Burton Francis, a name once synonymous with South African rugby, is now making a name for himself as winemaker and, in doing so, giving back to his Paarl community.
From a barefoot boy playing rugby on makeshift fields to a celebrated Super Rugby champion, and now a burgeoning winemaker, Francis’ story is a testament to determination and reinvention.
Growing up in Klein Nederburg, a modest neighbourhood in Paarl, Burton faced challenges that could easily have derailed his dreams. Opportunities were scarce and life was often a struggle. He recalled running barefoot on frozen, thorn-ridden rugby fields and navigating the hardships of a community grappling with poverty. Yet amid adversity he nurtured a dream, to rise above his circumstances and excel at rugby.
His talent and tenacity caught the attention of scouts, and soon he was donning the jerseys of South Africa’s top rugby teams. From the Bulls, Lions, Stormers and Cheetahs to stints with the SWD Eagles and Griquas, Francis built a reputation as a reliable and skilful flyhalf. The pinnacle of his career came in 2009, when he lifted the Super Rugby trophy with the Bulls.
In 2013 Francis ventured to France, joining Top 14 clubs Agen and Grenoble. Playing in a foreign country brought its own set of challenges, but also exposed him to the cultural richness of rugby communities in Europe.
“Rugby here is not just a sport, he pointed out, “it’s part of the culture.”
However, in 2018 a devastating back injury forced him to hang his boots up.
Faced with the end of his playing career, Francis chose not to dwell on what was lost. Instead, he pivoted to a new dream: winemaking.
In France Francis immersed himself in the art of winemaking, earning an MBA in wine and spirits.
Inspired by Burgundy’s iconic vineyards, he envisioned creating wines that embodied elegance, finesse and a deep connection to the land. Returning to South Africa, he partnered with renowned winemaker Kevin Grant in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and launched Francis Wines, focusing on the unique terroir of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley.
And in true Burgundy style Francis makes only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wine, the two pillars of the Burgundian wine region.
“Our wines pay tribute to the soil that nurtured me and the soul that inspires me to share my journey with the world,” Francis explained.
But he hasn’t forgotten where he came from. True to his roots, he now coaches rugby at his alma mater, Klein Nederburg Secondary School, and donates 5% of his wine sales to the school to fund much-needed rugby equipment.
“I know what it’s like to dream big, in a place where resources are limited,” he said. “This is my way of giving back and nurturing the next generation.”
Francis Wines is a true example of excellence, also reflecting the man behind the brand.
By blending the traditions of Burgundy with the unique characteristics of South African terroir, Francis is not only creating world-class wines, but also inspiring his community to dream big and persevere.
As he continues to pour his passion into winemaking, his story reminds us that life’s setbacks can be the foundation for new beginnings.
From Paarl’s dusty fields to Hemel-en-Aarde’s rolling vineyards, Francis proves that the soil of one’s past can grow the dreams of one’s future.
