How we started
DHL is a family owned company which belongs to a couple, Eng. Danford Semwenda and his wife Neema. The couple originates from the same village – Nkulabi, they started to grow grapes back in The most common grown grapes variety in the region are Chenin Blank and the local Makutupora.
History & Passion
Farming became a hobby for the duo which was stamped by their origins and highly influenced by their grandparents who were also grape farmers in the 1970’s – 1980’s, hence the formulation of their company slogan “The Taste of Dodoma, True to Our Roots”
From 2011 to 2015 the couple sold grapes to fruit vendors and local wine producers mainly Alko Vintages Co. In 2015, Alko Vintage convinced DHL to add value to their grapes by starting-up a cellar to produce bulk wine. Thereafter, DHL gathered all their savings to construct a small winery and bought machines from Italy where the first production started in July 2016.
DANE WINES COLLECTIONS
We thrive in making fine wines that enrich your taste-buds & soul.
OUR SLOGAN - kauli mbiu
Ladha Halisi ya Dodoma, Asili yetu ya Ukweli!
PRODUCTION
DHL produced 55,000 litres in 2016, 110,000 litres in 2017, 165,000 litres in 2018 and 250,000 litres in 2019. Currently DHL has a capacity to produce 500,000 litres of wine. The key source of grapes is from Dane Vineyards but also DHL buys grapes from out growers in the villages of Nkulabi, Mpunguzi, Matumbulu, Chiwona, Makang’wa, Mvumi Makulu, Mvumi Mission, Mvumi Muungano, Chibelela and Handali.
Results
The Company enjoys being in the typical area of local grape growers, this gives an added advantage to be closer to the farmers and be able to train them and select the right grapes for wine production.
With a lengthy farming tradition and history, we look forward to share our grape growing and wine-making experiences with you for many years and generations to come. Try DANE WINE Today!
DANE WINES COLLECTIONS
Our Timeline
Farm - Nkulabi Village
Our family bought a vineyard in Dodoma, and making wine has become a tradition which we plan to pass down. This is not just a business, it’s a family legacy.
1970s – 80s
commercial farming
Eng. Danford Semwenda and his wife Neema started grapes farming commercially and sold grapes to fruit vendors and local wine producers mainly Alko Vintages Company.
2011 – 2015
First Production
Founded DHL and gradual increase wine production through the years i.e. 55,000 litres in 2016, 110,000 litres in 2017, 165,000 litres in 2018 and 250,000 litres in 2019.
2016 – 2019
BRAND RECOGNITION
DHL is focused in improving the DANE brand and it’s production through Partnerships, CSR and Sponsorships to the local community around Nkulabi Village and beyond.