Funky & Unconventional: A Visit to Black Elephant Vintners

A Story Full of Passion and Unconventionality

Black Elephant Vintners is anything but ordinary—and that is by design. In a wine world often steeped in tradition, the founders purposely carve their own path. As boutique wine producers, they prioritize quality over quantity, creating wines born from passion and determination.

The winery's story begins with a bold move: Two former stockbrokers, Kevin Swart and Raymond Ndlovu, swapped the hectic city life for the tranquility of Franschhoek. “Let’s live where we like to vacation,” thought Kevin—and an unexpected journey into the world of wine began. Alongside their winemaker partner Jacques Wentzel, they crafted a brand embodying freedom, creativity, and joie de vivre.

The name Black Elephant Vintners reflects the personalities behind the brand: “Ndlovu,” Raymond’s surname, means “elephant” in Zulu, “Swart” means “black” in Afrikaans, and “Vintners” refers to Jacques, the winemaker. They humorously describe their refreshing, unconventional philosophy as: “We don’t know what we’re doing, so anything is possible.”

Experience this passion yourself—whether through their wines at home or, even better, at a unique Music Tasting experience on-site. Jacques Wentzel explains:

During tastings, you take the time to focus completely on the wine and the music—and how both intertwine. If you visit on a Saturday, you might be lucky enough to be guided by Jacques himself. Reservations are advised for Saturdays.

Wines Full of Joy and Hidden Messages

Black Elephant Vintners embodies the joy of life—and this is reflected in their wines and labels.

Two Dogs, a Peacock and a Horse

The title? Without deeper significance—it simply aims to bring a smile to your face. A wine for festive evenings with friends.

However, the label tells subtle stories:

• The rounded edge recalls the typical arches of Cape Dutch houses.
• An inverted "Y" on the front symbolizes the Eiffel Tower, hinting at Franschhoek’s Huguenot roots.
• If you tilt the bottle sideways, you'll find the South African flag—a nod to the wine's origin.

The back label? Pure irony: It sounds beautiful but, after several readings, makes no sense—a wink at the 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, the International Human Rights Day—shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A wine with a message, reminding us of what truly matters.