​The Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Cllr S.W. Mdabe joined labourers at the Maphumulo Vineyards site in planting the first vines in iLembe soil. The aim of the iLembe Vineyards is to plant and harvest vines with the intention of producing wine, brandy, juice and table grapes. The establishment of these sustainable vineyards is expected to produce up to 25 tons per hectare of top quality grapes for producing selected products. The project seeks to develop the Villard Blanc cultivar as a ‘wine of origin in iLembe’ and so establish brand for the region.

The overall plan of the project is to further develop the infrastructure for the wine industry within the iLembe District by establishing a winery and its related operations.

This includes the production of wine from grapes sourced elsewhere in South Africa, bottling it and establishment of markets and sales operations. A subsidiary aim is to enhance the tourism and hospitality industry of the district by marketing the wines nationally and internationally.

Mayor Mdabe said that the project is also contributing to employment, and enhancing skills development. The economic development of the areas within which the vineyards and winery are situated and the development of new skills and markets are integral to the vision and success of these projects.