Franschhoek, South Africa – La Petite Ferme, a boutique hotel & wine estate in Franschhoek, is delighted to announce the winner of The ZA Project: A Fusion of South African Art and Pinotage.
Launched by La Petite Ferme, this pioneering collaboration – with the talented final-year illustration students from the Stellenbosch Academy of Design & Photography being invited to design the label for La Petite Ferme’s 2024 vintage limited-edition Pinotage The ZA – has successfully blended South African art, culture and winemaking into an extraordinary story.
Thirteen students were selected and tasked with interpreting South African heritage, terroir and culture into a wine label that would reflect the essence of La Petite Ferme.
From concept to creation and after weeks of sketches, colour palettes and late-night inspiration, five outstanding designs of Amelie Du Toit, Hannah Bruni, Jolien Koen, Michae Diamond and Olivia Hansen were shortlisted.
At an intimate Creative Reveal event held recently in Franschhoek, the exceptional Jolien Koen was announced as the winner.
Where landscape becomes legacy: Jolien’s label celebrates the diverse beauty of South Africa’s natural landscapes, from the rugged Karoo to the vibrant coastal life of the Garden Route. Through a tapestry of birds, plants, soil and vines she evocatively captured the heart of La Petite Ferme’s connection to ‘place’ – a story of resilience, craftsmanship and belonging.
Her design avoided clichés and instead embraced authentic textures and tones that honour both the land and the wine born from it.
The winning label design is now set to become the identity of the ZA Pinotage 2024; and when printed and applied, The ZA Pinotage will be formally launched, accompanied by full tasting notes and professional product photography.
The other gifted designers’ re-imaginings:
- A story of place, pride and Pinotage – Amelie Du Toit ‘s design beautifully captured the essence of South Africa with her artwork subtly forming the South African flag, a tribute to the land that shapes La Petite Ferme’s Pinotage.
- Where diversity meets harmony – Hannah Bruni’s design – using a variety of birds, illustrated in pinks and reds inspired by the hues of Pinotage, layered and blended to symbolise cultures interwoven -is a visual celebration of togetherness, captured through colour, movement and meaning that tells a story of South Africa’s diversity and unity.
- Where unity takes root – Michae Diamond’s design is a tribute to the people of South Africa – diverse, resilient and deeply connected. Illustrated through four hands gripping a vine, this artwork represents the strength found in togetherness and shared growth; each hand reaches from a different direction, shaping the vine into a “Z” for ZA, with new leaves sprouting to symbolise how growth is never achieved alone – we shape it and it shapes us.
- Where earth, sky, and craft converge – Olivia Hansen’s design entitled “Terroir,” captures the untamed beauty and raw power of the Western Cape’s natural elements – a poetic reflection of how environment shapes both wine and identity. Inspired by the fine ink work of Franklin Booth, her label depicts billowing clouds over mountain slopes, where wind-torn trees and shifting light tell a story of respect for nature’s rhythm – a tribute to La Petite Ferme’s philosophy: creating wines that don’t resist the forces of nature but rather celebrate and express them.
An Evolving Legacy
Each year, a new group of students will re-interpret the label, guaranteeing that The ZA Project will evolve into an annual showcase of creativity and cultural storytelling.
A rare and collectible wine, The ZA Pinotage – crafted from old-vine grapes grown in Piekenierskloof, Citrusdal, is positioned as a premium wine within La Petite Ferme’s portfolio. Only 800 bottles will be produced annually, making it a rare and collectible release.
Each vintage will feature a new student-designed label, further enhancing its exclusivity and appeal to collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.
In addition, a percentage of proceeds from The ZA will be donated to an art school that relies on public funding, supporting future generations of South African talent.
“The ZA Project is about more than wine. It is a celebration of creativity, terroir and the next generation of South African artists. Each bottle tells a story that is both timeless and ever- evolving”, says Wikus Pretorius, Wine maker, La Petite Ferme.
La Petite Ferme, a leading boutique hotel and wine estate situated on the slopes of the Oliphants Pass and Middagkrans Mountain Range, overlooking the Franschhoek Valley, is the perfect destination for local and international guests. Offering unparallelled vistas, luxurious accommodation and award-winning cuisine and wines, its accommodation comprises five beautifully appointed Vineyard suites, five Manor House Suites – each with spectacular views and comfort and five luxury Winery Suites, recently converted from the old Wine Cellar. It is home to an award-winning restaurant which serves country cuisine with a fresh contemporary touch. In addition, La Petite Ferme’s small and intimate boutique style cellar, managed by winemaker Wikus Pretorius offers a full range of wines which include red, white and rosé.
