Our Story
It is said that great wine tells a story, and at the House of Henkel, that story is one of resilience, family, and a deep passion for the art of winemaking. The legacy of the House of Henkel is rooted in the lives of its founders, Moira Henkel and her husband Kevin Henkel who dedicated themselves to preserving the legacies of their parents, Gertrude Henkel & late Benjamin Henkel and John & Winifred Parenzee.
Our story begins with Moira Henkel, the driving force behind Fumana International Wine Imports. Moira’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance.
Adopted at only three days old, Moira’s story starts in Cape Town, South Africa, in a loving home guided by Godly principles. Her early exposure to her father’s life in the transport business would later influence her career choices. Moira’s journey was not without hardship; her father’s death when she was only five years old forced her mother to go out and find work, resulting in a few years of financial struggle. But Moira’s school years and teen years were happy, and she found comfort and support in her best friend, Estelle, who through a remarkable series of events Moira discovered that Estelle was, in fact, her long-lost sister. The two were overjoyed to have found each other and the experience proved to be a critical turning point in Moira’s journey. With a newfound sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the power of family, Moira set out to make a name for herself in the business world.
Drawing on her background in logistics and computer systems, Moira saw a gap in the market and founded Fumana International in 2002, a travel, tourism, and investment company. However, her true passion lay in the wine industry and 2017, she and her daughter Gretchen founded the House of Henkel Wine Brand.
Today, House of Henkel has a warehouse in Atlanta from where distribution takes place. We cover all states and can sell directly to consumers across America. We take a controlled growth approach and have strict guidelines addressing with whom we engage in business. We only deal with farms where we are sure they treat their employees with respect and follow good practices.
But our commitment to quality doesn’t end with our suppliers. At the House of Henkel, we believe that wine is more than just a drink; it’s a way of life. That’s why we take great care to curate a selection of wines that embody the spirit of South African winemaking. From our own family vineyards to carefully selected partner farms, each wine in our collection represents a unique expression of the terroir, climate, and history of the region.
We invite you to join us on a journey through the vineyards of South Africa. Our wines are more than just beverages; they’re an expression of the land, the people, and the traditions that make South African winemaking so special. At the House of Henkel, we’re not just selling wine; we’re sharing a piece of our heritage with the world.