It was a glamorous affair when Uhuru Lifestyle Emporium in Polokwane played host to a select audience in elegant party garb and stilettos who gathered for the launch of a-first-of-its-kind in Limpopo last Thursday evening.
The new wine bar at Uhuru Café and Wine Emporium is currently all the rage, introducing appreciative connoisseurs to the best of the Cape wine lands and French champagne houses – served at room temperature or chilled – on their doorstep.
Guests crossed the threshold of the stylish interiors with glasses swirling with servings from the wide selection of wine and bubbly available in a setting that distinguishes it from the rest of any of the existing tasting rooms and outlets in the province.
The collection symbolises the light-hearted to the more serious from more than ten local estates and French champagne producers, announcing the arrival of offerings by some of the most exclusive vintners on display against dark wood in the two tasting rooms tucked away between the sturdy walls of a once-converted residence.
Tongue-in-cheek Skoonma from Hermanuspietersfontein, a classic vintage by Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons, Seriously Old Dirt of Vilafonté, Springfield Estate’s Sauvignon Blanc presented in flimsy wrapping, Avondale’s sweet-sounding Anima Chenin Blanc given presented alongside the Samsara Syrah, merlot from the estate of golfing legend Ernie Els, The Chocolate Block made by Boekenhoutskloof, rare Luc Belaire Brut, jewels in the De Grendel crown, Spier Wine Farm which will be their partner in upcoming events and Moët & Chandon’s Dom Perignon with a dominating dark green label. The finishing touch is Uhuru’s own range of merlots, syrahs, cabernet sauvignons, chardonays, sauvignon blancs and chenin blancs that speaks of a collaboration with Zeevenwacht Estate in Stellenbosch.
When diverting the attention away from the bottled gold on the shelves of the emporium, the gaze is tempted by the elements that constitute the adjacent restaurant with large glass panels that let in the light, plush furnishings come alive in earthy ochres and striking wallpaper accommodate over-sized framed silver adornments. In an enclosed outside area, floral and botanical textiles as well as pre-loved re-purposed pieces make a statement along the trail that leads towards the wraparound wooden deck where big trees claim pride of place.
Uhuru Café’s existing array of dishes with a dash of a local twist introduced by the winning team in the kitchen – and the latest addition in the form of a tapas menu – is considered the perfect pairing when seeking a memorable dining experience.
Being part of the bigger lifestyle venue, the wine emporium and adjacent café arrangement is a reflection of owner Mmabogoshi Msiza’s vision for an all inclusive space for people to dine, appreciate wine, beautify themselves and conduct business. “It is something that would suit my lifestyle,” she declares. She believes the end result is a co-creation with God.
The hub is evident of the artistic inclination that is characteristic of her personality and the power of visualisation she believes in. Her latest accomplishment is worlds apart from Mahwelereng in Mokopane where she was raised, but echoes the inspiration by her father, Maredi Mphahlele to reach greater heights, irrespective of possible gender constraints. Remembering how she would join him in walking distances in the bush in search of livestock, she describes him as a humble but strict disciplinarian who taught her the value of money and entrepreneurial skills as well as guiding her liaison with others.
Whereas the back of her school books were evident of an artistic desire to draw people, scenery and places in colour when she grew up, Uhuru Lifestyle Emporium allows her to give expression to her grasp of her universe in a more definitive manner. And Polokwane stands to benefit.
Story and photos: YOLANDE NEL
>>observer.yolande@gmail.com
and botanicals meet wood and glass in an outside room that spills over into a
wraparound deck.
(Photos: Yolande Nel /
Barry Viljoen)
