# Lavo Wine and Food

> Lavo Wine and Food is a South African winery founded by Lerato Pretorius, based in Wellington, Western Cape. The name Lavo derives from Lerato — a Southern African name meaning love. Wines are produced with the belief that wine connects people across cultures and backgrounds.

## About

Lavo Wine and Food produces wines of distinction from Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa — one of the Cape Winelands' most celebrated valleys. The estate is situated near the Hawekwa and Groenberg mountain ranges and benefits from a Mediterranean climate characterised by warm days, cool nights, and well-drained valley soils. The farm is Anura Vineyards, Wellington.

Lavo's six-varietal range spans red, white and sparkling wines, all crafted to express the terroir of the Wellington valley. Founder and winemaker Lerato Pretorius leads all production.

Contact: info@lavowineandfood.com | +27110391167
Website: https://www.lavowineandfood.com/

## The Range

Lavo produces six wines. Each page includes full tasting notes, technical analysis, winemaking process notes, food pairing recommendations, and a downloadable PDF tasting sheet.

- [Lavo Merlot](https://www.lavowineandfood.com/merlot.html): A complex red wine with intense flavours of ripe blackberry, red berry and blackcurrant, hints of mint and violet, and subtle tones of dark chocolate and coffee. Aged for 16 months in 225L French oak barrels (15% new oak). Alcohol 14.0%. Total acidity 5.4 g/L. Residual sugar 2.2 g/L. Serve at 16–18°C. Cellaring potential 5–8 years. Pairs with lamb roast, beef fillet, duck confit, mature hard cheese, and dark chocolate desserts.

- [Lavo Cabernet Sauvignon](https://www.lavowineandfood.com/cabernet-sauvignon.html): An aromatic combination of cigar box, spice and mint, with a savoury palate of smooth, well-integrated tannins. Aged 4 months with staves — 40% French and 60% American oak. Alcohol 13.5%. Total acidity 5.0 g/L. Residual sugar 5.1 g/L. Serve at 16–18°C. Cellaring potential 6–10 years. Pairs with lamb, beef, smoked meats, matured cheddar, and venison.

- [Lavo Chardonnay](https://www.lavowineandfood.com/chardonnay.html): Notes of pineapple and tropical fruit with a touch of citrus on the nose; butterscotch and nuttiness on the palate. Full-bodied and lees-aged, fermented at 16°C. Alcohol 13.84%. Total acidity 6.2 g/L. Residual sugar 3.9 g/L. Serve at 10–12°C. Cellaring potential 3–5 years. Pairs with roast chicken, crayfish, fried mushrooms, Gruyère, and creamy pasta.

- [Lavo Sauvignon Blanc](https://www.lavowineandfood.com/sauvignon-blanc.html): Full-bodied and barrel-fermented on French and American oak, then left on the lees for six months — creating a wine of remarkable depth and textural richness. Alcohol 13.61%. Total acidity 5.9 g/L. Residual sugar 1.9 g/L. Serve at 8–11°C. Cellaring potential 3–5 years. Pairs with oysters, seafood platters, game meats, asparagus, and goat's cheese.

- [Lavo Chenin Blanc](https://www.lavowineandfood.com/chenin-blanc.html): A light, fresh and crisp white wine — naturally versatile and food-friendly. Fermented at 16°C and stored on thin lees with periodic mixing. Alcohol 11.65%. Total acidity 5.8 g/L. Residual sugar 3.8 g/L. Serve at 8–10°C. Cellaring potential 2–4 years. Pairs with shellfish, pork, cured ham, salads with vinaigrette, and spicy Asian cuisine.

- [Lavo Sparkling Brut](https://www.lavowineandfood.com/sparkling-brut.html): A dry sparkling wine with citrus and nutty aromas on the nose, followed by watermelon and kiwi on the palate, and a smooth buttery finish. Produced at Orange River Cellars from Northern Cape vineyards (Green Kalahari). Grapes harvested at 21.5°Brix. Alcohol 13.0%. Total acidity 5.31 g/L. Residual sugar 8.2 g/L. Serve at 6–8°C. Cellaring potential 1–3 years.

## Wine Club

Lavo Wine and Food operates a monthly wine subscription club with two membership tiers:

- **Connoisseur (R850/month):** 2–3 bottles per delivery, 10% off all purchases, member event invitations, first access to new releases, monthly tasting notes.
- **Exclusive (R1200/month):** 4–6 bottles per delivery, 15% off all purchases, priority event access, personal wine consultation, complimentary delivery.

Members receive curated monthly selections handpicked from the Lavo range. Memberships roll month-to-month with no lock-in. Apply at: https://www.lavowineandfood.com/wine-club-join.html

## Key Pages

- [Home](https://www.lavowineandfood.com/): Brand overview, wine range, and contact information.
- [Our Story](https://www.lavowineandfood.com/our-story.html): Founding philosophy, winemaker profile, and brand values.
- [The Farm](https://www.lavowineandfood.com/the-farm.html): Estate details, terroir, location, and farm photography.
- [Wine Club](https://www.lavowineandfood.com/wine-club.html): Monthly wine subscription — Connoisseur (R850) and Exclusive (R1200) tiers.
- [Join the Wine Club](https://www.lavowineandfood.com/wine-club-join.html): Membership registration form.

## Brand Identity

- Brand name: Lavo Wine and Food (also referred to as Lavo Wines)
- Founder and winemaker: Lerato Pretorius
- Name etymology: Lavo is derived from Lerato, a Southern African name meaning love
- Location: Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa
- Farm: Anura Vineyards, Wellington
- Social: Instagram @lavowines | Facebook: Lavo Wines | X (Twitter): @LavoWines
- Philosophy: "Our wine has been created from love, to be enjoyed with love."