Hidden Gems: Meet Joseph Tongai of Mosi wines and Spirits

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Tongai.

Hi Joseph Tongai, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am Joseph T. Dhafana, a Zimbabwean sommelier, winemaker, and founder of Mosi Wines & Spirits. I grew up in Chirumhanzu, Zimbabwe, and moved to South Africa in 2009 in search of opportunity. I began my hospitality career in entry-level roles, including gardening, dishwashing, bartending, and waiting tables.

After discovering wine in 2010, I committed myself to learning the craft. That journey led me to become Head Sommelier at La Colombe, represent South Africa in international blind wine tasting, and found Team Zimbabwe. I produced my first wine in 2014 and later established Mosi Wines & Spirits. Today, I use wine to celebrate African excellence, create opportunities, and help make the industry more inclusive.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. When I left Zimbabwe for South Africa, I crossed the border without documents and spent nights outside the Musina refugee camp. At one point, I dug a grave for R20 so that I could buy food for myself and my wife at the time.

When I arrived in Johannesburg, I slept on the streets for two weeks and was mugged during that period. I then worked as a gardener for more than a year before finding opportunities in hospitality. Those experiences taught me resilience, humility, and the value of every opportunity. They continue to drive me today, not only to succeed, but to create opportunities for others who may be starting from difficult circumstances.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Mosi Wines & Spirits is a proudly African wine and spirits brand founded to celebrate African (Black) excellence, heritage, and possibility. We produce expressive, premium wines and spirits, including Mosi “Flavian” Syrah, Mosi “Tinashe” Chenin Blanc, and Mosi “WaMambo” Gin.

What sets Mosi apart is that it is built on a deeply personal story of resilience, but its purpose is bigger than one person. We create products that are distinctly African in character while meeting international standards of quality. Our wines are already enjoyed across Africa and in markets including Europe and the United States.

I am most proud that Mosi is proving that world-class wine can carry an African story with confidence. The brand also has a social purpose: we aim to create opportunities, support communities, and open the wine industry to more people from diverse backgrounds. Mosi is not simply a label, it is a platform for African craftsmanship, ambition, and impact.

What are your plans for the future?
Our long-term goal is to grow Mosi Wines & Spirits into a leading global African wine and spirits brand, expanding distribution, increasing production, and creating more jobs and opportunities across the value chain.

The current global economy has made growth more challenging, particularly for small, independent brands. However, we remain focused and optimistic. With the right strategic partnerships and a meaningful capital injection, we would be able to scale production, enter new markets, strengthen our team, and unlock significantly greater revenue potential. We are excited about the next chapter and are actively building the foundations for sustainable growth.

Pricing:

• Our pricing varies by market, retailer, and the specific product. For the most current retail, wholesale, and export pricing, readers are welcome to contact Mosi Wines & Spirits directly.
• $34
• $19
• $18
• $31

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mosiwinesandspirits.com
• Instagram: @mosiwinesandspirits,
• Facebook: Mosi Wines Facebook Page

Image Credits
credit EatOutguide SA