In the ever-evolving landscape of South African winemaking, few names carry the quiet sophistication and cultural resonance of George & Manana Wines. Founded by George and Manana Mothupi, the brand is redefining modern luxury where craftsmanship, culture, and celebration converge in every pour.
Built on a philosophy of balance and elegance, George & Manana has transcended the traditional boundaries of wine appreciation. Its approach is not merely about creating exceptional vintages, it’s about curating experiences that reflect South Africa’s artistry and spirit of togetherness.
Now, as an official sponsor of the 3rd Annual National Film & TV Awards (NFTA), George & Manana Wines steps into the spotlight of entertainment and culture, extending its story from the vineyard to the red carpet.
In Conversation with Founder of George & Manana Wines, Manana Mothupi
1. Your brand story begins with two founders, George and Manana, who sought to create wines of balance and elegance. How does that founding philosophy continue to shape the business today?
The brand was created by George and Manana with a philosophy focused on the production of wines with balance and elegance. That founding philosophy continues to shape the business through our product development, branding, operations, and customer relationships.
It preserves the founders’ vision while ensuring consistency and authenticity creating a timeless identity that resonates with today’s discerning consumers.
2. In a competitive South African wine market, how do you define premium positioning for George & Manana Wines in terms of taste, design, and brand experience?
In South Africa, premium positioning demands an understanding of local culture and the pursuit of global excellence. For George & Manana, this balance is achieved through handcrafted quality, design minimalism, and an emotive brand experience.
We combine South African terroir with refined craftsmanship, minimalist packaging, and lifestyle storytelling. Together, these elements elevate our wines from products to experiences symbols of sophistication and authenticity that appeal to connoisseurs and aspirational consumers alike.
3. How do you see your role as a sponsor of the 3rd Annual NFTA extending beyond product placement into cultural partnership and storytelling?
Our partnership with the NFTA is more than sponsorship it’s a cultural alliance. Collaborating with a national institution like the NFTA allows us to be part of South Africa’s storytelling ecosystem.
This partnership enhances our credibility, expands our market reach, and provides visibility across new audiences. More importantly, it reinforces our belief that wine, like film, is an art form both rooted in creativity, performance, and connection.
4. Many luxury wine brands lean heavily on heritage. How does George & Manana balance its local roots with ambitions for global recognition?
George & Manana Wines embodies South African craftsmanship while pursuing international recognition. Rooted in the Western Cape’s fertile vineyards, our wines celebrate sustainability and authentic winemaking traditions.
Through our varietals from Chardonnay and Shiraz to Pinotage, we honor our terroir while positioning our brand alongside the world’s luxury labels. Participation in global events and refined storytelling ensure we remain authentic to our African origins, even as we appeal to global palates.
5. Celebration is central to your brand ethos. How are you leveraging innovation (events, packaging, limited releases) to enhance lifestyle appeal?
Celebration is woven into the DNA of George & Manana Wines. We reinforce this through immersive events, pop-up activations, and collaborations with cultural icons that fuse wine with experience.
Our gatherings transform consumption into participation, allowing guests to engage emotionally with the brand. Whether through limited releases or creative event design, we aim to turn every tasting into a moment of connection and joy, a lifestyle, not just a label.
6. Sustainability and conscious production are key in modern luxury wines. What initiatives are you pursuing to uphold these values?
For us, sustainability is a long-term pledge, not a passing trend. We believe in responsible viticulture, reducing carbon footprints, and preserving biodiversity.
Our production processes are guided by environmental ethics from sourcing to packaging. We strive to leave a legacy of conscious luxury: wines that not only express quality but also protect the land that makes that quality possible.
7. The entertainment industry demands memorable experiences. How do you tailor George & Manana’s offering for red-carpet events, VIP lounges, and talent gifting moments?
In entertainment, presentation is everything. For red-carpet and VIP activations, we curate bespoke experiences designed to captivate.
Our approach includes limited-edition packaging, elegant installations, and live tasting activations that align with the aesthetic of high-profile events. Each element is carefully designed to make George & Manana synonymous with refined celebration, the couture of indulgence, both in taste and visual artistry.
8. As a premium brand, how do you navigate the tension between exclusivity (luxury) and inclusivity (broad appeal) in South Africa’s evolving market?
We believe true luxury should inspire, not exclude. By collaborating with local designers, artists, and cultural voices, we maintain exclusivity while fostering inclusivity.
Our tiered approach offering both premium collections and accessible experiences ensures a broad emotional connection. Through storytelling, digital engagement, and community initiatives, we make luxury a shared experience that uplifts rather than alienates.
9. Can you share a recent campaign or activation that shows how George & Manana Wines is stepping into the world of entertainment and culture?
Recently, George & Manana Wines represented South Africa at Milano Wine Week and the TTG Expo in Italy, two prestigious international events that celebrate innovation and craftsmanship in wine.
Our participation was a milestone moment, showcasing our ability to stand proudly among the world’s best. It confirmed our belief that African brands have a place on the global luxury stage.
10. Looking ahead 3–5 years, what is your vision for George & Manana in terms of brand equity, market expansion, and being a fixture in the global luxury wine narrative?
Our vision is to build an enduring international luxury wine legacy. Over the next five years, we’ll focus on expanding selectively into key markets while deepening our storytelling through art, design, and digital experiences.
We aim to make George & Manana Wines a symbol of timeless elegance, synonymous with South African excellence and modern global luxury. Through conscious craftsmanship and cultural partnerships, we intend to redefine what African sophistication tastes like.
George & Manana Wines demonstrates that luxury is not just about taste it’s about curation, connection, and cultural pride. Every bottle tells a story of harmony, heritage, and heartfelt celebration a toast to South Africa’s enduring artistry and global ambition.
