Nompumelelo "Phumi" Mkhize has a BSc in environmental sciences from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She discovered her love for writing as a student and, most importantly, for wine when she started going to Mercury Wine Week.
After graduating in 2020, she became an online English as Second Language (ESL) teacher. It was during this time that her blog, Wine Down with Phumi, kicked off and she started to collaborate with brands. She also completed her Wine Certificate and WoSA online course. As an influencer, she has worked with several wine brands, including Four Cousins and Durbanville Hills. Wine Down with Phumi is currently among the top-20 wine blogs in South Africa and she uses this platform to educate people about wine and write reviews on all the wines she can lay her hands on.
In 2024, Phumi made WineLand Media's 30 Under 30 list – a list of 30 young professionals recognised for their contributions to the South African wine industry.
Check out Nompumelelo's blog, Wine Down with Phumi, at phumimkhize.wordpress.com or follow her on social media: She is on Instagram and X.