Header: Sarah De Pina
The Kharetsa Wine Server-Rack by Meetlo Studio is inspired by the mountain landscapes of Lesotho and the vegetation that grows in the harsh environment, specifically the aloe succulent plant. The spiral geometry of the aloe succulent is mirrored in the wine rack’s circular form, thus conveying the organic structure into a contemporary design. Apart from the aloe reference, the Kharetsa’s sculptural form also draws from African symbolism in which the circle represents the sun, continuity, and community gatherings.
The Kharetsa Wine Server-Rack
The Kharetsa Wine Server-Rack is a multi-functional furniture piece that integrates wine storage, display, and a wine rack. It stores bottles horizontally in the structural and visual centre of the radial rack, which distributes weight evenly across the cabinet. The rack exists between the functional storage mechanism and a furniture statement piece, allowing visual access to the wine bottles and efficient bottle organisation.
A functional storage and a sculptural design piece
Additionally, the Kharetsa incorporates concealed storage units for glassware and serving accessories, expanding its use from a mere wine rack to compete dring server. An innovative contrast between the precise circular rack geometry and the outer cabinet’s organic form merges structural efficiency with contemporary design. Due to its innovative design and structural efficiency, the Kharetska Wine Server-Rack operates both as a useful server unit and a collectable design object.
Renewable materials and sustainable design
The Meetlo Studio used sustainable, renewable materials such as solid timber to minimise the environmental impact. The durability of the design that relies on premium, often locally-sourced materials ensures a long use without the need for replacement. The product is made in small batches to limit overproduction. The efficient material use during the manufacturing process is also calibrated to minimise waste. The little offcuts that remain are reused to create complementary homeware products, further reducing unnecessary disposal.
The product’s multifunctional design additionally advances sustainability goals. By combining storage, display and serving into a single piece, it reduces the need for additional furniture, reducing material use and promoting efficient use of space. Durable construction, sustainable materials, and efficient multi-use design encourage long-term ownership rather than short-term consumption.
Design rooted in African culture
By embedding regional landscapes and cultural symbolism into functional furniture, the object powerfully showcases how local narratives can be conveyed through contemporary design language. The production is regionally located and helps empower African youth by providing jobs in the creative industry sector.
Kharetsa Wine Server is a pinnacle of contemporary African design, which was recognised at the 2026 AIDA African International Design Awards, where it won the top Product Design / Furniture & Lighting prize. The true expression of African design, the work contributes to shifting global perception of the continent.
