A wine brand rooted in heritage, culture, and lived experiences, Nanola Wines embodies feminine strength to a ‘t’.
In South Africa’s ever-evolving wine industry, Nanola Wines is doing more than producing exceptional bottles. Founded by Slindile Zuma and Stha Sibanda, the female-owned wine brand focuses on using its strong foundation to bring approachable yet premium-style wines to the table – bringing people together and helping them tell their stories.
For the duo, Nanola isn’t simply a wine label. It’s a reflection of identity, heritage and purpose. It helps create space for people from all walks of life to gather around a shared experience.
A name with meaning
The name Nanola carries a deeply personal meaning: representing feminine strength. But as the brand has grown, so too has its significance.
Nanola is a brand rooted in identity, family, and culture,” says Slindile, “but it has evolved into a community shaped by its customers – our friends of the brand.”
This sense of community has revealed itself in remarkable ways. One memorable moment saw a woman reconnect with the former nurse who had helped her deliver her son more than 20 years ago! The chance reunion happened at a Nanola tasting, where the pair shared a glass of wine, rekindling a friendship that had stood for decades.
For the founders, moments like these perfectly capture what their wine brand represents – more than a wine brand, Nanola is a meeting place where stories are shared, memories are revived, and meaningful relationships are formed (or, in this case, brought back to light).
Building their vision together
While wine might be central in her life and career now, Slindile’s journey into the industry is far from any conventional story.
After studying at the University of Cape Town, she found herself drawn to the Cape Winelands as more of a keen observer than an avid connoisseur. During these visits, Slindile noticed something that would ignite her spark and ultimately shape the future of Nanola: there was very little representation that reflected her own identity and experiences.
Rather than accepting that reality, she decided to change it. Slindile’s light bulb moment pushed her to pursue formal training in wine and winemaking, with the intention of creating a business that would contribute to a more inclusive industry.
Around the same time, Stha was developing her own passion for wine through her work in the hospitality industry. Working in restaurants introduced her to the intricate relationship between food and wine – with guests regularly relying on her recommendations to complete their dining experiences. That curiosity eventually led her to become a sommelier, where a professional requirement quickly evolved into a genuine passion.
Over time, what began as a professional requirement grew into a genuine passion. The more I learned about wine, the more I became inspired by the stories, craftmenship and culture behind every bottle,” explains Stha.
When the two women joined forces, Slindile’s vision found the perfect complement in Stha’s expertise. Together, they transformed an idea into a growing South African wine brand.
Proudly rooted in heritage
While many brands are constantly looking for ways to stand out, Nanola’s strong cultural foundation was never designed as a marketing strategy.
Incorporating Zulue heritage wasn’t a strategic add-on,” says Slindile, “it was a non-negotiable. It’s what gives Nanola its authenticity, its voice, and its point of view. In a market saturated with brands that often feel interchangeable, Nanola is intentionally rooted — grounded in culture, driven by meaning, and unapologetically original.”
The brand reflects the founders’ commitment to authenticity and belonging. Rather than following trends or creating a generic luxury image, Nanola embraces its roots unapologetically. In a competitive market where many wine brands can feel interchangeable, Nanola’s strong sense of identity has become one of the brand’s greatest strengths.
Overcoming barriers
Launching a new wine label and keeping it afloat is never without challenges. Slindile and Stha quickly discovered that breaking into the industry required determination. One of the biggest hurdles was earning credibility with established wine farms.
The biggest challenge at inception was being taken seriously by the wine farms we aimed to partner with,” recalls Slindile. “However, once we began engaging at a technical level, we were able to establish credibility.”
Like many small businesses, funding presented another challenge, with the business being built through personal savings rather than outside investment. For Stha, another ongoing obstacle has been securing shelf space with major retailers. While progress has been made, expanding retail presence remains an important goal as the brand continues to grow.
Nanola wines: Approachable without compromising quality
When asked to describe Nanola in just three words, the founders chose quality, approachable, and affordable. This three-word philosophy extends beyond the wines themselves.
Sustainability also plays an important role in the brand’s long-term vision. The founders recognise that exceptional wine begins in the soil, and that responsible farming practices are essential to preserving both quality and consistency for future generations. At the same time, paying close attention to changing consumer preferences.
Today’s wine drinkers increasingly value authenticity, meaningful storytelling and premium products that remain accessible. Nanola has intentionally positioned itself within that space by creating well-balanced wines that appeal to both experienced wine lovers and newcomers alike.
For anyone discovering Nanola for the first time, Slindile recommends starting with their Stylus Red Blend. As the first wine released under the Nanola label, it symbolises the beginning of the brand’s journey and legacy.
Crafted with smooth tannins and layered complexity, it’s approachable enough for those new to wine, while offering enough character to satisfy seasoned enthusiasts.
Celebrating meaningful milestones
Since their launch, Nanola has celebrated several exciting achievements.
The brand debuted at the Proudly South African Wine Expo before being featured on eNCA’s Lifestyle segment and in Moneyweb. Their wines have also secured listings at respected establishments including Whiskey Brothers, Casalinga Restaurant and Yolly’s Wine Bar.
On top of all these milestones, their Stylus Red Blend received a Gold Award in 2025 for delivering exceptional value at its price point.
Beyond the vino, Nanola’s founders have remained committed to making a difference and giving back through their support of the Womandla Foundation, which sponsors learners pursuing careers in STEM fields – a cause closely aligned with Slindile’s own background as a systems developer.
Looking to the future
While Nanola continues to grow, the founders are committed to doing so thoughtfully. Customer feedback remains central to their direction, influencing everything from future releases to product development.
One exciting addition is the launch of their very own MCC Crown Nectar – created as a response to requests from customers eager to see the brand expand its sparkling wine offering.
Looking further ahead, Nanola’s ambitions stretch beyond South Africa’s borders, with plans to expand across the African continent and into international markets.
For Slindile and Stha, however, success isn’t measured only by growth. It’s measured by the community they continue to build around every bottle. Because at Nanola, every glass is an invitation to connect, celebrate and create stories worth sharing.
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