Lunch With Tseliso Rangaka Of M’hudi

This exciting new-comer to the Cape Wine Industry recently made its
debut with a range of wines aimed at reflecting a truly South African character.

It was on one of those gentle autumn days in the Stellenbosch Winelands that I set out to meet the winemaker of the recently launched M’hudi range. Having done my homework, I already knew that the name, ‘M’hudi’, is derived from the Setswana word, ‘mohudi’, meaning ‘harvester’. Now I was looking forward to discovering the story behind the intriguing name. The Guinea Fowl Restaurant at Saxenburg was the setting for our sojourn, and a more beautiful and welcoming setting one couldn’t have hoped for.

What is immediately evident on meeting Tseliso, is this young winemaker’s infectious enthusiasm for what he describes as “a family venture”. He then explains that it is thanks to his father’s love for wine that the Rangaka family purchased the small, 43-hectare farm in the Koelenhof area in 1993. “At the time Dad was Campus Principal at Vista University and Mom working as a clinical psychologist,” says Tseliso, who himself was then a copywriter at one of the country’s major advertising agencies in Johannesburg. “But we all agreed to give it a try.”

Over starters and a glass of the irresistibly fruity 2005 Saxenburg Private Collection Sauvignon Blanc, Tseliso humorously expands on the “teething problems” experienced. “I knew nothing about farming or winemaking and wasn’t even a wine drinker. Yet on joining in February 2003, I had to go straight into harvest.” Reading up all he could about winemaking on the Internet didn’t help much, but luckily, help was only a boundary fence away. Tseliso got to know his neighbours, most notably the Grier family of Villiera, with whom he has since formed a partnership.

Tucking into the main course, chef Leo Romer’s magnificent “Fresh Catch of the Day” for me, and the scrumptious looking flash-fried springbok liver for Tseliso, I ask him about the origin of his brand name. Taking a sip of the smooth and fruity 2004 M’hudi Pinotage that accompanied this course, he says: “Yes, ‘M’hudi’ does mean ‘harverster’, but there’s also a more inspiring background”. Then he goes on to explain that M’hudi is the name given to the heroine of a great African story. In the story, M’hudi flees her war-ravaged village in search of a new beginning. Along the way, she traverses unfamiliar, sometimes dangerous territory, meeting similarly unknown people. However, among these, she eventually finds friends and fosters life-long relationships. 

Driving home, a lingering sunset accentuated the rusty coloured vines. And in my mind, two clearly defined impressions lingered. Firstly, the Rangaka family’s courageous move from Mafeking to make new friends and harvest their dreams in the Cape Winelands. And secondly, on how much richer and more diversified the South African wine industry would be, should more black entrepreneurs venture into this, the wonderful world of wine.

TSELISO IN A NUTSHELL

Favourite wine?
There are so many great wines out there with such different qualities that to elect a favourite would be to disadvantage myself.

Most memorable moment?
This has to be my first full day on our farm. Just having arrived from Johannesburg the day before, it was quite a change in pace, not to mention life direction. And then our first media launch. I couldn’t believe it was happening, it felt like we had finally made it. Of course I was wrong, that was only the first step.

Worst moment?
I can safely say I’m going through that right now. Sales are painfully slow, market penetration is moving an inch at a time and it seems as if there’s nothing in the world one can do about it. Except drink some of the stuff yourself.

Favourite pastimes/hobbies?
Collecting, making and listening to music.