Kuruman. The broader South African wine industry has also responded positively and is intrigued by our fresh, bold approach to winemaking.”
Operating in a non-traditional wine region demands a creative approach to winemaking. “We collaborate with experienced winemakers and viticulturists to ensure quality, but we also experiment with techniques such as barrel ageing and distinct infusions,” he says. “For example, our Lavender Gin has been a hit. We’re constantly exploring new ways to make wine exciting and relevant to modern consumers.”
The Tipsy Twenties portfolio includes a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc and a line of signature gin infusions. To further diversify its offerings, the plan is to expand into red and sparkling wines.
Tipsy Twenties Winery has set itself ambitious goals for the next five years. “We aim to broaden our footprint across South Africa and beyond, and establish a strong presence in retail and hospitality,” Rethabile says. “We also want to create immersive wine tourism experiences.” A key milestone is opening a tasting room in Kuruman’s. “Right now, we only host annual tasting events. But having a dedicated space for year-round tastings will help cultivate a wine culture in our region and serve as an educational hub.”
Rethabile is also zealous about inspiring young, diverse winemakers to enter the industry. “The wine industry shouldn’t be intimidating or exclusive,” he says. “Through Tipsy Twenties, we hope to show aspiring entrepreneurs that there’s room for innovation and new voices.”
For those visiting Kuruman, a stop at Tipsy Twenties Winery promises an immersive experience. “Expect intimate tastings, unique food pairings and a deep dive into the craft behind our wines,” Rethabile says. If there’s one wine visitors must try, it’s their Sauvignon Blanc. “It perfectly encapsulates the fresh, vibrant spirit of Tipsy Twenties,” he says. “Great wine isn’t about where it comes from. It’s about the love behind it.”
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