Variety is in our Nature

PRESS RELEASE
5 FEBRUARY 2005

For thousand of years, man has helped produce wine through treading the grapes with his feet. Now, for the first time in history, an elephant helped produce a wine through treading the grapes with his feet.

The treading process took place on Tuesday, 5 February at the Knysna Elephant Park, where Harry, the elephant has been trained by qualified staff for the past three weeks. Harry, who is 22 years old, especially enjoys Chardonnay, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Before the treading took place, Harry's feet were washed and sterilised. During the treading process, Harry could not resist helping himself to some grapes, for all his hard work. The juice was transported to Boplaas, where it has been incorporated as a part of the traditionally vinified portion.

Two types of wine will be produced, namely a Boplaas Elephant Rosé 2008 and Boplaas Elephant Chardonnay 2008. This will be a limited production; the wines will be released mid-April under their own label, and sold in selected restaurants and wine shops. The treading process will also be broadcast by Top Billing in mid-February 2008.

Part of the proceeds will be donated towards elephant research projects and conservation. To be in the presence of these magnificent, intelligent animals is truly amazing. Even if our contribution is small, it may help to make people aware of their presence in Knysna and South Africa.

Visit the Boplaas website - www.boplaas.co.za ; or Knysna Elephant Park - www.knysnaelephantpark.co.za - for more information.