Wine of the Week 55: Whobody Wines What the Blanc 2025

Whobodies aren’t just anybodies… begins the story that inspired the genesis of Whobody Wines, an own-label project founded by partners in love and life, Tristan Human and Kara Lee. Written by Kara’s grandfather, Carl Lee, the story is seen as “a reminder that you’re never a nobody. Everybody has a story that deserves to be listened to and heard.” It was written on a 1950s Smith Corona typewriter, on which the letter “o” never quite aligned. “This inspired our branding,” shared Tristan. “Each wine features a unique label, personality and story. Our focus is on winemaking techniques that are often experimental.”

Routes into wine

Kara, originally from Minnesota, was a photographer and graphic designer before discovering her passion for wine in Australia in 2022. Since then, she’s worked five harvests. “I find winemaking similar to photography, it involves starting from nothing, blending art and science in a creative process with no fixed recipe.”

Tristan, born and raised in Cape Town, studied Viticulture and Oenology despite initially only drinking brandy and Coke… “I love how tiny details in winemaking can impact the final product. Winemaking is a multidisciplinary craft, like being a physicist, psychologist, biochemist and marketer all at once.”

“Our wines aren’t overwritten,” added Kara on the philosophy. “We want the grapes to speak and guide us, rather than controlling every aspect to achieve a predetermined outcome. We also prioritise design and brand philosophy. Everything about our brand is intentional.”

Tulbagh meeting

The pair met while interning at Saronsberg in 2024. “We then returned in 2025 to lead their harvest intern programme while starting our own project on the side from their cellar,” explained Kara. “Having worked with Tulbagh grapes for two years now, we’ve truly seen the region’s potential. We love it not only because it’s where we fell in love but also because of the small, close-knit community.

“The best part of winemaking is the fun. It’s strange to us that wine leaves the cellar and suddenly puts on a suit and tie. Winemaking is messy and fun, and we want to preserve that spirit.”

Whobody Wines What the Blanc 2025

One barrel. Skin-contact sauvignon blanc, two weeks wild fermented, before settling in an older barrel. The Whobodies found that this approach allowed for the green characteristics of the grape to volatilise out and for the blackcurrant aromatics to remain. Light gold in hue. Like biting into a fresh, yellow apple, a rush of juice and phenolics, a core of yellow peaches and sunshine, supported by broad, savoury acidity.

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