Thokozani Wines

Raising a glass to the future

Nestled in the scenic valleys of Wellington on the Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate, Thokozani Wines stands tall as a symbol of empowerment, excellence, and inclusive enterprise. Since its founding in 2005, this trailblasing company has embodied the spirit of resilience, innovation, and community upliftment—demonstrating the incredible potential of agriculture and tourism when fuelled by purpose and collaboration.

At the helm is Denise Stubbs, Managing Director of Thokozani Wines. Her journey from the humble town of Pniel to leading one of the Western Cape’s most inspiring wine enterprises is both remarkable and deeply motivating. Raised by parents with strong agricultural roots, Denise developed a passion for the land early in life. Her introduction to winemaking came through David and Susan Sonnenberg, whose mentorship ignited the spark that would shape her future.

Thokozani’s story began with a simple, powerful question from David Sonnenberg:

“Denise, we don’t really have a plan, but how can we change the lives of our Diemersfontein community?”

That moment sparked the creation of a vision grounded in empowerment. Thokozani was born as a vehicle for transformation—an enterprise designed to uplift previously disadvantaged individuals through meaningful ownership and involvement in both agriculture and tourism. Today, the company is co-owned by 65 shareholders, including employees, management, and farm workers—proof that shared dreams, when backed by trust and opportunity, can become reality.

Thokozani’s success has been significantly strengthened through its partnership with Casidra, whose support in operational capacity, infrastructure, and sustainable farming has enabled the company to scale while maintaining its commitment to community development. This partnership illustrates the power of collaboration in driving rural and agricultural transformation across the Western Cape.

Under Stubbs’ leadership, Thokozani Wines has reached several groundbreaking milestones. One of its most notable achievements is becoming the first business empowerment entity in agriculture and tourism to sign an inclusivity agreement with Woolworths National. This landmark deal wasn’t secured based on race or background—but on the quality and consistency of Thokozani’s wines, crafted by a passionate, diverse team united by excellence and shared purpose.

“You cannot have the perfect experience of our wines without the people who take care of you,” says Denise. “Our people take care of our clients—and I can say that with confidence.”

This people-first philosophy permeates every part of Thokozani’s operations, from vine to table, reinforcing the company’s belief that great wine starts with great people.

As Denise reflects on Thokozani’s journey, she credits the enduring support of David and Susan Sonnenberg for believing in her potential and championing the vision.

“It wasn’t easy, but it was possible. If you believe in your product and your people, you will succeed. The tenacity to move forward and believe in yourself means you’ve already won.”

Her message to young women in agriculture and tourism is clear and empowering:

“This is still a male-dominated industry. People will doubt you—especially if you are a woman. But take every day as it comes. Plan ahead. Know where you want to go. Believe in yourself, believe in your product, and it will work.”

Today, Thokozani Wines continues to grow as a beacon of hope, empowerment, and transformation. With its strong foundation, inclusive leadership, and continued support from Casidra, it proves that with passion, perseverance, and collaboration, small beginnings can lead to great things.

In every bottle of Thokozani wine is a story of strength, opportunity, and a future crafted by many hands—each one committed to making a difference.