Franschhoek

South Africa

Black Elephant Vintners cheerfully describe themselves as Rebels of the Vine, and the name itself tells the story, Swart and Ndlovu translate as Black and Elephant, with Jacques the Vintner completing the trio. Kevin, Jacques and Raymond came together in Franschhoek to do things their own way: irreverent labels, music-led pairings, and a refusal to take the industry too seriously. The wines themselves, though, are made with proper care. There's craft behind the cheek, and the playful packaging hides genuinely thoughtful winemaking. Think of them as the producer who turns up to a black-tie dinner in a band t-shirt, and still pours the best glass of the night.