A Commemoration

Ses'fikile

"We Have Arrived"

Cape Town's African-inspired lifestyle winery,
crafting rare, grand-tasting blends since 2008.

Discover the Journey
The Story

From Gugulethu
to the World

Nondumiso Pikashe, a former high school teacher from Gugulethu, Cape Town, traded the classroom for the cellar after a speech by then-President Thabo Mbeki inspired her to venture into business. She connected with the Black Association of Wine and Spirits Industry (BAWSI) and began her winemaking journey.

In 2006, she formed a wine collective. When the winery was sold in 2008 and her partners returned to teaching, she remained standing — distributing wine from the boot of her car, earning a WSET Level 2 Award, and building Ses'fikile into an internationally recognized brand.

"Ses'fikile" is IsiXhosa for "We have arrived" — a name celebrating triumph over adversity, African excellence, and the arrival of South African wines on the global stage.

18+
Years in the making
100%
Women-owned & operated
95
Decanter points

"I am one of the black women pioneers in this industry. If Ses'fikile is not established enough for young black winemakers to stand on my shoulders, then we don't have anywhere to go. I'm not giving up."

— Nondumiso Pikashe, Founder
The Collection

Rare African-Inspired Blends

Chenin Blanc–Roussanne

White Blend

Aromatic with tropical flavours, fruity with a balanced acidity. Pairs beautifully with light meals, salads, and white meats.

95 Decanter Points

Shiraz–Cinsault

Red Blend

Rich and inviting, pairs with traditional South African dishes such as samp and tripe. A true taste of heritage.

London Wine Competition

Matriarch Pinotage

Premium Red

The flagship offering under the Matriarch label. Bold, complex, and distinctly South African.

Premium Label

Chenin Blanc Ancestrale

Sparkling

Hand-made sparkling wine bursting with freshness and stone fruit flavours. Celebration in every sip.

Hand-Crafted
Recognition

Awards & Accolades

95
Decanter Chenin Blanc/Roussanne Blend
★
London Wine Competition Silver & Bronze Medals
★
Boot Awards 2019 Double Gold — White & Red
★
Women's Wine & Spirits Awards Trophy Winner
★
First Rain Competition Finalist — Amsterdam
★
Proudly South African 2025 Local Wine Expo Showcase
Journal

From the Blog

Featured

From Grants to Grapes: How South Africa's Youth Are Using SASSA Support to Break Into Wine

Exploring how young South Africans leverage government support systems as a stepping stone into the wine industry — and the programmes making it possible.

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