Stellenbosch, South Africa — The Hazendal Wine Estate, a historic vineyard in the Stellenbosch region, has unveiled a new chapter in its storied legacy by commissioning renowned South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga to design the label for its inaugural Artists’ Series of sparkling wines. The collaboration reflects the estate’s ongoing efforts to blend its rich history with contemporary cultural expression.
Founded in 1699 as a cattle and grain farm, Hazendal became a pioneer in wine production in the Bottelary Hills in 1870. Today, the estate is known not only for its wines but also for its commitment to integrating the arts into its identity. The decision to feature Ruga’s work on the label of the estate’s limited-edition Hazendal MCC (Méthode Cap Classique)—South Africa’s answer to Champagne—aligns with its broader cultural program, which began with the Hazendal Festival in 2024.
Ruga, a visual artist recognized for exploring themes of myth, dreams, and identity through various media, was chosen for his ability to bridge multiple cultural perspectives. His label design features a powerful image of a muscular, nude male figure in the process of metamorphosis, with a flower unfurling from his mouth—a representation of both transformation and freedom. Drawing inspiration from the voguing culture of 1980s New York, Ruga uses the figure’s poised stance as a metaphor for resilience and artistic expression, particularly in the context of South Africa’s evolving identity.
“After a few sips of the wine, the image of this figure unfurling, about to perform a dance of light, appeared,” said Ruga. “In the past, we’ve danced in spite of many things, and now we dance freely.”
Ruga’s approach reflects the Hazendal estate’s commitment to cultural renewal. The wine estate, located in one of the most fertile wine-growing regions in South Africa, boasts a landscape shaped by granite-rich soils and a maritime climate ideal for producing wines with balance and character. But as Khanyisile Mbongwa, the curator behind Hazendal’s arts initiatives, points out, the region also carries a complex historical weight.
Mbongwa, who has curated major art events such as the Stellenbosch Triennale and the Liverpool Biennial, believes the estate’s fusion of art and wine offers an opportunity to explore these layered histories. She selected Ruga for the project because of his ability to think across diverse cultural, social, and spiritual dimensions.
“Working outside of the gallery frame, on a wine farm, creates a unique space for imagination,” Mbongwa explained. “We can create new possibilities from this expansive context.”
For Ruga, the connection between art, culture, and ritual runs deep. As a Mosser from the Eastern Cape, he reflects on the role of MCC wines in traditional ceremonies, where they are used as offerings. This cultural link between dance, spirits, and ritual is integral to his artistic process. The Hazendal label, he says, speaks both to his roots and to the evolving narrative of South Africa’s future.
“The beautiful thing about Hazendal is its renewal,” he said. “The estate is a product of the new South Africa, and I feel that this art connection brings new voices to the forefront.”
As Hazendal continues to merge its historic legacy with contemporary artistry, the collaboration with Athi-Patra Ruga exemplifies the estate’s vision of “a choreography of histories”—an ongoing dialogue between the past, present, and future.
You Might Be Interested In:
