South Africa is one of the most exciting wine regions in the world right now because it has so much untapped potential. Perhaps you’ve had a good spicy Pinotage at one point. But did you know that the greatest amount of Chenin Blanc—one of France’s most elegant white grapes—is actually planted in South Africa? Also, you might not be aware that Fair Trade and sustainable farming are strong movements in the South African wine industry.

In part, South African wine is relatively under the radar due to the fact that during Apartheid, many nations boycotted the country. This of course held back all of its industries, and the post-Apartheid country as a whole is making strides to catch up. Wine is definitely one of the more forward-thinking sectors in the country right now. That’s why 32-year-old Mika Bulmash, who has devoted her energies to importing responsibly-made, small-production South African wines into the U.S., is someone to know.