Exploring the Unconventional Wines of Black Elephant Vintners

A Journey of Adventure and Uniqueness

Black Elephant Vintners is far from ordinary—and this is intentional. In a wine world often steeped in conventions, the founders forge their own path. As boutique wine producers, they emphasize quality over quantity, crafting wines born from passion and determination.

The story of the winery begins with a daring leap: Two former stockbrokers, Kevin Swart and Raymond Ndlovu, traded the frenetic city life for the serenity of Franschhoek. “Let’s live where we enjoy vacationing,” Kevin mused—and an unexpected journey into the world of wine commenced. Together with their winemaker partner Jacques Wentzel, they built a brand that represents freedom, creativity, and joie de vivre.

The name Black Elephant Vintners reflects the characters behind the brand: “Ndlovu,” Raymond's surname, means “elephant” in Zulu, while “Swart” translates to “black” in Afrikaans, and “Vintners” pays homage to Jacques, the winemaker. They humorously characterize their unconventional approach as: “We don’t know what we’re doing, so anything is within reach.”

Experience this passion firsthand—be it through their wines at home or better yet, at a unique Music Tasting experience on-site. Jacques Wentzel elaborates:

During tastings, you'll have the chance to immerse fully in the wine and music—and how both intertwine. If you visit on a Saturday, you might be fortunate enough to be guided by Jacques himself. Reservations are advisable for Saturdays.

Wines Bursting with Joy and Hidden Stories

Black Elephant Vintners embodies joy—and this resonates throughout their wines and labels.

Two Dogs, a Peacock and a Horse

The title? It bears no deeper meaning—it’s merely meant to bring a smile to your face. A wine for social evenings with friends.

However, the label tells myriad subtle stories:

• The rounded edge hints at the typical arches of Cape Dutch houses.
• An inverted “Y” on the front symbolizes the Eiffel Tower, referring to Franschhoek’s Huguenot heritage.
• When tilting the bottle sideways, you'll unveil the South African flag as a nod to the wine's origin.

The back label? Pure irony: It sounds beautiful but, upon multiple readings, makes no sense—a playful nod to often dry technical descriptions.

The Power of Love

Our personal favorite label: “The Power of Love” emerged during the pandemic, reminding us that love is the strongest force.

The quote from Jimi Hendrix defines this wine:
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
Released on December 10, 2022, International Human Rights Day—shortly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A wine embodying a message, compelling us to remember what matters most.