Women in Wine Business

Posted by Cheryl on Sat November 20, 2021 in Food & Wine.

“I get most satisfaction from waking up and being an inspiration to many other young people who might think their background cannot be associated with success. My advice is don't be scared to start something different, don't wait to know how everything will take place for you to be convinced to start. Just begin and let other people see you doing it first, especially if it’s a little different.”

We love good stories at Three Tree Hill. 📚
🍷 And... we love good wine!

So, this one fits both perfectly.Ntsiki Biyela (the fabulous woman winemaker & owner of Aslina Wines) grew up in a rural village, Mahlabathini, KwaZulu Natal. After matriculating, she worked as a domestic worker & was then awarded a scholarship to study winemaking in Stellenbosch. Ntsiki went on to become the head winemaker at Stellekaya Wines, where she became the first black female winemaker in South Africa.

Eventually she teamed up with American wine importer, Mika Bulmash from Wines for the World, whose goal was to support emerging winemakers through partnerships with US winemakers. After a few label & name changes she settled for Aslina. This is the name of Ntsiki's grandmother, who was and still is her inspiration for life. Her grandmother's nickname was Umsasane, which refers to the 'umbrella tree' or 'flat-crowned Acacia' This is the inspiration for the name of her Bordeaux-style red blend. She also makes an outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon plus Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc.

🇿🇦 If you would like to taste her proudly South African outstanding wines, come & stay with us at Three Tree Hill.

Guest Reviews

Pure Rustic Beauty

If you really want to experience the beauty of the South African bush accompanied by every comfort, this is the place! Cheryl and her very welcoming staff are pros at making one feel special and cater to every need. But it truly is the unique wild landscape, full of blossoming aloes, that makes one not want to ever leave.There are clever "reveals"- when approaching the cottages, they look like... Read More

- Roberta-Jayne

Toronto, Canada
Perfectly Magical Faraway Cottage

Magnificent mountain setting, first class accommodation, superb meals, attention to detail in every aspect of the visitor experience. For the nature lover this is indeed the most stunning setting. Busy bird life, adjacent game reserve viewed from our Burchell's cottage verandah, delightful wild flowers and marvellous hiking trails.Unfortunately, the receptionist on duty accepted payment from our guests for a portion of the stay contrary to our explicitly written instructions... Read More

- Patovi

California, USA
Salute to the Survivors

For every tough story that makes the media headlines here or across the world, there is a good news one for South Africans, none more so from our heroes in the hospitality trade, who have experienced the most challenging times in living memory. A superstar among the gallant for their remarkable tenacity and courage are the Blackburns of Three Tree Hill Lodge, overlooking the shores of a vast Midlands... Read More

- Mick & Cheryl Goss

Midlands, South Africa
This is Africa...WOW.

This is Africa…WOW.. we totally loved this beautiful place , despite the somewhat challenging drive up to it. Melanie and her delightful staff were wonderful, amazing food, great drinks, very clean and comfortable. We stayed in a beautiful lodge with our own viewing deck with a stunning view over the hills. Incredibly peaceful, the history of Spionkop is all around. It is so worth the drive, we were sad... Read More

- Caroline

Devon, United Kingdom