South African Winemaker Ntsiki Biyela of Aslina Wines was welcomed back to the Ocean State for a series of tasting events in May hosted by Sage Cellars. Biyela, who has innovated in the industry as South Africa’s first black woman winemaker, also celebrated her 40th birthday with a variety of accounts and with Anne Sage and Jesse Sgro, Owners of Sage Cellars, who distribute the wine in Rhode Island. Aslina Wines, named for Biyela’s grandmother, are available in Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is located in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Sage Cellars also hosted wine importer Jean-Philippe Bourgeois, who educated local consumers via tastings on selections of French and Spanish handcrafted, sustainably farmed and certified organic wines.
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- Biyela at Bin 312 tasting in Providence. She has been named one of Food & Wine magazine’s “15 Women in Wine to Watch.”
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- Biyela with Sage Cellars Sales Associate Andrew Doolan at Bottles in Providence.
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- Biyela and Sage Cellars Co-owner Jesse Sgro at Matunuck Oyster Bar.
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- Biyela with Grapes & Grains General Manager Marc Berry, whom Biyela adorned with her scarf.
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- Jean-Philippe Bourgeois with a customer at The Savory Grape in East Greenwich.
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- The Savory Grape Manager Tulay Lawton with Jean-Philippe Bourgeois.
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- Bourgeois educated guests on selections including Elicio, Cascavel, Domaine Elisa Gueneau, Mas Des Etoiles and Domaine de Châteaumar.
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- Customers, The Savory Grape Operations & Craft Brew Club Director Sam Disegna and Jean-Philippe Bourgeois.
