Diemersfontein Coffee Pinotage 2023

The Producer

Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate is a Wellington icon, home to three generations of the Sonnenberg family and birthplace of South Africa’s original Coffee Chocolate Pinotage. Founded in the 1940s as a family retreat, the estate has grown into one of the Cape Winelands’ most celebrated addresses — with vineyards stretching across the rolling hills of Wellington’s warm, Mediterranean climate. Winemaker Francois Roode (at the helm since 2003) and viticulturist Lauren Hulsman craft a range that spans from crowd-pleasing everyday wines to serious reserve bottlings. The maiden 2001 vintage won the Paul Sauer Trophy for wooded Pinotage at the SA Young Wine Show, and Diemersfontein has been collecting Michelangelo Gold medals, Tim Atkin recognition and Platter’s stars ever since. The Carpe Diem Pinotage 2023 was listed in the Platter’s 2026 “Buy Now, Drink Later” selection.

Vintage & Terroir

The 2023 vintage in Wellington delivered warm, dry conditions ideal for Pinotage — South Africa’s signature red grape. Diemersfontein’s vineyards sit in the bowl formed by the Hawequa and Groenberg mountains, where warm days and cool evening breezes from False Bay allow slow, flavour-concentrating ripening. The decomposed granite and clay soils contribute minerality and depth, while the estate’s low-yielding bush vines produce small, intensely flavoured berries that form the backbone of this wine.

In the Cellar

This is where the magic happens. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested and sorted before destemming. Francois Roode’s signature technique involves a specific fermentation and oak regime that coaxes the distinctive coffee and chocolate characters from the Pinotage grape — a style Diemersfontein pioneered in 2001 and which spawned an entire “barista-style” Pinotage category in South Africa. The wine spends time in French and American oak barrels, developing its trademark rich, velvety texture. The result is a wine that’s unmistakably Diemersfontein — bold, smooth, and utterly crowd-pleasing.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep ruby-red with a dark, inviting core.
Nose: Rich dark chocolate and powerful freshly brewed coffee aromatics, layered with hints of mint, baked plums and mocha.
Palate: Full and generous, with intense plum and dark berry fruit wrapped in smooth, velvety tannins. The signature coffee and chocolate characters carry through beautifully, making every sip luxuriously satisfying.
Finish: Long and lingering, with a mocha-tinged aftertaste that keeps you coming back for more.

Food Pairing

This is the ultimate braai wine — stunning with sticky lamb ribs, slow-cooked oxtail, or a rich bobotie. It also pairs brilliantly with decadent desserts: think molten chocolate lava cake, chocolate pecan brownies, or even a cheese board with aged Gouda. For something different, try it with a gentle Cape Malay curry. Serve at 16–18°C.

Technical Details

Our Guarantee

Every case of Diemersfontein Coffee Pinotage 2023 is backed by our 100% Happiness Assured! Guarantee. If you’re not completely delighted, get in touch and we’ll make it right — no fuss, no fine print, just great wine and happy customers.