Once upon a time, a boy played barefoot rugby on a rough field in Paarl, dodging thorns and loose stones as he chased a ball across a patchwork pitch. Years later, that same boy would return to South Africa to create wines shaped by one of the country’s most celebrated terroirs…
Today, Burton Francis’s journey from rugby fields to vineyard soils lives on in Francis Wines, a brand rooted in place, purpose, and the belief that great wine can transform lives.
Francis’ early years shaped both his resilience and his determination to build something meaningful. Rugby soon became an important part of his life and opened doors that eventually took him abroad.
Over the next decade, he would go on to build a professional career in France, representing several teams as a fly-half. It was during this time, while living far from home, that a new passion quietly began to grow.
The seed that took root in Burgundy
Living in France introduced Francis to a culture where wine is deeply connected to land, heritage, and identity. His curiosity soon led him to Burgundy, one of the world’s most revered wine regions.
Captivated by the philosophy of terroir, the idea that wine reflects the natural environment in which it is grown, Francis pursued an MBA in Wine and Spirits Business at the Burgundy School of Business. Immersed in the region’s traditions, gastronomy, and lifestyle, he developed a deep appreciation for the nuanced wines produced from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
“When I lived in Burgundy, I saw how people respect the land and celebrate the seasons,” says Francis. “Wine there isn’t just something you drink. It tells the story of place, soil, and time. That experience inspired me to return home and create wines that reflect my own journey and connection to the land.”
Bringing home the vision
Returning to South Africa, Francis began searching for the right region to bring his vision to life. He found it in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, a cool climate appellation known for its complex soils and exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Working alongside renowned winemaker Kevin Grant of Ataraxia Wines, Francis began crafting small-production wines that honour traditional methods while expressing the distinctive Bokkeveld shale soils of the region. The goal was not to create flashy wines, but rather bottles defined by elegance, balance, and authenticity.
“Looking back, soil has always been part of my journey,” Francis reflects. “From the rugby field in Paarl to the vineyards of Burgundy and now Hemel-en-Aarde, it represents growth, transformation, and possibility. For me, wine is about that journey from soil to soul.”
When the first vintage found its voice
Although still a young label, Francis Wines has already begun attracting critical recognition.
The 2023 Chardonnay received 93 points from Tim Atkin, highlighting the elegance and precision that define the wine.
On the nose, complex layered aromas unfold with subtle oak, supported by chalky undertones of lemon, acacia flower, and nougat. The palate is vibrant and linear, revealing white pear and lime pith with a crystalline structure that carries through to a long, balanced finish.
The 2023 Pinot Noir earned 92 points from Tim Atkin, reflecting the finesse and expressive character of this small-production release.
The bouquet opens with spice and earthy notes that frame vibrant red cherry, rhubarb, and plum, while hints of liquorice add depth. On the palate, the wine flows with a velvety entry and generous mid-palate, where red berry fruit is supported by savoury structure and a lingering, understated complexity.
Produced in extremely limited quantities, only 1 929 bottles of Chardonnay and 938 bottles of Pinot Noir, the wines reflect Francis’s commitment to quality, careful vineyard selection, and patient maturation in French oak.
Giving back through Francis Academy
For Francis, the purpose of the brand extends beyond the bottle.
Through the Francis Academy, he combines his lifelong love of rugby with his passion for wine to support youth development in his community. The initiative is funded through five percent of every bottle sold, helping to provide rugby equipment, training resources, and educational opportunities for young people.
The academy also introduces students to potential careers in the wine industry, creating pathways that connect sport, education, and entrepreneurship.
Investing in the next generation
The initiative recently reached another milestone through its partnership with the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA).
Three new students from Paarl joined the programme on 3 March, including one female and two male students. Two of them will enroll in the Tourism Practitioner Course, while another will pursue the Wine Practitioner Course.
Francis is also working toward establishing the Francis Foundation, which aims to provide additional support, such as transport assistance, rugby equipment, and resources that help students fully participate in the programme.
A story of soil that comes full circle
By intertwining wine, education, and sport, Francis hopes to create a legacy that reaches far beyond the vineyard.
“Wine and rugby shaped who I am,” Francis shares. “Through Francis Academy, I want young people to discover their potential and find their own path. Whether that journey leads them to the rugby field, the vineyard, or somewhere entirely different, the opportunity to grow is what matters most.”
For Francis Wines, that philosophy captures the heart of the brand. It is a story rooted in land, shaped by experience, and driven by purpose. It is, in every sense, a journey from soil to soul.
Stay connected at franciswines.com and @franciswinesza on socials.
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