Women in Wine, South African Women-Owned Enterprise, Expands with Exclusive Range at Shoprite

A pioneering South African wine company founded and run by women, has launched a new range of wines exclusively at Shoprite stores across the country.

Established in 2006 by a group of twenty women, the company’s mission is to empower women—especially farm workers and their families—by offering them a meaningful role in the wine industry.

“This partnership with Shoprite highlights the strength of Black women-owned businesses and the impact of collaboration in the retail sector,” said Beverly Farmer, co-founder and CEO of Women in Wine. “We’re incredibly thankful to Shoprite for supporting small enterprises like ours and helping us reach a broader audience.”

In December 2023, Women in Wine launched its Natural Sweet range, leveraging Shoprite’s extensive supply chain and retail footprint to connect with more consumers across South Africa.

The company offers a diverse lineup of six wine varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz, Pinotage Rosé, and Chardonnay Chenin Blanc.

“Our wines, featuring natural sweetness, offer a versatile and approachable drinking experience,” added Farmer. “Each label, designed in collaboration with Shoprite, reflects the character of the wine and honors the craftsmanship of our women producers.”

The grapes used by Women in Wine are sourced from vineyards in South Africa’s Western Cape, a region recognized globally for its ideal climate and soil conditions for grape cultivation. The company is committed to employing women from rural communities, ensuring fair wages and safe working environments. Through initiatives like the Farm Worker Women’s Trust, Women in Wine provides opportunities for female workers to upskill and advance within the wine industry.

Women are involved throughout the wine production process, from grape harvesting to grape pressing, fermentation, and aging before being bottled and packaged.

Through its partnership with major retailers like Shoprite, Women in Wine has grown its distribution network, reaching consumers across South Africa and expanding its exports to markets in the United States and Europe. The company’s efficient supply chain practices ensure timely delivery to retailers, making its wines widely accessible both domestically and internationally.