Rhino Tears to help with anti-poaching drive

HOEDSPRUIT – Only 60 days after the launch of the new Rhino Tears wine range, more than R100 000 has already been contributed to the fight against rhino poaching.

This was initiated by three important role players – John Turner of the honorary rangers, John Hooper a winemaker and André Nel who owns The Hat & Creek restaurants in Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa.

Rhino Tears was made at the Mt Vernon Wine Estate in Klapmuts, Cape Town and according to Hooper, he realised that he needed to create a good-quality wine which would be enjoyed and appreciated around the world.

“It was also important to consider selling a wine that people would buy often and could enjoy immediately, as this would mean more for anti-poaching than a wine that would have been stored in a cellar for years before drinking it.”

Hooper decided on a red blend made from Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and pinotage grapes that allowed for easy drinking and appealed to all levels of the palate. “The white is a delightful fruit-driven Chenin blanc suitable for enjoying on all occasions.”

Rhino Tears is on the menu at his restaurants in Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa and Nel thinks this is a winner.

“When an opportunity arises to mix work with pleasure, I jumped at the chance to give something back and spend time with good people fighting a worthy cause.”

After the sale of almost 10 000 bottles, Turner realised this was a good idea.

“Every bottle purchased really makes a difference. The costs of the anti-poaching war is expensive and the men and women involved need all the help they can get against a ruthless enemy.”