During the late 1800s, travellers to South Africa saw a curious sight upon entering a small town train station. The signalman operating the levers that set the signals in the control tower was none other than a baboon named Jack – an employee of the railroad. He belonged to James “Jumper” Wide who worked as a signalman. Wide earned the nickname “Jumper” due to his habit of jumping and swinging from one railway car to another. It was through this that James lost both his legs in an accident, falling underneath a moving train. He made himself two pegged legs carved from a piece of wood, and built a small trolley to get around.
One afternoon while visiting the local marketplace, James saw a baboon named Jack, leading an ox-wagon. Noticing how smart Jack was, James begged the owner to let him have the baboon. Out of pity, the owner gave Jack to James and thus began the most unusual friendship in the railroad’s history.
Jumper and Jack lived in a cottage a short distance from the railroad depot, with Jack pushing Jumper to work every morning on the trolley. He would push Jumper up the hill and once on top, would also jump on to the trolley for a fun ride as it rolled quickly down the other side. Once at work, Jack operated the signals that instructed train engineers which tracks they would take.
Finally Jumper was able to entrust the signal levers to Jack. He would hold up one or two fingers and Jack would pull the correct lever, always looking at his friend for confirmation. In the end, Jack needed no instructions from Jumper – he knew which of the levers to operate for each approaching train. As an added bonus, Jack caught the various offerings thrown to him by passengers.
Many locals would go to the tracks to see if the story of a baboon working the signals was true. Travellers were amazed at how well Jack performed his job. He knew the difference between the “home” and “distant” signals, and also the engine whistles;
he never made a mistake or required telling twice. Jumper and Jack worked well together and forged a strong friendship.
One day, a prominent lady travelling through the station, saw Jack working and was horrified at the prospects of a baboon running the signals. She notified the railroad authorities who were unaware that Jumper’s assistant was a baboon. Jumper and Jack were immediately fired. After Jumper pleaded for their jobs, the system manager agreed to test the ability of Jack.
An engineer was instructed to blast his train’s whistle signalling Jack to change the correct signals. Jack made all the changes without fail. He even looked around in the direction of the oncoming train to make sure that the correct lever and signal were changed. Jack passed with flying colours! The railroad system manager was so impressed he gave Jumper his job back and even hired Jack who became the only baboon in history to go to work for the railroad.
From that day forward, Jack was known as Jack the Signalman. He was given monthly rations from the government and also received an employment number. In the 9 years Jack worked for the railroad with Jumper, he never made one mistake that resulted in an accident. Around Jumper’s cottage Jack learned to perform other tasks such as removing rubbish and sweeping the kitchen floor. He also turned out to be a very good watchman – greeting intruders with gnashing teeth and a ferocious snarl!
While the production of some butt-kick wines is at the forefront of our game, environmental accountability stands strong at the core of our business.
Jumper & Jack are wines with intent – intent to give you a massive bang for your buck, but also intent in producing these wines in the most environmentally sustainable way, we possibly can.
To top that, the intent gets better and we are taking environmental sustainability in wine outside the borders we all have come to respect and honour. Of course, we are lowering our carbon emissions! Yes, we are making use of more and more recycled content in packaging. Yes, we are making use of light weight glass across our ranges. Yes, we are using alternative energy sources rather than fossil fuels.
Don’t get us wrong: Jumper and Jack wines are not organic (yet!) nor biodynamic, though we follow biodynamic principles in viticulture and wine covered by the IPW system, but we pride ourselves in our winery’s waste reduction plan fuelled by a group of Hereford cattle we know by name.
Environmental sustainability is a two-edged sword and one side of this sword is often overlooked. What are we doing as humans, who have taken up so much natural habitat of wild roaming animals to ensure their sustainability and future for the next generations to come. This is the real intent behind the wines of Jumper & Jack – ensuring natural habitat, conservation of wild animals and minimising human animal contact.
Education is at the core of Earth’s future.
Our wines are shaped by the land that gives them life. Rooted in Africa’s raw beauty, our craft is guided by a responsibility to protect the ecosystems that surround our vineyards. Every bottle reflects a balance between thoughtful winemaking and respect for nature.
From vineyard to cellar, we follow sustainable practices that work with the land, not against it. With minimal intervention, protected water sources, and preserved habitats, we allow nature to lead — ensuring our wines express a true sense of place while safeguarding the soil, flora, and wildlife that make it possible.
Our commitment goes beyond wine. By working closely with local communities and supporting conservation, our craft connects people, land, and purpose. This is how we honour the landscape that sustains us.
At Jumper & Jack, every grape is nurtured with care using practices that protect soil, conserve water, and respect the land. Our biodynamic-inspired approach ensures the vineyard thrives while producing exceptional grapes.
In the winery, we reduce our carbon footprint with energy-efficient systems, lightweight glass, recycled materials, and careful waste management. By supporting local communities and conserving wildlife habitats, each bottle reflects the harmony between craft, sustainability, and Africa’s unique landscapes.
From Grape Sourcing to Bottle
Terroir and Responsibility
Minimal Intervention, Maximum Integrity
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Winemaker & Environmentalist
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From deep forests to elegant vineyards, Jumper & Jack explores how wildlife meets the art of winemaking.
Deep and inviting, this Coffee Pinotage reveals aromas of roasted coffee bean, dark chocolate and ripe plum layered with notes of blackberry, mocha and toasted spice. The palate is rich and velvety with smooth tannins and lingering espresso notes.
Fresh and vibrant, this Chenin Blanc reveals aromas of ripe pear, white peach and quince, complemented by hints of citrus blossom and honeyed apple. The palate is bright and well balanced with lively acidity, juicy stone fruit and a refreshing mineral edge that carries through to a clean, lingering finish.
Generous and expressive, this Shiraz shows aromas of blackberry, plum and cracked black pepper layered with notes of violet, dark chocolate and warm spice. The palate is rich and full with ripe dark fruit and supple tannins leading to a long, gently spicy finish.
Bright and expressive, this Sauvignon Blanc opens with aromas of gooseberry, lime zest and fresh lemongrass, complemented by hints of white peach and passion fruit. The palate is crisp and lively with vibrant citrus freshness, subtle tropical fruit and a clean mineral edge. Refreshing acidity carries through to a long, zesty finish that makes the wine wonderfully food friendly.
Bright and inviting, this Pinotage shows aromas of red berries, ripe strawberry and juicy plum, complemented by hints of raspberry and cherry. The palate is smooth and vibrant with fresh red fruit, soft tannins and a lively finish that reflects the warmth and sunshine of South Africa’s vineyards.
This Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon blend shows inviting aromas of ripe plum, blackcurrant and dark cherry, complemented by hints of cocoa, cedar and sub tle spice. The palate is smooth and well rounded with soft tannins, layered dark fruit and a touch of savoury complexity.
To be enjoyed with steak, pizzas or any occasion that calls for cheerful celebration!!
