La Petite Ferme Boutique Hotel & Wine Estate in Franschhoek, announced the winner of its The ZA Project on 18 November. The project is 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 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, were shortlisted to become the identity of The ZA Pinotage 2024.
These finalists’ designs were featured on La Petite Ferme’s social media channels in the lead up to the winners announcement. A series of student videos showcased the journey from concept to label in the weeks leading up to the reveal.
When the winning design was announced it was Koen’s delicate composition that took the honours. 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. Koen was almost at a loss for words, but said that it was “completely unexpected” and a great honour.
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.
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, La Petite Ferme’s winemaker.
