Minor Hotels has partnered with conservation organisation Saving the Wild and South Africa’s Hoopenburg Wine Estate to launch a new wine collection that will raise funds for wildlife conservation initiatives across Africa.
The three-wine range will be served at selected Minor Hotels properties across the continent, with a portion of proceeds supporting Saving the Wild’s advocacy work for stronger legislation and specialised courts aimed at tackling wildlife crime.
Conservation stories behind every bottle
The collection includes a Cabernet Merlot blend, Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé, each dedicated to a species threatened by illegal poaching.
The Cabernet Merlot features a rhinoceros image by wildlife photographer William Fortescue, the Sauvignon Blanc showcases an elephant photographed by James Lewin, and the Rosé highlights a pangolin image by Aaron Gekoski.
Each label incorporates gold foil detailing designed to draw attention to the body parts most commonly targeted by poachers, including rhino horns, elephant tusks and pangolin scales.
Guests can access conservation content through QR codes on each bottle, linking to short films produced by Saving the Wild that explore the challenges facing endangered wildlife across Africa.
Hospitality sector supports conservation funding
The wines will be available across a number of Minor Hotels properties in Africa, including NH Johannesburg Sandton, Avani Victoria Falls Resort and The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara.
Jamie Joseph, founder of Saving the Wild, said the initiative would help fund efforts to strengthen wildlife protection laws and improve prosecution outcomes for wildlife crimes.
“Meaningful legislative reform is critical to ending wildlife crime,” she said.
“The greatest challenge facing South Africa’s rhino crisis is the lack of legislation that truly deters poachers and specialised courts.”
Growing focus on purpose-led travel
Minor Hotels said the partnership aligns with the company’s broader sustainability strategy as it expands its presence in Africa’s protected wilderness areas.
Nico Vivier, Regional Director of Operations and Development for Minor Hotels Africa, said the hospitality group viewed conservation as a shared responsibility.
The initiative reflects a growing trend within the tourism sector, where hotels and lodges are increasingly integrating conservation and community programmes into guest experiences.
Saving the Wild operates across southern and East Africa and is recognised for its work targeting organised wildlife crime, particularly rhino poaching syndicates.
