BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Praisy Dlamini, General Manager and Winemaker of HER Wines is making waves in the wine industry with her teams’ exceptional skills and dedication to their craft. An accomplished winemaker known for her expertise in producing exquisite wines, she’s on a mission to bring diversity and excellence to the world of wine and tell her story as well as those who inspired her.
I’m from the small town of Empangeni, in northern KwaZulu Natal. At age 16 years, in 2005, I travelled to Stellenbosch to study winemaking. After graduating in 2008 I received internship with the Cape winemaker’s Guild that laid an amazing foundation for my winemaking journey working for a cooperate company. It exposed me to endless opportunities within the wine industry. And paved a way for where I am right now.
My journey into winemaking was started by the bursary I received in Grade 12 from the Department of Agriculture. I was required to study any profession within the field of agriculture. When I was introduced to wine I fell in love with the marriage between science and art, even though I didn’t know much about it.
Starting the HER wine collection brand with my team was my greatest highlight, it comes second to birthing my two sons.
I am part of a group of trailblazers, growing a business in unchartered territory. We’re passionate about investing in more young women who will be pioneers in their own fields while they inspire others to reach higher and wider.
I can boldly say that we are not fronting for anyone. I manage every aspect of my business and I have a board of directors that I report to with an independent chairperson, who also happens to be black female. We hold ourselves to the values that we believe in as a company – to be authentic, courageous, not to fear collaborations and partnerships and have integrity.
My daily routine includes managing the administration and operations of the business, wine making related duties. I oversee the viticultural unit that includes planting, growing, and managing vineyards, as well as wine marketing and sales management. I have outsourced production, logistics and finance.
At HER wine we use the wine as a platform to tell the journey that we, as women of this amazing country, have travelled to be where we are and project gratitude to those that opened doors and mentored us along the way. We want to also celebrate the achievements of women who occupy business spaces and at the same time inspire the next generation to continue taking charges and aspire to occupying the spaces the see themselves in. As women we should never stop being bold, courageous and strive for freedom.
The target consumer for HER wine is anyone who can relate to our story no matter their gender or race. We are vocal and direct about what we stand for. The wine is available nationally at Woolworths and local Tops spar shops as well as Makro. Also, in selected restaurants.
I unwind by enjoying a glass of HER wine, either with my partner or friends while we cook amazing dinners or lunches. I often take time off on Saturday mornings to be alone and reflect before joining my family for our weekends.
I love reading books, they open my mind. I take afternoon strolls with my kids. Work allows me to travel and I have had the opportunity to explore different cities and also have a chance to connect with different people I meet on my travels. Locally Mpumalanga is my favourite destination. I am fascinated by the people and the landscapes. For overseas travels, I love Canada.
I believe that in whatever you do, don’t ever leave yourself behind.
We chose the name to represent our sisters, mothers, daughters, and grandmothers that strive to make the world a better place and retire to an intricate, modestly priced, bottle of HER wine with family and friends. We pride ourselves on sourcing the best grapes from local vineyards as it gives us control over the complexity and depth in flavour in each collection, satisfying the avid local wine buyer.
