Black Elephant Vintners

Black Elephant Vintners was born in Franschhoek in 2012 from pure synchronicity, shared passions, and a few well-timed friendships. Three distinctly different personalities — Kevin Swart, Raymond Ndlovu, and Jacques Wentzel — united by a sincere love for wine and a desire to shake up the industry, moved to the valley and created something entirely their own. The name itself tells their story: Kevin's surname Swart means 'black' in Afrikaans, Raymond's surname Ndlovu means 'elephant' in the Nguni languages, and Jacques is the vintner — the winemaker.

Kevin and Raymond met in Johannesburg where they co-founded and managed institutional stockbroker Noah Financial Innovation. Raymond, originally from Zimbabwe, had spent seven years at Standard Chartered Merchant Bank before moving to South Africa in 2002. Their decision to leave finance for wine was spontaneous and bold. Jacques Wentzel, a trained oenologist, brought the technical craft that grounds the operation's creative ambitions.

From the beginning, Black Elephant Vintners established their identity as 'Rebels of the Vine,' constantly working to demystify the winemaking process for all enthusiasts. Their wines carry playful, story-driven names — Two Dogs, A Peacock And A Horse is a Sauvignon Blanc blended with old-vine Semillon from seven Franschhoek vineyard sites; Nicholas is a red blend that anchors the premium range; and Amistad is a Syrah that speaks to the friendship at the heart of the enterprise.

The winery produces under two ranges. The Black Elephant range represents the flagship wines, while The Back Roads range explores grapes from carefully selected vineyards and blocks that display unique potential, whether inside or beyond the borders of Franschhoek. A traditional method MCC Brut adds sparkling ambition to the portfolio, completing a range that spans from crisp tropical whites to structured, age-worthy reds.

The tasting room at 40a Uitkyk Street in the heart of Franschhoek village is an extension of the founders' personalities — relaxed, welcoming, and full of music. Artistically designed labels and a refusal to take themselves too seriously have made Black Elephant Vintners a favourite among visitors seeking substance over stuffiness.

As a proudly South African-owned winery in a valley historically dominated by established names, Black Elephant Vintners represents a new chapter in Franschhoek's story. Kevin, Raymond, and Jacques have proven that you do not need a wine dynasty behind you to make exceptional wine — you need passion, friendship, and the courage to be unapologetically different. Their wines, their labels, and their tasting room all tell the same story: wine is for everyone, and the best bottles come with a great conversation.