Ep 229: Part 6 of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Wine – Wine with Impact: Carmen Stevens on Carménère, Fighting Childhood Hunger, and Leaving a Legacy in South Africa

Carmen shares her incredible journey, from being rejected by winemaking school because of her race to founding the first 100% Black-owned winery in Stellenbosch. She discusses her love for Carménère, how South African terroir shapes her wines, and why she chooses to highlight what Mother Nature gives her in every vintage.

Janina also tastes Carmen’s UK-exclusive Catoria red blend, available through Naked Wines for just £14.99, and reads a heartfelt note Carmen wrote to the wine club’s “angels.” But Carmen’s impact goes far beyond wine—she’s also the founder of the Carmen Stevens Foundation, which has served over 48 million school meals to children in need.

Tune in for inspiration, resilience, and a celebration of what wine can do for communities.

Episode Guide (Chapters)

[03:35] – Becoming South Africa’s first Black female winemaker and the strength needed, and challenges faced

[20:24] – Who is Carmen Stevens the winemaker? Exploring small-batch blending through Sauvignon Blanc and the unique expressions of different vineyard parcels.

[25:38] – Discovering Carménère as a flagship grape

[30:04] – South African vs Chilean Carménère

[34:13] – Janina tastes the UK-exclusive red blend Catoria 2022

[36:19] – Great value: £14.99 through Naked Wines

[37:38] – A heartfelt message to the Naked Wines Angels

[41:18] – The story behind the Carmen Stevens Foundation

[46:07] – How the wine industry can give back

[47:37] – Mentoring and choosing young talent

[51:46] – The dream of owning vineyards in Stellenbosch

[52:58] – Dreams for the next 10 years

[55:33] – Where to find Carmen’s wines internationally

📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: [e-mail] 📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 More content: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Until next time - cheers to you!

THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEEDSPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.