About Us
Crafted with passion, distilled with purpose
At Matawi, we believe that exceptional spirits are born from a deep respect for tradition, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a passion for the craft that has been passed down through generations.
Our Story
Founded in 2018 in the wake of the Western Cape’s historic drought, Matawi was born from a vision to redefine celebration through sustainability. By crafting premium mead using a fraction of the water required by conventionally produced spirits, the brand champions a philosophy where environmental stewardship, social impact and exceptional craftsmanship coexist. This unwavering commitment has shaped a measured, purpose-led journey, earning Matawi the Investec Award for the Most Promising Pitch at Startup School Africa’s Incubation Programme. Today, Matawi continues to grow as an award-winning African brand, guided by an enduring commitment to people, planet and legacy.
Craftsmanship
The Matawi collection is meticulously crafted from Africa's finest natural ingredients, celebrating the continent's remarkable biodiversity and abundance. Guided by time-honoured fermentation techniques and an uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship, each expression is created without distillation, allowing the character of every ingredient to unfold with authenticity and elegance. The result is a collection of refined, premium meads that offer a distinctive drinking experience—one that honours nature, provenance and the art of celebration.
Our Vision
Matawi partners with small-scale apiarists and natural producers to leverage Africa’s natural bounty – from honey to botanicals, teas, and drought-resistant crops from all corners of the continent – contributing to meaningful economic pathways, while offering conscious consumers a sustainable spirits range that elevates age-old fermentation heritage for contemporary enjoyment.
Meet the founder
Founded by master distiller Nokukhanya, our distillery represents the culmination of a lifelong passion for the art of spirits. With over two decades of experience and a deep reverence for traditional methods, Thabo has created a range of spirits that honor the past while embracing the future.
Uncompromising craftsmanship
From the careful selection of ingredients to the patient aging process, every step in our production is guided by a commitment to excellence. We believe that great spirits cannot be rushed, and we take the time necessary to ensure that each bottle represents the very best of what we can achieve.
We don't just make spirits. We create experiences that connect people to the land, the craft, and each other.
Experience Matawi
Discover our collection of handcrafted spirits and taste the difference that passion and dedication make.