Avani raises a glass to conservation with new wine collection
Laone Choeunyane | Tuesday July 7, 2026 11:16
During the event, guests were treated to an elegant three-course tasting experience featuring three distinctive wines, each named after one of Africa's most iconic yet threatened species: The Rhino, The Pangolin, and The Elephant.
The tasting opened with The Rhino Rosé, a vibrant, refreshing wine that offered delicate fruit notes and crisp elegance. It was followed by The Pangolin Sauvignon Blanc, a lively white bursting with tropical fruit flavours and bright acidity that delighted the palate.
The evening concluded with The Elephant Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, a bold, full-bodied red delivering rich layers of dark fruit, refined tannins, and a long, satisfying finish.
Far removed from the uninspiring house wines often associated with hotels, Avani's new collection impressed with its quality, balance, and craftsmanship.
Every bottle reflects careful attention to detail, resulting in wines that comfortably rival many premium labels while perfectly complementing the hotel's culinary offerings.
The collection was developed in partnership with Huppenberg Wines, a respected winery in South Africa's renowned Western Cape.
Speaking at the launch, Avani Gaborone Hotel & Casino General Manager, Willem van Heerden revealed that the collaboration was driven by both exceptional quality and a shared conservation vision.
'Today we are launching our house wines, and we've done this in collaboration with Huppenberg Wines,' he said.
'The reason why we've selected these partners is the quality of the product itself, but also because of the cause that Saving the Wild stands for.'
What truly distinguishes the collection is its purpose. A portion of proceeds from every bottle sold supports Saving the Wild, a conservation organisation dedicated to combating wildlife crime through stronger legislation, improved regulation, and practical anti-poaching initiatives.
'Proceeds from the sales of our wines go towards Saving the Wild,' van Heerden explained. 'They are an organisation that deals with, amongst other things, strengthening legislation and regulations around poaching.'
The exclusive wines will be served across Avani properties in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique, and Lesotho.
The gesture will allow guests throughout Southern Africa to enjoy wines that celebrate both regional excellence and environmental stewardship.
The collection could also expand in the future. 'We may introduce a fourth one at a later stage,' van Heerden revealed. 'We're still collaborating with the farm to see what they can produce for us.'
The initiative forms part of the wider sustainability agenda of Minor Hotels, Avani's parent company, which has long invested in wildlife conservation projects worldwide.
Amongst its flagship initiatives is support for elephant welfare in Thailand, reflecting the group's broader commitment to protecting endangered species across the regions in which it operates.
With The Rhino, The Pangolin, and The Elephant, Avani has created more than a signature wine collection. It has crafted an experience where every glass tells a story; one of African wildlife, responsible hospitality, and purposeful travel.
In an era where luxury is increasingly defined by authenticity and impact, Avani's newest house wines offer guests the opportunity to savour exceptional craftsmanship while helping safeguard Africa's extraordinary wildlife for generations to come.