When Lungile Motsa opened a small corner shop at The Corporate Place in Mbabane in 2014, a few could have imagined that a decade later, she would stand as one of Eswatini’s most inspiring entrepreneurs the woman who brought wine culture to life in the Kingdom.
Today, her thriving establishment, Wine Boutique, located in Ezulwini, has become more than just a retailer; it is the beating heart of Eswatini’s growing appreciation for wine, fine dining, and sophisticated leisure.
For Lungile, the journey began long before the first bottle was sold. “I grew up in the Kingdom of Eswatini, born, bred and buttered,” she said with a laugh. “Liswati lemdzabo. I grew up loving our culture and celebrating it from joining the reed dance as a little girl to attending the incwala ceremony every year. I’ve always carried that pride in my identity.”
That cultural grounding, she says, shaped her business philosophy. “Being Swazi is about hospitality, community, and celebration values that translate beautifully into the world of wine,” she explained.
From Hospitality to Wine
Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Lungile’s path took her through the hospitality industry, where her passion for wine first began to take root. “My time with Sun International was incredibly influential,” she recalled. “Working in hospitality and traveling exposed me to the world of wining and dining and how food and wine could transform an experience.”
But it wasn’t love at first sip. “The first time I tasted wine, I honestly thought it was awful,” she admitted, smiling. “I thought the trick was to gulp it fast so you didn’t have to taste it. But as I grew older, my palate matured. I began to appreciate the finesse, the craftsmanship, and the way the right pairing could completely change your meal.”
That curiosity deepened when she moved to Namibia, where she met a Swazi woman named Mrs. Ntando, who introduced her to wine clubs and tasting events. “She was amazing she practically adopted me and my family,” Lungile shared warmly. “She’d take me to her wine club meetings, and I was fascinated. I loved the idea of people gathering to learn, taste, and discuss wine. I knew then I wanted to bring that experience home.”
The Turning Point
Two defining moments pushed Lungile to take the leap into the wine business. “The first was pure frustration,” she said. “When I came back to Eswatini and went wine shopping, the options were so limited. I felt like there was a gap waiting to be filled.”
The second was more personal. “I was retrenched from my new job after returning from Namibia. At first, it felt like a setback, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Comfort is the enemy of growth. Losing that job pushed me out of my comfort zone and into pursuing something of my own.”
So, in 2014, she opened Wine Boutique a humble shop tucked in a corner at The Corporate Place in Mbabane.
The early days were tough but full of lessons. “When we opened, people said there were no wine lovers in Eswatini. They thought the idea was too risky,” Lungile recalled. “But when we launched, customers came. They had opinions, ideas, and preferences and we listened. That’s when I learned my biggest lesson: the customer is king.”
Her initial location, however, posed challenges. “We wobbled at first,” she admitted. “Not because of a lack of customers, but because the space wasn’t right. We eventually closed and reopened in a new location, and everything shifted it was a turning point for the business.”
That resilience and willingness to adapt became her formula for growth. “If you see the ship is sinking, go back to the drawing board. Don’t be afraid to restart,” she advised. “There’s no shame in re-strategizing.”
Curating Quality, Craft, and Consistency
As Wine Boutique grew, so did the sophistication of its clientele. Lungile’s focus on quality and craftsmanship became her hallmark. “When selecting wines, we seek producers who prioritize quality and consistency,” she explained. “Some vintages change drastically not always for the better. So, we taste every release to ensure we’re offering our customers only the best.”
In an increasingly competitive landscape, she says, the brand’s authenticity keeps it ahead. “The wine space in Eswatini has become very competitive. Everyone now sees the potential of this community. But what sets us apart is our customers — many of whom have been with us since day one. They’re our biggest supporters. We are deeply grateful to them. Siyabonga.”
Creating a Wine Movement
More than just a retailer, Wine Boutique has become a platform for community building and education. Through tasting sessions, curated pairings, and the now-famous Wine & Dine events, Lungile has cultivated a vibrant wine culture that celebrates sophistication, connection, and local pride.
“Events like our Wine & Dine are about more than just tasting wine,” she said. “They’re about creating experiences bringing people together to enjoy, learn, and celebrate. We want to demystify wine and make it accessible to everyone.”
These events have become a cornerstone of Eswatini’s evolving food and beverage scene, highlighting a growing appetite for cultural and culinary exploration. As more people discover the nuances of different varietals and pairings, the country’s wine community continues to expand, a trend Lungile helped pioneer.
The Power of Listening and Learning
Lungile credits much of her success to her openness to feedback. “Customers are our mentors,” she said firmly. “When someone makes a suggestion and later sees that you’ve actually implemented it, they feel like they’re part of the journey. And in many ways, they are.”
Mentorship, networking, and collaboration have also been vital. “No one succeeds alone. Every partnership, every conversation, every event it all adds up. It’s about building relationships and constantly learning.”
A Message to Women Entrepreneurs
Looking back on her journey, Lungile’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women is both practical and empowering. “It may sound cliché, but the customer really is king. Listen, engage, and deliver,” she said. “And don’t be discouraged by competition or imitation. There will always be copycats, but your authenticity will set you apart.”
Her message is one of courage and action. “Your dreams are valid,” she said. “Implement the ideas in your head and stopprocrastinating. The worst mistake you can make is never starting.”
A Toast to the Future
Today, Wine Boutique stands proudly in Ezulwini a space that represents not only Lungile’s personal triumph but also Eswatini’s growing confidence in embracing global trends while celebrating local identity.
“This is only the beginning,” Lungile said at a recent Wine & Dine event, where guests savored curated pairings under the soft glow of candlelight. “Our goal is to build a vibrant wine culture in Eswatini one that celebrates craftsmanship, supports local hospitality, and connects us with global wine communities.”
As guests raised their final glasses in a toast to the evening, one thing was clear: Wine Boutique isn’t just about selling wine. It’s about creating a culture one glass, one story, and one shared moment at a time.
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