From Rugby To Winemaking Burton Francis Launches Boutique Label Celebrating Terroir And Tenacity
Written by: WineLand Media Editor Save to Instapaper
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.
Born from a deep connection to land and legacy, Francis Wines is a tribute to perseverance, passion, and place. Crafted with inspiration from the purist winemaking traditions of Burgundy and the unique terroir of South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, the wines reflect the elegance, complexity, and integrity of both regions.
“At Francis Wines, we don’t just make wine,” says founder Burton Francis, a former professional rugby player turned winemaker. “We bottle stories — of hardship, hope, and heritage. These wines are my way of honoring where I come from, and where I’ve been.”
After his rugby career was cut short by injury in France, Francis pursued his long-held dream of winemaking by earning an MBA in Wine and Spirits Business from the Burgundy School of Business. Immersed in the Burgundian way of life, he became captivated by the tradition, detail, and artistry behind the world’s most iconic wines. This philosophy now guides his winemaking approach in South Africa.
With renowned winemaker Kevin Grant (Ataraxia) as lead consultant, Francis Wines embraces the nuances of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge – its altitude, soils, and micro-climates – to produce site-specific, small-batch wines that celebrate purity, finesse, and terroir.
The current releases include
- Francis Wines Chardonnay 2023 – Cellar Door R540 Elegant and crystalline, with layers of lemon pith, white pear, and acacia flower. Matured in 500L French oak barrels for 16 months. Only 1,929 bottles produced.
- Francis Wines Pinot Noir 2023 – Cellar Door R645 A velvet-textured wine with expressive notes of cherry, rhubarb, and spice, anchored by earthy undertones. Aged 16 months in French oak barriques. Limited to 938 bottles.
Beyond winemaking, Francis’s vision extends to social impact. Through the Francis Academy, 5% of every bottle sold supports rugby development and wine education for young South Africans – empowering the next generation to rise with purpose, pride, and potential.
Francis Wines is more than a wine brand; it is a testament to transformation. From kicking rugby balls barefoot on frozen fields to cultivating vines with care and craft, Burton Francis invites you to be part of a journey that celebrates place, people, and possibility.
We submit and automate press releases distribution for a range of clients. Our platform brings in automation to 5 social media platforms with engaging hashtags. Our new platform The Pulse, allows premium PR Agencies to have access to our newsletter subscribers.
Latest from
- Jacaranda FM and Do More Foundation Fund Climate-Ready ECD Centres With R1.7-Million in Donations
- IPG Mediabrands Sees 28% Surge in Search Trends as iProspect Gains Ground Despite Industry Slowdown
- Blok and NSRI Partner to Tackle Drowning Risks With National Water Safety Education Campaign
- Capegate Celebrates Women’s Day With Inspiring Talks and Creative Connection at Centre Court
- Brahman Hills Wins Top KZN Business Award for Redefining Sustainability in the Hospitality Sector
- Retroviral Clinches Silver as Small International Agency at Prestigious AdAge Awards 2025
- Public Urges Stronger Vetting of Marriages to Foreign Nationals During Hearings on South Africa’s Marriage Bill
- Bravado’s Rapiya Unpacks the Power Shift From Agencies to Creators in Today’s Attention-Driven Market
- World Hepatitis Day Shines Light on Liver Health as Affinity Health Urges Proactive Screening and Care
- Government Marks Major Milestones in Executing State Capture Commission Recommendations
- Uniq Clothing Celebrates Continued Growth With New Store Showcasing Premium Fabric Innovation
- From Data Overload to Strategic Insight Finance Teams Must Rethink Their Role in the Modern Enterprise
- Rainbow Chicken Unites for Mandela Day to Empower ECD Centres With Climate Play Education Packs
- Mzansi Magic Turns 15 After Transforming Local Content Into a Generational Cultural Movement
- Northern Cape Touted as Catalyst for Energy Transition and National Growth at Presidential Engagement
The Pulse Latest Articles
- Liezel Van Der Westhuizen On Why Winter Workouts Feel Harder And How To Stay Consistent (July 28, 2025)
- From Eastern Cape To England: Zintle Mpupha’s Road To The Rugby World Cup (July 27, 2025)
- Athini Magodla Reveals Why Modern Refreshment Fuels Performance Over Perfection In Today’s Wellness Culture. (July 27, 2025)
- Why More Mums Are Choosing Less Sugar - Not No Sugar (July 27, 2025)
- Scaling Hospitality: How Jimmy Eracleous Runs Two Of Moo Moo’s Top-performing Franchise Restaurants (July 27, 2025)