Big Fat Wine

Many continued “thank you’s” to all of your suggestions and comments! We’ve added more celebrities to our page and will continue to add more as we find more!

Celebs sure know what to do when they want to enjoy life!  Below is another addition to our extensive listing of celebrities who own commercial wineries, wine brands or vineyards.

Makaziwe Mandela
Daughter of Nelson Mandela
House of Mandela
South Africa

The first three wines in the House of Mandela range were launched by Mandela’s eldest daughter Makaziwe, her daughter, Tukwini and Mandla Mandela, the new chief of the Mandela clan. When Makaziwe Mandela was first approached with the idea four years ago by her Norwegian friend, Camilla Bernal, her first instinct was to say no, especially since the Norwegian company was keen to put Mandela’s face on the label. Makaziwe made it clear that it just wasn’t done in Africa to put the face of one member of the family forward in that way. At the age of 92, Mandela will not be personally involved with the project, but he has given it his blessing.  This venture brings the rich cultural roots of the country into the wine industry, but also enriches the wine lifestyle by enveloping the historical roots of the South African people. 

Below is a very compelling writeup on The House of Mandela homepage;

The Relevance of Ancient Wisdom
Through our ancestors we too embrace and promote a spirit of human solidarity, cooperation, compassion, courage, and a sense of community; engaging in dialogue, not just in terms of confronting humanity’s problems today, but to a vision of a better future where we can be all we can be as friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and
citizens of the world.

In drawing the contours of our roots we are being loyal not just to our history but to whom we are, deep in our souls. Lineage is like the ocean that returns each time to the shore, it liberates and empowers us to trust fully the rhythm of life. Like a welcoming circle of friendship and sharing, it shelters us from the loneliness and isolation of life. It gives us a mooring, a center in our life as we crisscross the world.

To succeed in our current and future endeavors, we must take cognizance that we are treading the already trodden path. Our lineage is ancient and eternal, and weaves us into the great tapestry of spirit, which connects us to everything, and everyone everywhere.  Our ancestors showed us the way, and inspire us to live up to our highest ideals and for that we are grateful.

So today, in keeping with the changing times we are called to redefine our role and carry the ancient wisdom into everything we do, whether commercial or charitable. We are committed and passionate to create or be involved in projects with a soul.

The time has come for The House of Mandela to “Make Dreams Possible” and ensures that The House of Mandela transcends the past and preserves a place in the future.

We have chosen wine as a bridge into the future…

“From Mvezo on the banks of the mighty, magnificent, winding Mbashe river, through the beautiful rolling hills, pure grass, colourful thatched huts of Qunu, to the vibrant rich melting pot of Jozi, and finally resting in a magical place of wonderful flavours, iconic Mountains and surrounded by two mighty oceans The House of Mandela courageously walks with pride, knowing that our forefathers walk and celebrate with us and climb the mountains and cross rivers with us.

Ah! Madiba, Yem, Yem, Zondwa Zintshaba, we are here” Dr. Maki Mandela

(If you are a celebrity who owns a winery, wine brand or vineyard or you know of one that we missed, let us know and we will add you/them to the list)

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