Women in Wine: Meet Founder of HER Wine Collection, Praisy Dlamini

Drawing from her background in agriculture and her passion for winemaking, Praisy highlights the importance of teamwork and diversity in shaping HER Wine's identity.

With a commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and community, the all-female, all-black team is not just crafting exceptional wines but also fostering connections and opportunities for the next generation through initiatives like the Students for Change bursary fund. Here, we explore HER Wine's mission to inspire and uplift women in winemaking, creating a vibrant legacy that reflects the cultural richness of the Cape Winelands.

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Glamour: What inspired you to found HER wine collection and how did your collective experience in the wine industry shape the vision for the brand?

Praisy: I was fortunate to receive a bursary to pursue a career in Agriculture. My interest in winemaking was sparked when I observed university students in the cellar crafting wine, and I was captivated. I believe that teamwork and discipline are essential for building a supportive network. That's why we founded HER Wine Collection: to leverage our collective skills and share our stories with the world. We also aim to inspire the next generation

Glamour: You lead an all-female, all-black team. How has this unique composition influenced the brand's identity and approach to winemaking?

Praisy: The wine industry has become much more welcoming and supportive of women’s roles since I first entered in 2005. There’s now a greater recognition of the importance of diversity in fostering growth and creating an inclusive environment for everyone who wants to be involved. Our approach to our winemaking style has been the one to portray the true character of each wine varietal we produce as well as simplicity with finesse and elegance.

Glamour: Could you elaborate on the significance of HER Wine Collection as a symbol of empowerment for women in the wine industry, particularly in South Africa?

Praisy: It symbolizes the increasing visibility and acknowledgement of women in the male-dominated wine industry. A rising number of South African brands are now owned or co-owned by women, challenging traditional patriarchal norms. Our collection advocates for equal opportunities and recognition for women in winemaking, viticulture, and leadership roles. Additionally, HER Wine Collection promotes a balanced lifestyle, supporting women who are stepping into leadership positions.

Glamour: How does your offering foster community and connections within the South African wine industry, and what initiatives do you have in place to support this mission?

Praisy: The brand embraces the collaborative spirit that defines our beautiful country and its heritage. HER Wine Collection celebrates teamwork among people from all walks of life who share similar goals and visions. We achieve this by partnering with experienced women in and outside the wine industry through organized tastings and events while also engaging the younger generation. Our bursary foundation ensures the sustainability of this business by investing in the youth.

Glamour: Students for Change is an intriguing aspect of HER Wine's ethos. Can you share more about how this initiative empowers and engages young individuals within the wine community?

Praisy: The brand thrives within a community of young people. To pave the way for future generations, the company established a bursary fund in 2023, offering mentorship to motivated and inspired youth. Two percent of the profits from our branded wines are directed into this fund to support tertiary education for young people from the Wellington and Paarl communities in the Cape Winelands, Western Cape.

Glamour: As a South African wine brand, how does HER Wine embrace and reflect the cultural diversity and vibrancy of the Cape wine-producing region?

Praisy: HER Wine Collection takes pride in creating platforms for collaboration and strategic partnerships with local women entrepreneurs, advocates, and farmers. The brand offers authentic experiences that reflect its mission and support the diverse and dynamic team behind it. This is also evident in the wine labels, featuring bold colors and an X symbol, representing infinite possibilities.

Glamour: What challenges have you faced as an all-female, all-black business in the wine industry, and how have you overcome them?

Praisy: Entering a new environment requires resilience and a strong belief in one’s vision. We encountered the typical challenges faced by new businesses, such as market competition, distribution issues, production costs, and managing human resources for sustainable growth.

A continual reassessment of our business and its market position has been crucial to our success. Most importantly, we established a strong brand identity early on. By staying vigilant and maintaining our commitment to product quality, we have significantly bolstered our foundation.

Glamour: Could you highlight some of the key values and principles that guide HER Wine's winemaking process and business operations?

Praisy: Authenticity is one of our core values, along with respect for our business, stakeholders, and, most importantly, our customers. We adhere to a simple principle and winemaking philosophy focused on crafting exceptional wines that highlight the unique terroir of the Cape Winelands. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our eco-friendly farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking approach.

Glamour: How do you see HER Wine evolving in the future, both in terms of product offerings and its impact on the wine industry?

Praisy: To inspire the next generation, we must embody perseverance and passion. This mindset encourages me to remain committed to my goals, even when faced with challenges, and to tackle every endeavor with enthusiasm and determination. It's essential to stay actively involved in community initiatives, expand our bursary foundation, and connect with customers on a deeper level. By sharing our brand’s unique story, winemaking process, and the distinct characteristics of our grapes, we can engage our audience more effectively. Additionally, creating diverse wine varietals to cater for evolving customer preference, leveraging our digital presence and providing memorable experiences will strengthen engagement and foster brand loyalty.

Glamour: What message or advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to break into the wine industry or any male-dominated field?

Praisy: Staying resilient has been one of the most important lessons I've learned in overcoming obstacles and remaining persistent in pursuing my goals. The winemaking industry presents its own challenges, including various pressures and biases. I continuously strive to educate myself to adapt to changing times. While advocating for myself, I've learned to balance passion with practicality, particularly when it comes to business acumen and financial management for sustainability. I would encourage her to follow her passion, as the wine industry is diverse. It's essential to seek education and training to build a solid foundation of knowledge. Attending wine tastings and joining wine clubs can enhance understanding of wine-related terminology. Finding mentorship and dedicating herself to her craft will also be crucial. Lastly, it is okay to have a family and be an entrepreneur. You just need to find balance and amazing support structure.