(SouthAfrica) - Women in the Cape winelands are standing up to be counted, and are now producing their own wine, bottled under the label Women in Wine.

A group of 20 women, all with backgrounds in the wine industry, formed the company seven years ago, with "the dream of giving women, especially farm workers and their families, a share in the industry".

With varied skills in marketing, wine analysis, finance, development and training, and social responsibility, the one thing the partners all had in common was that they all "enjoy a glass of quality wine".

Women in Wine is the first South African wine-producing company that is owned, controlled and managed entirely by women.

"To date, women have made a significant contribution to the Cape's wine industry without receiving recognition or benefiting from the industry's business opportunities," says Beverly Farmer, a founder member and the chief executive.

The company has several unique features. "Women in Wine embraces change in an industry which is 365 years old," explains Farmer. "We are the first company owned, controlled and managed by women, and black women in particular."