Bonang Matheba is a trailblazer in redefining what modern luxury means in South Africa. The media personality, entrepreneur and founder of House of BNG recently hosted an exclusive retreat at La Paris Estate in Franschhoek to celebrate the launch of the brand’s newest creation, the BNG Mimosa. This immersive one-day experience brought together a select group of guests for a day rooted in connection, wellness and celebration. Moreover, it offered a thoughtfully curated escape that nourishes body, mind and spirit.
House of BNG has consistently pushed boundaries in the premium beverage space. The brand has built a luxury offering rooted in modern African storytelling, emotional connection and experiential moments. The brand’s commitment to excellence was recently affirmed when leading South African wine critic Michael Fridjhon awarded the BNG MCC Brut an exceptional 93 points. Notably, this score is achieved by fewer than three percent of wines he reviews. In addition, he also awarded 90 points for the BNG MCC Brut Rosé.
For Bonang, self-care and balance are key to success and this philosophy is at the heart of both her personal life and her brand.
Creating Space for Self-Care
Balancing a high-profile career with entrepreneurship requires intentionality. Bonang explains that self-care is about creating stillness amidst a full schedule.
“My schedule can be incredibly demanding, so I’ve learned to be intentional about protecting my energy,” she says. “That can be something as simple as taking time to rest, enjoying a quiet moment with a glass of BNG, spending time with loved ones or disconnecting from the noise for a while.”
“Self-care is about balance and making sure that, while you’re building and achieving, you’re also nurturing yourself.”
This approach is woven into the House of BNG philosophy. Every experience the brand offers, from immersive retreats to sparkling wines, is designed to encourage guests to pause, reflect and enjoy life fully.
Building a Luxury Brand with Purpose
House of BNG has carved out a space in the competitive South African luxury wine market. Bonang attributes its success to purpose, authenticity and storytelling.
“From the very beginning, the vision for House of BNG was to create a brand that felt proudly African, luxurious and emotionally connected to people’s celebrations,” she explains. “The mindset has always been about excellence, consistency and storytelling. We didn’t just want to create a sparkling wine, we wanted to build a lifestyle brand that people could genuinely connect with and feel proud to celebrate with.”
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This commitment to emotional connection and intentional branding is what sets House of BNG apart from traditional luxury wines. The goal is not just to sell a product, but to create a celebratory experience that resonates on a personal level.
Why Intentional Experiences Matter
The retreat itself was designed to provide guests with more than just a product launch. Bonang notes that today’s consumers are seeking meaningful, intentional experiences rather than superficial events.
“Life moves very quickly and we’re constantly connected digitally, but not always emotionally,” she says. “Intentional experiences allow people to slow down, reconnect with themselves and others and truly savour the moment. That’s very much aligned with the philosophy of House of BNG, celebrating life’s moments in a way that feels present, joyful and meaningful.”
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The retreat combined wellness sessions, reflective exercises, elevated dining and social interaction. It gave attendees a holistic experience that celebrates life in a thoughtful, immersive way.
Introducing the BNG Mimosa
A highlight of the retreat was the launch of the BNG Mimosa, a sparkling beverage designed for joyful daytime moments. Bonang explains that the Mimosa represents the evolution of House of BNG into a lifestyle brand.
“House of BNG has always been about celebration and lifestyle and brunch culture is such a beautiful, social moment where people gather, connect and celebrate life,” she says. “The BNG Mimosa brings together the elegance of our sparkling wine with a refreshing citrus profile that feels vibrant, modern and accessible. It’s designed for those joyful daytime moments and it perfectly complements the celebratory lifestyle that House of BNG represents.”
The launch of the Mimosa reflects the brand’s intentional approach to experiences. It ensures that every product serves as a vehicle for connection, presence and enjoyment.
Balancing Ambition and Wellbeing
Running a growing luxury brand while maintaining a high-profile career is no small feat. Bonang emphasises that balance is crucial to long-term success.
“Balance is something I’m constantly learning and refining,” she says. “I’m very ambitious and deeply passionate about what I do, but I’ve also realised that rest is a powerful part of success. I try to be intentional about creating time to recharge, whether that’s travel, wellness or simply stepping away from work for a moment.”
“When you take care of yourself, you show up stronger, more creative and more focused.”
This philosophy of balance is not just personal. It is embedded in how House of BNG designs experiences for its customers, allowing them to enjoy moments that nourish both body and mind.
Redefining Modern African Luxury
House of BNG is also redefining what luxury means for a new generation of South African consumers.“Luxury today is less about exclusivity and more about experience, authenticity and quality,” Bonang explains. “The new generation of consumers wants brands that feel personal, culturally relevant and meaningful.
For House of BNG, modern luxury is about celebrating African excellence, creating beautiful moments and offering products that feel sophisticated but still accessible to people who appreciate great experiences.” This vision combines traditional notions of sophistication with a modern approach that celebrates culture, community and connection.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As House of BNG continues to expand, 2026 promises more growth and innovation. Bonang shares that the brand will explore new experiences, partnerships and product innovations that reflect the way people celebrate today.
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“The launch of BNG Mimosa is just one example of that evolution,” she says. “Our focus remains on creating memorable moments and building a proudly African luxury brand that continues to grow both locally and globally.” For Bonang, this is not just about business growth. It is about creating a lifestyle that celebrates intention, joy and meaningful connection, one experience at a time.
