With these words Jan van Riebeeck marked a significant moment in South African wine and positioned South Africa as the only country able to put a date on their wine history. The vibrant culture surrounding South African wines is showcased by the numerous wine farms and estates across the region, as well as the diverse selection of wines available for both tourists and locals. Wine has a unique ability to unite cultures, and visiting a South African wine farm is an experience that comes highly recommended for anyone, whether a local resident or an international traveller.
Wine with A Purpose
Africa’s beloved African wild dogs are a very threatened species and less than 6600 of these charismatic Painted Wolves remain. At Painted Wolf Wines you can enjoy remarkable wines knowing that you are supporting the future of the last remaining wilderness areas in Africa.
Painted Wolf Wines are the world’s most unique blend of passion for authentic and artisanal wines for conservation – most especially for the Painted Wolf (Lycaon Pictus). Their range of wines express heirloom South African identity, global award-winning recognition, and unrivalled commitment to community-based conservation. For wine lovers and drinkers, Painted Wolf Wines are simply conservation in every glass.
The winery donates 4% of their annual turnover to the conservation of the endangered African wild dog. This is at the heart of their philosophy and sets them apart from others in the wine industry.
Alone We Can Do So Little
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller –
The quote from the well-known author, Helen Keller rings true when it comes to conservation and the survival of the South African wine industry. For co-founder and owner, Emma Borg, these words have become something of a motto in her pursuit of the conservation of the wild dogs.
Understanding the challenges in the industry, she likes the collaboration with other brands and to help make their brands stand out and grow, like making use of the elegantly designed and unique transportable MobiBars. These MobiBars vary in sizes and can be used as a general mobile drinks bar on a pool deck, veranda, in restaurants or as an in-room experience.
“I believe in balance,” Borg says.
She is keen to show you around the den and talks passionately about their drive and the survival of Africa’s wild dogs. The Painted Wolf theme has carefully been pulled through the winery with merchandise and labelling clearly showing what this winery stands for. The winery has an authentic look with the original cellar components kept giving it a rugged, yet defined look.
Borg has a dream for the range, taking it to the skies and “seeing our wines being served on flights, locally and internationally.”
Winning Team and Stories
The wine company was created in 2006 when Emma and Jeremy Borg decided to pursue Jeremy’s ambitions as a winemaker whilst raising money to build a more hopeful future for endangered African wild dogs.
Painted Wolf Wines consists of a small supportive team of seven members with Director and Co-founder Emma Borg, with a good 16 years of experience in the Tourism Industry, and Tasting Room Manager Emilicia Barrends, at the forefront of welcoming you to Painted Wolf Wines.
It is easy to think of Painted Wolf as a boutique wine. Emma explains that “it started as such. The description is boutique, but the Den range is bigger.” She goes on to say that, although there is an element of a boutique wine present, Painted Wolf is not exceptionally highly priced and has a far-reaching presence.
“We started small and grew,” says Borg. For the Painted Wolf Wines team their aim is to, “give good value so that people will want to come back.”
Both ladies have a positive and calm approach. They make visitors feel comfortable, is soft spoken and kind. You will be glad you made the effort to stop for a visit to Painted Wolf Wines.
A friendly and attentive welcome awaits you at Painted Wolf Wines and their stories, that of Painted Wolf, the surrounding community and their own, will keep you entertained and intrigued. The team all comes with a good knowledge of the wines they produce. They are easy to talk to, ready listen and share.
“We like a good story.” – Emilicia Barrends –
The team is eager to share their insights and stories about the region and their personal experiences. You will feel welcomed and relaxed, making you want to return. Whether it’s for the wine or the pleasure of the beautiful scenery and outstanding service, you won’t be disappointed.
“Wine tasting is a personal experience. We want you to come enjoy the view, taste, eat and have a good time,” Borg passionately says. She continues to emphasise that at Painted Wolf Wines they strive to make their wines accessible and like to see the tourists and locals visiting. “We would like to keep up the kind of donation we are supplying to the conservation,” she adds.
Located at the beautiful and unique Simondium Guild between Paarl and Franschhoek is where you will find Painted Wolf Wines. Simondium Guild is a hidden gem trading with co-operative brands on the premises, ensuring a great visitor experience filled with soul and goodness.
Simondium Guild also offers a kiddies play area, coffee spot and glassware painting facilities. You can enjoy a cheese platter, order a meal from the restaurant and pop into the on-site brewery. The brewery has tasty on-tap craft beers on offer. Good news for dog lovers, your pooch is welcome as this is a pet friendly zone!
The original gables of the Cape Dutch Architecture from the mid 1800’s to early 1900’s are still evident on the building and the touch of ruggedness gives the businesses operating here the feel of an authentic charm. Visiting the restrooms you will find the same rugged simplicity in the décor and feel.
The Wine Range
The winemaker team is Jeremy and the Assistant Wine Maker Fred and together they proudly bring you the Painted Wolf Wines range, which consists of The Den, The Pack and The Lycaon Pictus range. Although they are currently buying in their MCC, the making of their own MCC is, “something I have been wanting to do for years,” says Borg.
Production of the wine range are done off site. Borg explains – “We used to have our own cellar on the premises, but the logistics became hard, and we changed that three years ago.”
The Den range is a social wine range to be enjoyed with friends and family, named for the den, the heart of all African wild dog communities. Flavour-packed, soft and juicy comfort wines for everyday drinking.
The Pack range are premium wines handcrafted from organic or sustainably farmed vineyards; the best grapes were used to create exceptional wines.
Lycaon Pictus, named after the rare and beautiful painted wolf, this range of boutique wines includes Painted Wolf’s certified heritage Chenin Blanc as well Rhône-style blends made from their favourite barrels of each vintage.
A well-known cultivar for Painted Wolf Wines is their Chenin Blanc and the Guillermo Pinotage, named after one of the first grape shareholders, the Argentinian, Guillermo Hughes.
Painted Wolf Wines source their grapes in the Swarland, an area that started growing grapes just 30 years ago. Before then this area was known as a meat area in the Swartland. Started growing grapes 30 years ago, before then the area was known as a meat supplier. Nowadays the area is well thought off for the growing of grapes.
You will find the labelling of Painted Wolf Wines delicate and simple, yet it has a strong voice and clearly and resembles the wolf. The Wines and labels all have stories about one the magnificent creatures within them and the wines are named after integrational wild dogs.
“To highlight how incredible these guys are as leaders in their packs.” – Emma Borg –
Pop in during opening hours for a Den or Pack wines tasting, or book in advance for the premium Alpha tasting. Borg suggests that you should, “try different pairing experiences.” She continues to say, “do give us your critique and opinions. We love to hear from you.”
Bookings are advised but Borg says they welcome walk-ins as well.
Export and Local Sales
“We produce unique high-quality wines with distinctive South African character. Our focus is on Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, the two benchmark South African grape varieties and individualistic Cape blends. We also make great value wines from other varietals.”
Besides the exporting of the wines and local sales, Painted Wolf Wines are stocked in Kruger Park shops, lodges and online.
The Painted Wolf
There has been controversy about the use of the name African wild dog because it is thought by some to have negative connotations. These amazing carnivores have long been vilified as vermin and conservationists would prefer a more positive term. Following the popular BBC series “Dynasties” in 2018, the name Painted Wolf has gained traction.
In English they have been known as African wild dog (most common usage), Cape hunting dog, painted hunting dog (favoured by Greg Rasmussen), painted dog, Painted Wolf and tri-coloured dog.
Painted Wolf Wines will nestle in heart the moment you meet the team and taste your first of wine. Their cause, drive and passion are something to admire. A like-minded team, with a like-minded vision and a joyful approach. Visit Painted Wolf Wines for a tasting or pairing inside the charming old cellar or outside to soak up the sun and expect a personal touch alongside good wine.
