Villa Liza winemaker savouring her success
KB Winery will host a wine tasting event at Village Pub and Grill in Villa Liza on June 4.
Karabo Matlaila (27) of Villa Liza did not allow a toxic relationship to ruin her dreams and ambitions.
As the owner of KB Winery, Karabo said her interest in winemaking and ultimately owning her own brand was sparked after her father opened a tavern with only three cases of beer.
“My dad, Samuel, is the one who taught me a lot of things about owning a liquor business.
“From Grade Nine to matric, I was the one in charge of my father’s tavern. I knew I was destined to walk this path because this is where I got the strength and confidence to start my own business,” Karabo explained.
The Ekurhuleni West College graduate, armed with a diploma in marketing, explained that after a difficult divorce, she taught herself to be an independent woman.
“Wine has that classy element and uniqueness that is unmatched by any other alcoholic beverage.
“Everyone in the community calls me KB, which is short for my full name. This is where my brand name originates. Vusi Luthuli, a graphic designer I work with, came up with all the designs and graphics of the brand.”
To Karabo, her wines symbolise enjoyment, life, purity and happiness.
“My favourite is the merlot wines because they are not too sweet tasting,” she said.
Dad Samuel (66) said he is very proud of his daughter.
“I believe that due to her hard work and dedication, she is really going places. I like that she ventured into wine because she is the first one in the family and the community to own a wine brand – a record that will stay forever in the Matlaila family,” he said.
KB Winery is supplied by a vineyard in Stellenbosch where all the production is done.
“Grapes that are used to make wine are harvested and then they go through the process of destemming and are crushed. They then go through a process of malolactic fermentation.
“After blended maturely, they are filtered and the wine is bottled and ready for selling. The process of making wine takes almost a month before full production.”
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As a mother of two daughters, Karabo said her father gave her the capital to start her own business and she was able to establish KB Winery in August last year, before its official launch a month later.
“My wines are made and produced in Stellenbosch. KB Winery offers 10 varieties, including red, white and rosé and we will soon be launching a coffee-infused wine. Vintage is what makes my wines so unique and I think people love my wines for the percentage of alcohol they contain,” said the former Windmill Park Secondary learner.
KB Winery wines are available at some restaurants in Boksburg, local clubs/taverns, hospitality colleges and can also be ordered by individuals.
“My community is supportive and very proud because I’m the first one to produce wine in Villa Liza,” said Karabo, who plans to open her own vineyard and sell her wines internationally.
KB Winery will host a wine tasting at Village Pub and Grill in Villa Liza on June 4. Karabo also hosts masterclasses for those who want to learn about winemaking.
For more information, email matlailakarabo@gmail.com
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