From the rugby fields of Paarl to the revered vineyards of Burgundy and back to the storied slopes of Hemel-en-Aarde, Burton Francis’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Today, he proudly introduces Francis Wines, a boutique producer of expressive Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that tells a story – from soil to soul.

WineLand Media and ROTOCON celebrated 30 South African wine industry rising stars at a special lunch on 30 May 2025 at Scape Restaurant, Vrymansfontein, Paarl.

The Cape Mint™, Sub-Saharan Africa’s oldest private mint, in collaboration with the Pinotage Association, held an event during which centenarian Madame May-Eliane de Lencquesaing overstruck a gold medallion to mark one hundred years of Pinotage, South Africa’s signature red cultivar.

The Uncommon was born from a simple question: Why do English wines follow the crowd? Instead of copying tradition, The Uncommon’s founders reimagined wine with sustainability at the core to offer a fresh, modern and convenient single-serve canned wine.

Elunda Basson has carved out a space for herself as a seasoned winemaker, leader, mentor and tireless advocate for premium South African Sauvignon Blanc.