Franschhoek, South Africa – La Petite Ferme, a boutique hotel & wine estate in Franschhoek, is proud to announce the launch of The ZA Project – a pioneering collaboration with final-year Illustration students from the Stellenbosch Academy of Photography & Design.
Academy students were invited to design the label for La Petite Ferme’s 2024 vintage limited-edition Pinotage, The ZA. 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.
Five designs – from students Olivia Hansen, Amelie Du Toit, Michae Diamond, Hannah Bruni and Jolien Koen, have been shortlisted, with one – the winning label, set to become the identity of The ZA Pinotage 2024.
These designs will feature on La Petite Ferme’s social media channels over the next few weeks and a series of student videos will showcase the journey from concept to label in the weeks leading up to the reveal.
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 winning label will be revealed at an intimate Creative Reveal event in Franschhoek in November 2025, with the shortlisted works displayed in a gallery-style format.
Once the award-winning label is printed and applied, The ZA Pinotage will be formally launched, accompanied by full tasting notes and professional product photography.
“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 includes red, white and rosé.
