Kumusha Wines enter UK market

By Admin | 1st March 2022

We always love to hear about new, top quality, South African wines entering the UK market and becoming available for us to buy. We are therefore delighted that South African wine brand, Kumusha Wines, has appointed UK importer Bibendum as their exclusive distributor in the UK.

Founded by Tinashe Nyumudoka in 2017, this is the first time the wines will be available in the UK.

Tinashe, born and raised in Zimbabwe, moved to South Africa to start a job polishing cutlery at the Roundhouse restaurant in Cape Town. Moving through the ranks over the years, he discovered a love of wine along the way. It was this love that led to him joining the wine team at the One and Only and finally becoming Head Sommelier at the renowned Test Kitchen. But the desire to create his own wines was strong and the idea of Kumusha was born. A chance meeting with winemaker Attie Louw made this dream a reality, with his first wines hitting the market in 2017.  Tinashe was also part of the first wine team from Zimbabwe, who competed in the 2017 and 2018 World Blind Tasting Championships. The story of Team Zim was documented in the documentary film, Blind Ambition.

Kumasha, meaning ‘Your roots’ in his native Shona, the brand is a homage to his heritage, Zimbabwe and his story. The label is inspired by a photo of Tinashe in Nyanga, Zimbabwe that features as the ending credits in Blind Ambition. The grapes come from three regions in the Western Cape: Breedeklood, Swartland, and Elim. With minimal intervention and natural fermentation, Tinashe wants the wines to be representative of the regions where the grapes are produced. The range of wines Bibendum will be distributing includes Breedekloof Chenin Blanc, Sondagskloof Sauvignon Blanc, Flame Lily Slanghoek White Blend, Western Cape Cabernet Sauvignon, Slanghoek Cabernet Sauvignon Cinsault and a Hurudza Stellenbosch Red Blend (Bordeaux Blend).

Richard Masterston, Buyer for South Africa at Bibendum comments: ‘Not only is Tinashe’s story incredible but so are his wines. We are so excited to be able to bring them to UK consumers and spread Tinashe’s story, and love of wine. The Bibendum portfolio is all about fantastic wines made by passionate people and that’s what Kumusha and Tinashe embody.’

Once the wines have been offically launched this month, we will let you know where you can buy these wines - watch this space!