Banele Vakele
Banele Vakele is an emerging South African winemaker and assistant winemaker at Savage Wines in Salt River. His small-scale label, Tembela Wines, is named in honour of his late mother and embraces an ethos of minimal-intervention winemaking rooted in faith, hope and conviction.
Banele Vakele
Banele Vakele is an emerging South African winemaker and assistant winemaker at Savage Wines in Salt River. His small-scale label, Tembela Wines, is named in honour of his late mother and embraces an ethos of minimal-intervention winemaking rooted in faith, hope and conviction.
Educational Background and Early Career
Born in the Eastern Cape and raised in Khayelitsha, Cape Town's largest township, Banele's interest in winemaking was sparked during his high school years in Constantia, a renowned wine-producing region. This exposure led him to obtain a B.Agric. degree in Oenology and Viticulture from Elsenburg Agricultural College, which he completed in 2015. After his studies, Banele joined the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé programme and gained valuable experience through internships at esteemed wineries such as Ernie Els Wines, Groot Constantia and Savage Wines. His international experience includes harvests in Oregon (USA), Burgundy (France) and the Yarra Valley (Australia), further enriching his winemaking perspective.
Professional Experience
Born in the Eastern Cape and raised in Khayelitsha, Cape Town's largest township, Banele's interest in winemaking was sparked during his high school years in Constantia, a renowned wine-producing region. This exposure led him to obtain a B.Agric. degree in Oenology and Viticulture from Elsenburg Agricultural College, which he completed in 2015. After his studies, Banele joined the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé programme and gained valuable experience through internships at esteemed wineries such as Ernie Els Wines, Groot Constantia and Savage Wines. His international experience includes harvests in Oregon (USA), Burgundy (France) and the Yarra Valley (Australia), further enriching his winemaking perspective.In 2020, Banele founded Tembela Wines, named in honour of his late mother, Tembela, whose name translates to "faith", "hope", and "belief" in isiXhosa. The label design features two women carrying oak barrels on their heads, symbolising the blend of his cultural roots and passion for winemaking.
Philosophy and Approach
Banele embraces minimal intervention and organic farming, producing wines with cultural depth and emotional meaning. Tembela Wines is a celebration of family, tradition and craftsmanship.
Career Highlights and Recognition
- Limited production (~200 cases) with high demand in the UK
- Tembela Wines honours its late mother; label art features Xhosa heritage
- Commissioned by Tate Modern for wine representing African art
- Critical praise from Neal Martin and Tim Atkin MW
Notable Wines and Recognition
Chenin Blanc 2023: - Textured, mineral and stylish – praised for beeswax, orange notes Syrah range: - 2023: Northern Rhône style, floral, elegant – 93 points Neal Martin - 2022: Earthy, tea leaf, game mating Syrah - 2021: Provençal herbs, medium-bodied – 92 points Winemag SAAwards and Recognition
- Neal Martin (Wine-like): Several high scores for Syrah vintages - Tim Atkin MW: Praised wine structure and finesse - Named by Swig as an outstanding South African producerContestant Summary
Banele's dedication and innovative approach have placed him among South Africa's emerging black winemakers, contributing to a more diverse and dynamic wine industry. His wines are recognized both locally and internationally, reflecting his commitment to quality and cultural storytelling through winemaking.
