Cheers! Mandela gets his own wines

FOR decades, Nelson Mandela's name has been synonymous with political reform and the struggle against South African apartheid.

Now with the launch of House of Mandela Wines, his daughter and granddaughter hope to add fine wine to the list of associations.

It's a sign of just how far both the wine industry and the country have come since 1994, when apartheid was dismantled and Mandela was elected the nation's first black president.

"The wine movement is growing," said Tukwini Mandela, his granddaughter. "More and more people are experimenting with wine beyond spirit drinks. And there's a large segment of the black community which is interested in wine now."

The family launched their blends of red and white grapes this week during the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami, Florida. Prices range from about US$12 to US$50 for their royal reserve collection.

The screw-capped bottles have an image of a bee, the company's logo that symbolizes compassion, sharing, humanity and "one who is brave enough to challenge the status quo."

"We are praising our ancestors," said Tukwini Mandela. "We are telling the story of our family and who we come from with these wines so it's only natural that we'd use the name Mandela."

Unique to South Africa, House of Mandela also features a pinotage that is a Mandela family favorite.

"It's a reflection that South Africa is maturing in terms of its wine product," said Makaziwe Mandela, his daughter.

House of Mandela Wines will donate a portion of its proceeds to charitable groups in South Africa.

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