Pinotage is probably South Africa’s most treasured wine, not least because it was invented in the country in the 1920s. The intention of the inventor, the Paarl born and bred Dr Abraham Perold (who later would become known as the “father of pinotage), was to combine the positive qualities of Cinsaut with the more difficult Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir needed some assistance because it was, and still is, exceedingly fragile, and this makes it hard to grow.
Fairview Wine and Cheese
Pinotage is an important part of the Fairview range of wines, with vineyards planted on various soil types in a number of regions. A world first from Fairview was their Pinotage / Viognier. The two varietals are co-fermented, in much the same way that Shiraz is treated in the south of France. This softens the Pinotage and elevates the fruit, while adding a subtle fragrance to this approachable and generous wine.
KWV Wine Emporium
One of the leading wine and spirits producers in South Africa with a distinguished heritage of product innovation and exceptional brands, a trip to the KWV Emporium will transfer you to “pinotage heaven”. With approximately seven pinotages to select from and taste, visitors are taken on a journey of pinotage.
Mellasat Vineyards
Stephen Richardson, a Norfolk farmer born and bred, has a real passion for the wine industry and started making wines at his vineyard n South Africa in 1999. His passion for wine was ignited as a teenager by his grandfather and the wines of Bordeaux. Mellasat Vineyards is home to the first commercially available white wine world to be made from 100% pinotage grapes. This premium White Pinotage, made in a very unique style, is a barrel-fermented and matured white wine, oozing tropical fruit on the nose and a creamy nuttiness on the palate.
Olsen Private Vineyards
Family owned and run, this picturesque farm is owned by Dr Greg Olsen – an American entrepreneur, engineer and scientist who, in October 2005, became the third private citizen to make a self-funded trip to the International Space Station. Indulge in their handcrafted, artisanal style, medium bodied pinotage, the “Orbit”.
Painted Wolf Wines
Painted Wolf Wines realises a longheld ambition of Jeremy and wife Emma to use their skills to make a meaningful contribution to conservation. They chose to focus on Africa’s rarest and most endangered large carnivore, the African Wild Dog. A donation from each bottle of Painted Wolf goes towards conservation. Taste award-winning pinotages.
Windmeul Cellar
With vineyards stretching from the pretty valleys of the Swartland and Wellington to Agter-Paarl and Perdeberg, even towards Durbanville, Windmeul has good quality grapes from several climates to create beautiful wines through the art of masterful blending. Pinotage has secured several accolades and nominations for this cellar.
