Sip on the charm of 'Love and Wine': a South African film that delivers romance and laughter

A vibrant ensemble of top South African talent comes together for the new local Netflix film, “Love and Wine”. From rising stars to veteran entertainers, the romantic comedy features “Gomora” actor Ntobeko Sishi and Thandolwethu Zondi, from Netflix’s “Go!”, in the lead.

The youngsters are joined by familiar faces such as Thando Thabethe, Desmond Dube, Thembsie Matu, Rorisang Mohapi, Masali Baduza and Bongile Mantsai, rounding out a warm, energetic cast. Together, they deliver a humorous, proudly South African spin on a classic love story - the perfect viewing escape this festive season.

Beyond its on-screen talent, the film also showcases the best of Mzansi: shot in the scenic Cape Town region, it weaves in local cuisines, slang, landscapes and music, giving global viewers a taste of contemporary South Africa.

Based on the Brazilian hit “Ricos de Amor”, the film, directed by Amanda Lane, tells a story of love, friendship and identity, set against the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands.

At its centre is Ovee Sityebi, played by Sishi, the heir to a billionaire wine empire who uses his unlimited resources to live it up in the Mother City.

The opening scene introduces Ovee as a charming playboy and party animal who enjoys Cape Town’s nightlife to the fullest.

While he’s a heartbreaker with commitment issues and a tendency to drop thousands at the city's top clubs, the film quickly reveals a softer side: a young man who buys out an elderly florist’s stock to hand out flowers to strangers, simply to brighten their day.

Raised by a distant, demanding father after losing his mother at a young age, Ovee has never lacked materially, but he has grown up without the emotional support he needed.

His father remains mostly in Johannesburg running the family company, leaving Ovee to be raised largely by the family’s long-time housekeeper, played by Thembsie Matu. She becomes the maternal figure in his life.

The housekeeper's son Nathi (Thandolwethu Zondi) is Ovee’s lifelong best friend and the closest thing Ovee has to a brother. Nathi dreams of becoming a professional chef but is instead forced to work as the Sityebi family’s driver.

His mother insists it’s a way of honouring their ancestors, explaining that working at Africa’s biggest black-owned wine company could make him the first in their family to “wear a suit, not a uniform.”

When Nathi reluctantly agrees to join the company’s new junior marketing programme, Ovee surprises everyone by insisting he wants to do the same. He hopes that starting from the bottom will allow him to forge a path separate from his father’s massive shadow.

His father, however, is furious. He is ready to hand Ovee a leadership role at the Johannesburg headquarters and believes Ovee is “too soft”, disconnected from his cultural roots and unprepared for the realities outside his privileged, private-school world.

But Ovee pushes back, determined to prove himself on his own terms. He’s so certain he’ll be the programme’s top candidate that he tells his father to withhold the burnt-orange Lamborghini he’s been dreaming of if he doesn’t secure first place.

An amused Mr Sityebi agrees, but things take a chaotic turn when Ovee and Nathi swap lives upon enrolling in the programme. Because Ovee’s father is paranoid about safety, there are hardly any photos of him online.

Nathi, meanwhile, is tired of struggling and wants a taste of what life could look like on the wealthier side.

As the two begin their deception, the film explores whether love and ambition can truly thrive beyond social class. Things become even more complicated when Ovee meets Amahle (Masali Baduza), a hardworking medical intern who believes he is the son of a housekeeper.

While pretending to be Nathi, Ovee paints himself to Amahle as an ambitious young man who has risen from hardship - a narrative she connects with deeply, especially given her resentment toward wealthy families after a rich employer mistreated her domestic worker mother.

Their bond grows, but it’s built on shaky foundations.

Meanwhile, the real Nathi finds himself entangled in spicy, suspiciously glamorous chemistry with Lena (Thando Thabethe), the director of the course, who mistakenly believes he is the billionaire’s son.

Their interactions bring some of the film’s lighter, more comical moments, especially as Nathi navigates his newly borrowed luxury.

Naturally, the truth eventually bubbles to the surface, forcing both young men to confront the consequences of their choices - and decide who they truly want to be.

“Love and Wine” is a fun, festive watch, and it’s refreshing to see local talent shine on a global platform. The chemistry between the lead stars is warm and engaging, and Thabethe’s comedic timing adds an enjoyable spark throughout.

The film also does an impressive job of showcasing South Africa, from its stunning Cape Town skylines to its food culture and music, featuring tracks by Mi Casa and Sun-El Musician. It’s a feel-good, proudly local production that blends romance, humour and heart in a way that’s easy to enjoy over the holiday season.