Black Elephant Vintners – Rebels of the Vine in Franschhoek: Cap Classique and Amazing Grace

Three founders, their story and "Real wine for real people"

Black Elephant Vintners in Franschhoek has three founders, and the name tells their story. Black stands for Kevin Swart, Elephant for Raymond Ndlovu, and Jacques Wentzel makes the wine. The three call themselves rebels of the vine, and their motto is "Real wine for real people". Today, the range includes Cap Classique, the Amazing Grace Cabernet and tastings with music.

If you wish to buy Black Elephant wine, you will find the Cap Classique Brut, Zero Dosage and Rosé with us, along with the Amazing Grace Cabernet and the Three Men In a Tub red blend. Browse wines that each have a story behind them and let the labels surprise you.

Learn more about Black Elephant Vintners

Vineyard Black Elephant Vintners

Putting the cart before the horse: how Black Elephant began

According to Kevin Swart, Black Elephant put the cart before the horse: first the wine was made, labelled and sold to friends, and only then did they found the company [1]. Later, Swart's wine farm La Petite Vigne merged with Amistad, a wine company Jacques Wentzel had been involved with [1]. In the name, Black stands for Swart, the managing director, and Elephant for the investor Raymond Ndlovu, whose surname means elephant in Zulu [2]. Wentzel is the viticulturist and winemaker [2]. Glamour South Africa calls the three Body, Mind and Soul: Wentzel is the body, Swart the mind and Ndlovu the soul [3].

Franschhoek as home, the world as an option: where the grapes come from

The focus is on Wine of Origin Franschhoek, yet Swart also supports valley wineries that buy in grapes [1]. He bought the property because it had Cabernet, and says the team can source grapes from anywhere and make whatever they feel like [2]. Two new wines in the Free Bird range come from the Swartland [4]. The Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2025 from vines planted in 1986 on granite received 92 points from Christian Eedes, and the Bush Vines Red 2024, made of 86 percent Syrah, 8 percent Cinsault and 6 percent Grenache, received 94 points [4].

Cap Classique, Amazing Grace and Power of Love: the wines

The house makes five Cap Classiques, and Kevin Swart says that if he started again he would focus only on those [2]. Amazing Grace is a premium Cabernet from grapes grown on the property, while Three Men In a Tub is an easier-drinking red blend [2]. Power of Love pays tribute to Jimi Hendrix in name and label, and the Back Roads range gathers small or experimental batches [1][2].

Wine with music: visiting Black Elephant

The winery lies on a quieter mountain road above Franschhoek [2]. The main weekend tasting is more of an event than a tasting, as up to nine wines are paired with a changing selection of music [2]. The story behind the name can take a good three hours, and on Saturdays the tastings often run so long that the team has to end them [2]. A visit requires a reservation [5].

Vineyard facts

Year of established:

2013

Address:

37 Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa

Geo data address:

-33.901883, 19.121943

Our recommendation:

Black Elephant Vintners MCC Cap Classique Brut

Why you should visit:

One-of-a-kind wine tastings that combine wine and music – from Silent Disco experiences to the interactive “Headline Act” hosted by the owners
Personal tastings featuring storytelling, curated playlists and immersive wine-and-music pairings create a truly memorable experience
Relax with a glass or bottle of wine, share a selection of nibbles and soak up the laid-back atmosphere overlooking the Franschhoek Valley
An unconventional boutique winery where great wine, creativity and music come together in true Black Elephant style

Phone:

+27 (0) 21 8762903

Vineyard website:

https://bevintners.co.za/

Frequently asked questions about Black Elephant Vintners

Where is Black Elephant Vintners?

The winery lies on a quieter mountain road above Franschhoek [2].

Who is behind Black Elephant, and where does the name come from?

The founders are Kevin Swart, Raymond Ndlovu and Jacques Wentzel [2][3]. In the name, Black stands for Swart and Elephant for Ndlovu, whose surname means elephant in Zulu [2].

Since when has Black Elephant Vintners existed?

The house came about when Kevin Swart's wine farm La Petite Vigne merged with Amistad, a wine company Jacques Wentzel had been involved with [1]. The sources do not give a consistent founding year.

Where do the grapes come from?

The focus is on Franschhoek, but the team can source grapes from anywhere [1][2]. The wines in the Free Bird range come from the Swartland [4].

What is Amazing Grace?

Amazing Grace is a premium Cabernet from grapes grown on the property [2].

Which Cap Classiques does Black Elephant make?

The house makes five Cap Classiques [2]. With us you will find the Brut, the Zero Dosage and the Rosé. Kevin Swart says that if he started again he would focus only on Cap Classique [2].

Can I visit Black Elephant Vintners?

Yes, but only by reservation [5]. The main weekend tasting pairs up to nine wines with music [2]. Current offers are on bevintners.co.za.

Can I buy Black Elephant wine online?

Yes, you can buy Black Elephant wine from us, including the Cap Classiques Brut, Zero Dosage and Rosé, the Amazing Grace Cabernet, Three Men In a Tub and the Back Roads Petite Sirah. Our range shows which vintages are currently available.