Ntsiki, raised in the rural village of Mahlabathini in KwaZulu-Natal, earned her high school diploma in 1996. After a year as a domestic worker, she received a scholarship to pursue winemaking at Stellenbosch University in 1999. Graduating in 2003 with a BSc in Agriculture (Viticulture and Oenology), she soon became a winemaker at boutique winery Stellekaya. Her journey to create her own wines was ignited during a collaboration with Californian winemaker Helen Kiplinger, facilitated by the Wine for the World initiative. Named in honour of her grandmother, Aslina, Ntsiki's brand embodies her deep connection with nature and her KwaZulu-Natal upbringing. She also crafted a wine for The Winemakers' Collection in France and is a director for the Pinotage Youth Development Academy. Ntsiki earned accolades including Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2009 and recognition among Fortune's Food & Wine most Innovative Women in Food and Drink in 2017.
Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with a supporting blend of 18% Cabernet Franc and 12% Petit Verdot, this wine showcases a remarkable structure and density. Named "Umsasane," meaning umbrella tree in Zulu, it symbolizes shelter, protection, and comfort. This name pays tribute to Ntsiki's grandmother, Aslina the family matriarch. On the palate, a lavish medley of cassis, blackberry, blueberry, and fresh strawberry notes. Aged for 16 months in Predominantly old oak, with around 20% new French barriques. Subtle touches of wood smoke, clove, and hints of hazelnut enrich the cedar and tobacco complexity.