A rising Soweto trend-setter takes centre stage in a new documentary series that follows his week-long immersion into life on one of South Africa’s leading wine estates, blending Cape wine culture with the vibrancy and perspective of a true “boy from the hood”.
A Journey of Firsts: From Soweto to Stellies, a four-part series of 24-minute episodes, will premiere on People’s Planet, Openview 115, from 25 November. Produced by Chen Swan and Walla Films for Delheim Estate in Stellenbosch, the series trails well-known Soweto influencer and content creator Mpho (Arthur) Magadze, popularly known as @sowetohippie, as he explores wine, farm life, and the broader Cape lifestyle during his stay on the iconic estate.
Quirky, irreverent, and engaging, the series captures Mpho’s energetic dive into the Cape’s wine culture, its people, and the scenic beauty of one of South Africa’s most celebrated estates. Audiences are invited into the world of ripening grapes, winemaking, and the unique characters that bring Delheim to life. For Mpho, the journey was a mission to “demystify wine” and show its relevance and appeal to a new generation through an open, accessible, and entertaining learning experience.
“What a journey of firsts, on so many levels,” says Mpho, who returned to Soweto a committed wine lover and passionate ambassador. “I left my own stamp of fun, style and energy on Delheim, Stellenbosch, and everywhere I went.”
The trip marked several personal milestones for Mpho.
“Making this series meant flying for the first time and visiting the Cape for the first time—something I’ve dreamed about for as long as I can remember,” he says.
“Stellies is completely different from Joho. The Delheim team put me on—I was there to sip! I loved learning about wine culture, not just the drinking part. And I learnt that nobody is wrong. You can enjoy wine the way you experience it.”
After witnessing the dedication behind each bottle, Mpho says he’ll never see wine the same way again. “I’ve been sharing my stories with everyone back home. This one’s definitely for the books. Now I’m putting people on about wine making and culture.”
Staying on the farm, he was up with the sunrise each day. “Not because I had to—because I didn’t want to miss a single moment,” he says.
“Every day I learnt something new: vineyards, winemaking, the different wines. Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Rosé—all became my homies. I wanted to try everything. I was on my phone showing my homies in the hood what I was sipping so they could feel the FOMO. And I can’t wait to take bottles back home and introduce them to the finer things!”
Filmed at the start of Delheim’s 2025 harvest season, the series shows Mpho being guided by Delheim directors Victor Sperling and Nora Thiel, second-generation custodians of the estate, along with the broader Delheim team. From selecting harvest-ready grapes and learning the art of cellar work, to discovering Delheim’s pioneering history, the show offers a warm, behind-the-scenes look at life on a Cape wine farm beneath the majestic Simonsberg.
One of Mpho’s biggest revelations? Wine has no rules.
“It’s not about sticking to conventions—enjoy it how you like it,” he says. “If you want to put ice in your wine, go for it. Wine has no boundaries.”
Throughout the four episodes, Mpho learns with both eyes and palate.
“I learnt why some wines are sweet and others dry, and what makes white, red, and rosé wines different. And being there when harvest began meant I could help pick grapes and even join the famous Delheim Harvest Celebration. I even took over the festival with some of my coolest dance moves—you’ll see in the series!”
A standout moment for him was going behind the scenes of the iconic Delheim Grand Reserve, one of South Africa’s most admired red wines.
“I got to taste grapes from the special vineyard and experience what a red wine aged in wood is all about. And yes—I finally learnt why a wine like Grand Reserve needs to breathe.”
Mpho encourages viewers to join the experience:
“When A Journey of Firsts drops, pour yourself a glass of Delheim wine, sit back, and watch the Soweto Hippie do his thing. You’ll enjoy this journey as much as I did.”
