Thandi Wine Estate was South Africa’s first agricultural Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) project. Established in Elgin in 1995, in 2003, Thandi Wines became the first wine brand in the world to receive Fairtrade accreditation. It is supported and mentored by successful fruit and wine producers, including the company of wine people, as well as neighbour Paul Cluver, and is now studied as a project by international operatives.
Thandi Wines (Pty) Ltd were able to become a stand-alone wine company in October 2009, to proudly handle its own brand and business development. The company is owned by 250 farm-worker families, who hold 55% shares in the company and the Thandi community also holds farm land-ownership over three farms, ranging between 50% to 100% shareholding. Thandi Wines is a real success story of empowerment of disadvantaged farming communities. Profits and Fairtrade premiums are ploughed back into various upliftment initiatives, such as a crèche for farm worker’s children, tertiary education bursaries and basic adult education.
The wines range from sparkling to single and dual-variety blends; the Sauvignon/ Semillon blend stood out for its fruitiness as well as structure.
Enjoy the warm welcome and healthy hearty meals in the Thandi Farm Kitchen. In summer you can relax on the veranda, and in winter sit beside the log fire and sip one of their award-winning Thandi wines or perhaps some freshly squeezed Elgin apple juice. Your support is community support.
The Thandi cellar door and restaurant hours are as follows: Monday – Thursday: 07:30 to 17:00: Friday – Sunday: 07:30 to 16:30. Thandi is off the N2 to the left, shortly after Kromco and Paul Cluver farms. For more information, contact the Thandi office on +27 21 844 0041 or the Thandi farm kitchen on +27 21 844 0343.
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