In a world that often races forward, leaving little room for pause, Lavo Wines invites us to slow down, pour a glass, and reconnect. Rooted in the Southern African name Lerato, meaning “love,” Lavo is more than a wine brand—it’s a celebration of heritage, togetherness, and the universal language of shared moments. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Wellington, South Africa, to boutique hotels and restaurants across Africa, Lavo Wines carries a message as rich as its flavors: love binds us, and a glass of wine can bring us closer.
Love in Every Sip
Founded in 2010 and fully operational by 2016 after extensive market research, Lavo Wines was born from a simple yet profound philosophy: wine should touch the heart as much as it pleases the palate. “Love is the thread that keeps people together,” says Lerato Pretorius, the visionary behind the brand. Her name, Lerato, inspired the brand’s identity, infusing it with a mission to foster connection. Lavo’s wines—Merlot, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon—are crafted with care, designed for spontaneous laughter, long-overdue reunions, and quiet romantic evenings. Each bottle is a conduit for stories, bonds, and memories, making every sip a shared experience.
A Heritage of Craftsmanship
Lavo’s wines are produced in Wellington, in the Western Cape winelands, at De Slange Rivier, a vineyard with roots tracing back to 1699 when French Huguenot Louis Fourie began cultivating the land. This centuries-old legacy of viticultural excellence is honored in every bottle. The team at Lavo tends each vine with intention, ensuring that their wines—elegant, bold, and distinctively flavorful—balance tradition with modernity. Available in boutique hotels, restaurants like Codfather in Sandton, and online platforms like Zulzi, Lavo has built a reputable presence in South Africa and beyond over the past five years.
The Heart of Lavo
Lerato Pretorius, a qualified Project Manager with an MBA and a background in banking at Barclays, Standard Bank, and Investec, is the driving force behind Lavo. Her passion for learning led her to complete a winemaking course at the University of Stellenbosch, deepening her expertise. As a business leader, she has organically built her acumen over nearly three decades, earning recognition as a Platinum Member of Who is Who International Magazine and a member of the South African Tourism Board and the Institute of Directors. Lerato’s commitment to empowerment, particularly for women, shapes Lavo’s mission to foster wine appreciation through education and celebration.
Joining her is Nobantu Dube, Lavo’s dynamic Marketing Manager since 2019. With a BA in Communications from UNISA and a BCom in progress at Regent Business School, Nobantu’s entrepreneurial drive has helped elevate the brand under Lerato’s mentorship. Together, they champion a legacy of strong, independent black women, building a brand that resonates globally while staying rooted in South African pride.
A Movement, Not Just a Wine
Lavo aspires to be more than a bottle on a shelf—it aims to be the centerpiece of conversations and celebrations. Whether at the Stellenbosch Wine Festival 2022, Wineexpo, or enjoyed by celebrities and royalty, Lavo’s wines have connected thousands of wine lovers. The brand’s vision is to build a globally recognized name that inspires pride, while its mission focuses on growth, prosperity, and fostering wine culture in South Africa. Despite challenges in breaking into South Africa’s competitive retail market, Lavo stands out by crafting unique, personality-driven wines and investing in branding to build a loyal customer base.
Lavo’s philosophy rests on four pillars: crafted with care from historic South African soil; made to connect through shared experiences; inspired by love, reflecting Lerato’s emotional richness; and globally minded yet locally rooted, speaking to a universal audience. The brand dreams of an established retail space in a mall, creating a home for walk-in clients to interact, order, and engage, while driving sustainable job creation.
Pour, Share, Connect
In a divided world, Lavo offers a universal language—wine infused with meaning. It’s a call to celebrate affection, community, and cultural fusion, whether shared at a wedding, over a video call, or during a family dinner. Choosing Lavo means choosing more than flavor; it’s embracing history, heart, and the hope that love can bridge differences.
So, the next time you reach for a bottle, ask yourself: are you looking for a drink or a deeper experience? With Lavo, you’re raising a glass to connection, legacy, and the timeless power of love. Let it flow.
