Revitalised international interest in South African wines provided an ideal opportunity to create a viable product for global export, and so Thandi Wines was born. From the outset, the imperative was to involve community members at all levels, from growing to actual wine making. It also became clear that Thandi's success would depend on sound partnerships and so it was that Vinfruco, one of South Africa's leading wine exporters, came to play a vital role in terms of mentorship, infrastructure and marketing expertise.

Thandi wines were launched in the United Kingdom with a top-quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and their successes soon prompted the creation of further cultivars.

Another milestone was achieved in 2003 when Thandi became the first wine brand in the world to achieve Fairtrade certification. Today, this original model has been so successful that more wine farms in prominent regions have joined the Thandi family.

The company of wine people, one of South Africa's leading wine exporters, is playing a vital role in terms of mentorship, infrastructure and marketing expertise on the Thandi project.