The African Energy Chamber (AEC), in collaboration with Lothian Vineyards, the acclaimed cool-climate estate in South Africa’s Elgin Valley, has launched Drill Baby Drill, a new wine brand celebrating the international energy industry and the community that invests in, builds and supports it.
The initiative – led by AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk – brings together two industries central to Africa’s economic story: a growing energy sector critical to the continent’s development and a wine estate recognized for producing some of South Africa’s finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Drill Baby Drill will launch with a Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir, both produced from Lothian’s vineyards in Elgin, one of South Africa’s leading cool-climate wine regions. The wines will be formally introduced in Cape Town this October, when the AEC’s flagship annual event – African Energy Week 2026 – brings together senior executives, investors, policymakers and entrepreneurs from across the global energy industry.
An Estate with a Track Record
Lothian Vineyards is a family-owned estate established by Gavin Wilson in South Africa’s Elgin Valley near Cape Town. The estate has built an international reputation for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, earning recognition at the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge. Its 2023 Chardonnay received 97 points at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Wilson spent decades investing in and building oil and gas ventures across Africa and international markets before turning his focus more fully into winemaking. His experience in the energy sector industry provides a direct link between the two sectors behind the Drill Baby Drill brand.
“Oil and gas has been a huge part of my life, but wine is an equal passion,” Wilson says. “I’ve been fortunate to work with and become friends with some of the great characters of the international energy industry, particularly across Africa. Drill Baby Drill brings those two worlds together — and gives us the chance to put exceptional South African wine in front of an extraordinary international community. South African wine can sit comfortably alongside many of the great wines of the world, and I think this range proves it.”
A Statement of Confidence
For Ayuk, the collaboration extends beyond the launch of a new wine brand, reflecting the broader ambition behind Africa’s energy industry and the international community that has invested in its development. By bringing together an African energy organization and a South African wine estate with direct ties to the oil and gas sector, the initiative highlights the connections between investment, entrepreneurship and African business.
“Drill Baby Drill celebrates the African and international investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders who have committed their capital, expertise and careers to the continent’s future,” says Ayuk. “Bringing the brand to life in South Africa, with a winemaker whose own career is rooted in African energy, makes this collaboration particularly meaningful. We should be confident in our resources, our businesses and our ability to create African brands that can compete and earn recognition on the global stage. Drill Baby Drill is a small but tangible expression of that confidence.”
Drill Baby Drill will be available exclusively to the AEC’s flagship event community, with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir set to launch in Cape Town this October. The wines will not be offered for general sale. For media inquiries and further information, contact Ewen Wilson at +27 82 565 7869 or ewen@lothianvineyards.com.
About Drill Baby Drill
Drill Baby Drill is a South African wine brand created by Lothian Vineyards in collaboration with the African Energy Chamber. Conceived for the international energy community, the range is produced in South Africa’s cool-climate Elgin Valley and launches with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
About Lothian Vineyards
Lothian Vineyards is a family-owned wine estate in the Elgin Valley, near Cape Town, South Africa. The cool-climate estate focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and has built an international following, earning significant critical recognition and major awards.
About the African Energy Chamber
The African Energy Chamber represents and advocates for Africa’s energy industry, bringing together governments, energy companies, investors, entrepreneurs, and international partners to promote investment and development across the continent.
