This year marks a momentous milestone for South African wine lovers – the Centenary of Pinotage. Developed in 1925 by Professor Abraham Izak Perold, Pinotage is South Africa’s very own grape variety, a successful cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. In celebration of 100 years of this iconic varietal, Wellington Wines proudly joins the festivities with two distinct Pinotage expressions that pay homage to both the heritage and future of South African winemaking.
Wellington, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, holds a special place in the story of Pinotage. The region’s rich terroir, diverse microclimates and generations of winemaking knowledge have all contributed to the development of exceptional Pinotage wines over the past century. At the forefront of this journey stands Wellington Wines, an established name that embodies the spirit of collaboration, tradition and innovation.
The winery itself is a modern-day embodiment of unity and excellence, born from the merging of three historic cellars: Wellington Co-operative Winery Ltd. (1906), Bovlei Co-operative Ltd. (1907), and Wamakersvallei Winery (1941). Together, their combined legacy laid the foundation for what Wellington Wines is today – a forward-thinking producer that continues to build on more than a century of passion and craftsmanship.
In honour of Pinotage’s 100-year journey, Wellington Wines presents two exceptional offerings that reflect both their heritage and innovation.
La Cave Pinotage is the winery’s ultra-premium expression, celebrating the early days of winemaking when wines were matured in underground cellars to protect them from extreme temperatures. This limited-production wine is sourced from two low-yielding vineyards and fermented in open-top fermenters. It is then matured for 18 months in small new French oak barrels.
La Cave Pinotage delights the senses with alluring aromas of cinnamon, cherries, wild strawberry, raspberry and cedar wood. On the palate, it reveals layers of ripe plums, black cherries, nutmeg and cloves, supported by ripe, well-integrated tannins. A hint of cranberries lingers on the long, dry finish. This elegant wine is the quintessential partner for a classic South African barbeque, pairing beautifully with venison, lamb, beef or snoek. Available for R240/bottle form their online store (www.wellingtonwines.com), or tasting room.
For those seeking a more approachable expression, the Duke Pinotage offers a vibrant, easy-drinking alternative without compromising on quality. This lifestyle wine is part of Wellington Wines’ award-winning Duke varietal range, designed to suit everyday enjoyment, casual home cooking and relaxed occasions. These wines are elegant, characterful and dynamic – a true reflection of the fertile valley from which it hails.
Bursting with bold, fruit-forward flavours, Duke Pinotage features enticing aromas and notes of plum, mulberry, clove and black cherry. With a dry profile, medium body and firm tannins, it is the ideal companion to braaivleis and Asian cuisine. Available for R80/bottle form their online store (www.wellingtonwines.com), or tasting room.
As the world celebrates a century of Pinotage, Wellington Wines honours the past while embracing the future. Their continued commitment to quality, innovation and terroir-driven excellence ensures that the legacy of Pinotage – and South African wine as a whole – will thrive for generations to come.
