Avani first to serve conservation inspired wines

 

Minor Hotels has partnered with Africa-based conservation charity Saving the Wild to launch a trio of fundraising wines now being served across its African properties, with Avani Gaborone Resort among the first venues to introduce the collection this past Saturday.

Dressed in lovely theme colors of the day, that blended earthy elegance, a few came to witness this exclusive launch and had a chance to taste the good wines at Avani Gaborone Centre Court. Produced by Hoopenburg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, the Saving the Wild collection includes a Cabernet‑Merlot blend (Rhino), a Sauvignon Blanc (Elephant) and a Rosé (Pangolin). Each bottle carries striking fine‑art wildlife photography, donated by award‑winning photographers William Fortescue, James Lewin and Aaron Gekoski, with gold‑foil detailing that draws attention to the animal features targeted by illegal poachers.

Minor Hotels says a portion of proceeds from every bottle sale will go to Saving the Wild’s advocacy work, which focuses on pushing for specialised courts and tougher legislation to deter wildlife crime across southern and eastern Africa.

The wines also carry QR codes linking guests to short films produced by Saving the Wild, including Rhino: The Endgame, which features Dr Jane Goodall, and the Kimana Tuskers short narrated by Djimon Hounsou. Saving the Wild founder Jamie Joseph, noted that weak penalties allow syndicates to operate with little fear of consequences.“Meaningful legislative reform is critical to ending wildlife crime,” Joseph said praising Minor Hotels for its commitment to conservation and recalled the inspiration he drew from protected reserves where wildlife thrives.

Regional Director of Operations & Development for Minor Hotels Africa, Nico Vivier, said the partnership was a natural fit for the brand’s sustainability focus. “As Minor Hotels expands into more of Africa’s protected wilderness areas, we believe the protection of these ecosystems is our shared responsibility,” he said. The collection was crafted from Hoopenburg’s dry‑land bush‑vine vineyards, which the winery credits with producing grapes of distinctive flavour. In addition to fundraising, the project raises public awareness by pairing fine art, film and hospitality. Minor Hotels will distribute the wines across its NH Hotels, Avani and Anantara properties in Africa.