Our Land in a Glass: The Vinty Guide to South African Pinotage (2025)

There are some flavours that are so deeply woven into the fabric of a place, they become more than just a taste; they become a story. For South Africa, that story is often told in a deep, ruby-red glass of Pinotage. It is the liquid soul of our nation—a grape born not in the ancient vineyards of Europe, but from a moment of academic curiosity in a Stellenbosch garden. Hardened by our unique sun and soil, and refined by generations of passionate winemakers, it stands today as a celebrated symbol of South African resilience and ingenuity. It is, quite simply, our land in a glass.

But what really is Pinotage? It’s a question that, for many years, had a complicated answer. It has been a grape of dizzying highs and controversial lows, a wine once dismissed by international critics only to rise again, more confident and complex than ever before. To truly understand it is to understand a uniquely South African story of redemption. We invite you on a journey from its unlikely birth a century ago to the world-class bottles you can enjoy today. As your expert guides on this adventure, the Vinty team has curated the very best expressions of this iconic grape, ready for you to discover.

The Accidental Hero: A History of Pinotage

The story of Pinotage is a series of fascinating coincidences, near misses, and strokes of genius. It’s a drama in four acts, beginning with a visionary academic and culminating in the celebrated wine we know today.

The Professor’s Vision (1924-1925)

Our story begins with one man: Professor Abraham Izak Perold. In the early 1920s, Perold was a towering figure in South African academia—a brilliant chemist, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University, and a man fluent in seven languages. He had a bold vision: to create a grape that married the best qualities of two French parents. He wanted the elegant, ethereal flavour of Pinot Noir—the noble “prince” of Burgundy—with the robust, disease-resistant, and sun-loving nature of Cinsaut, which was then known locally as Hermitage. It was a classic tale of the “French prince meets humble peasant,” an attempt to create a vine perfectly suited to the Cape’s climate.

On a fateful day in 1924, in the garden of his official residence at the Welgevallen Experimental Farm, Perold meticulously brushed a male Hermitage flower against a pollen-donating Pinot Noir. This experiment yielded just four precious seeds. In 1925, he planted them in his garden, and then, in a twist of fate that could have ended the story before it began, he seemingly forgot all about them.

Saved from Obscurity

In 1928, Professor Perold left the university to take up a senior position with the powerful KWV co-operative in Paarl. His official residence stood empty, and the garden became overgrown. The university, unaware of the treasure hidden within the weeds, dispatched a team to tidy it up. The four fledgling Pinotage seedlings were moments away from being unceremoniously ripped from the soil.

This could have been the end of Pinotage, but for an incredible coincidence. A young lecturer, Dr. Charlie Niehaus, who knew of Perold’s forgotten experiment, happened to cycle past the residence just as the clean-up crew was about to begin their work. He rescued the seedlings from certain destruction, ensuring the survival of what would become a South African icon.

From Barrel to Bottle: The First Taste of a Legend

The rescued plants were moved to the nursery at Elsenburg Agricultural College under the care of Perold’s successor, CJ Theron. It was there, in 1941, that another lecturer, CT de Waal, vinified the first-ever Pinotage wine in a small barrel. Tragically, Professor Perold passed away from a heart attack that very same year, never having the chance to taste the wine from his unique creation.

The grape’s commercial journey began in earnest soon after. The first commercial plantings were established at Myrtle Grove near Sir Lowry’s Pass and, crucially, at Bellevue Estate in the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch in 1953. The quality was immediately apparent. A wine made from the Bellevue grapes won the prestigious General Smuts Trophy for the champion wine at the 1959 Cape Wine Show. This victory gave the grape the momentum it needed. In 1961, history was made when Stellenbosch Farmer’s Winery (SFW) released the first-ever commercially labelled Pinotage under their famous Lanzerac brand, using the wine from that pioneering, award-winning Bellevue vineyard.

The Wilderness Years and the Road to Redemption

Despite its early success, Pinotage entered a difficult period. Its easy-going nature in the vineyard led to over-cropping and mass production, and by the 1970s and 80s, many examples were thin, harsh, and unpleasant. It developed a notorious reputation for smelling of acetone or burnt rubber, and a visiting group of British Masters of Wine famously dismissed it, declaring it had no future. For a time, it seemed the critics were right. Many producers ripped up their vines in favour of more internationally recognised varieties.

But a brave few kept the faith. They knew the fault lay not in the grape, but in how it was being grown and made. The turning point came in 1995 with the formation of the Pinotage Association. This collective of passionate producers dedicated themselves to quality. They funded critical research into clones, vineyard management, and winemaking techniques, and established the prestigious Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards in 1997 to celebrate excellence. This collaborative effort sparked a quality revolution. Winemakers learned to treat the grape with respect, and in doing so, they unlocked its true potential. The “bastard son of Pinot Noir” had finally come home, ready to claim its birthright as South Africa’s signature grape.

The Many Faces of Pinotage: A Style for Every Palate

One of the most exciting things about modern Pinotage is its incredible diversity. The grape’s redemption has revealed its versatility, with winemakers now crafting a wide range of styles. Today, two dominant expressions lead the way, offering a “choose your own adventure” for every wine lover.

The Classic Expression: A Taste of the Terroir

This is the purist’s Pinotage, a style focused on expressing a sense of place, or terroir. These wines are a direct reflection of the vineyards they come from, be it the ancient granite soils of Stellenbosch or the rugged shale of the Swartland. In the glass, they are typically a deep, vibrant red, offering a complex bouquet of dark fruit like bramble, plum, and black cherry. This fruit is often layered with savoury, earthy, and smoky notes that speak of the South African landscape. The palate is structured and serious, built to evolve and improve with age. This is the wine that proves Pinotage can stand proudly alongside the great red varieties of the world.

The Coffee Craze: A Modern South African Icon

At the other end of the spectrum is a style so bold and unique it could only have been born in South Africa: the “Coffee and Chocolate” Pinotage. This is not a flavoured wine; it’s a remarkable feat of winemaking that was pioneered and perfected by Diemersfontein Estate in Wellington with their groundbreaking 2001 vintage. The secret lies not in additives, but in the cellar. Winemakers use specially selected oak—either barrels or staves—that has been toasted in a specific, heavy way. This unique toasting process imparts intense and alluring aromas of roasted coffee beans, mocha, and rich dark chocolate directly into the wine. The result is a hedonistic, full-bodied, and incredibly smooth wine that created an entirely new category in the market and won a legion of fans both locally and internationally.

Beyond the Bold Red: Other Interpretations

The grape’s versatility doesn’t stop there. Winemakers also use it to create beautifully elegant, dry Rosé wines, bursting with fresh red berry flavours—a perfect summer tipple. Furthermore, Pinotage is a required and celebrated component in “Cape Blends,” our country’s answer to the great blends of Bordeaux or the Rhône. In these wines, Pinotage must make up between 30% and 70% of the final blend, where it adds a unique South African heart of juicy fruit and spicy complexity.

The Vinty Curation: Three Pinotage Wines You Need to Try

Navigating the world of Pinotage can be a thrilling, if sometimes daunting, experience. That’s where we come in. The Vinty team has tasted its way through countless bottles to bring you a handpicked selection that showcases the very best of what this grape can offer. From the icon that started a craze to a classic expression of terroir and an exclusive modern discovery, here are three essential examples that belong in your cellar.

The Icon – Diemersfontein “The Original” Coffee Pinotage 2023

The Producer: Nestled in the scenic Wellington valley, Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate is an iconic property that has been in the care of the Sonnenberg family for three generations. While they produce a full range of world-class wines, they will forever be famous for one groundbreaking creation.

The Story: The legend of “Coffee Pinotage” was born here. In 2001, Diemersfontein’s then-winemaker, Bertus ‘Starbucks’ Fourie, experimented with a unique oaking regime to create a new, accessible style of Pinotage that would appeal to younger wine drinkers. The result was an instant sensation. That maiden vintage not only sold out but also won the prestigious Paul Sauer Trophy at the SA Young Wine Show, cementing its status overnight. This is “The Original—and still the ultimate—coffee-style Pinotage”.

In the Glass: Prepare for an indulgent experience. The nose is a bold and inviting burst of freshly brewed espresso, rich cocoa, a hint of mint, and sweet baked plums. The palate is where it truly shines, delivering its signature intensity with layers of mocha and dark chocolate that glide across a full-bodied, silky texture. The tannins are smooth and velvety, leading to a long, warming finish.

Awards & Accolades: Don’t just take our word for it; the critics agree. Diemersfontein’s Coffee Pinotage is consistently one of the most decorated wines in South Africa, a testament to its enduring quality and iconic status.

Perfect Pairings: This wine is a fantastic partner for rich lamb casseroles and gentle Cape Malay curries. But for the ultimate indulgence, the best companion is a rich, decadent chocolate dessert like a molten lava cake or a chocolate pecan brownie—absolute heaven!

Ready to experience the original? Click here to add the Diemersfontein Coffee Pinotage 2023 to your cart.

The Classic – Asara Vineyard Collection Pinotage 2018

The Producer: Asara Wine Estate is a property steeped in history, a sprawling farm in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands with roots dating back to 1691. Today, it stands as an award-winning estate and luxury hotel, committed to producing wines of elegance and character.

The Philosophy: In stark contrast to the style-driven approach of Coffee Pinotage, Asara’s winemaking philosophy is one of classic minimalism. They believe in allowing their unique terroir to express itself in the wines. With vineyards planted on high-potential decomposed granite soils and cooled by afternoon breezes from False Bay, their goal is to let the land do the talking, using minimal intervention in the cellar to guide the fruit to its purest expression.

In the Glass: This is a pure, distinct, and beautifully elegant expression of Pinotage. The nose invites you in with layered aromas of black fruit, ripe plum, and dark cherry. These notes follow through onto the palate, where they are overlaid with subtle nuances of coffee and mocha that add a sophisticated depth. The wine is defined by its smooth, silky mouthfeel and juicy, well-integrated tannins that create a balanced and lingering finish.

Awards & Accolades: Asara is consistently recognised for its commitment to quality, producing wines that are celebrated both at home and abroad. While the 2018 vintage is a cellar gem, the estate’s track record speaks for itself, creating a “halo effect” of excellence around this wine and substantiating its “Award-winning” tag.

Perfect Pairings: This is the quintessential food wine. Its balance and structure make it a brilliant partner for a classic South African braai—think juicy boerewors, lamb chops, or sosaties. It also stands up beautifully to hearty winter stews or a platter of aged local cheeses.

Discover the elegance of Stellenbosch. Click here to secure your case of Asara Pinotage 2018.

The Discovery – Vinty Collection Pinotage Reserve 2021

The Producer: To celebrate a century of Pinotage, our team of experts wanted to find something truly special. We don’t have our own vineyards; instead, we use our deep industry connections to source exceptional, small-batch parcels of wine directly from top-tier cellars. For this limited-release Reserve, we collaborated with a prominent producer to create a wine that embodies both the bold character and the refined potential of modern Pinotage.

The Story: Think of this as the insider’s wine. It’s a handpicked gem that offers exceptional quality and value, specially created to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of Professor Perold’s fateful grape crossing. It’s a Vinty exclusive, a wine that tells the story of our passion for curation and discovery.

In the Glass: This is a full-bodied yet remarkably refined Pinotage. It presents a dense, dark core of blackberry, black cherry, and luscious plum, which is beautifully complemented by intriguing hints of marzipan and fruitcake spice. The wine spent 16 months maturing in oak barrels, including a portion of American oak, which lends a wonderfully smooth and structured palate, silky tannins, and a long, savoury finish that just keeps going.

Why It’s a Must-Have: This isn’t a wine you’ll find on every shelf. It’s an exclusive Vinty creation, selected for wine lovers who want to drink better and discover the true, modern face of premium Pinotage without overspending. It represents the culmination of the grape’s 100-year journey—bold, charming, and utterly delicious.

Perfect Pairings: Its superb balance of rich fruit and savoury structure makes it incredibly versatile at the dinner table. Try it with slow-roasted pork belly, a gourmet beef burger topped with blue cheese, or even a rich and earthy mushroom risotto.

Be part of the discovery. Click here to order the exclusive Vinty Collection Pinotage Reserve 2021.

Your Guide to Getting the Best from Your Bottle

You’ve chosen a fantastic bottle of Pinotage. Now, a few simple steps can ensure you enjoy it at its absolute best.

Serve it Right: Like most full-bodied reds, Pinotage is best served slightly cooler than a warm room temperature. Aim for around 15–18°C. A short 15-20 minute spell in the fridge before opening is perfect. This little chill helps to lift the bright fruit aromas and prevents the alcohol from feeling too dominant on the palate.

To Decant or Not to Decant: Decanting can make a real difference. A young, bold, and powerful Pinotage like the Diemersfontein or the Vinty Collection Reserve will definitely benefit from 30 to 60 minutes of air in a decanter. This helps to soften the tannins and allows the complex aromas to open up. An older, more elegant style like the Asara 2018 needs less time; a gentle pour into the decanter just before serving is enough to let it breathe and express its nuances.

Cellaring Potential: Pinotage has excellent ageing potential, but it depends on the style. The fruit-forward, hedonistic “Coffee” style wines are crafted to be enjoyed in their youth, typically within 5 to 7 years of the vintage, while their coffee and chocolate notes are at their most vibrant. Classic, well-structured examples from top producers, however, can age beautifully for a decade or even longer, developing complex savoury and earthy notes over time.

Conclusion – Begin Your Pinotage Journey with Vinty

From its accidental birth in a university garden to its status as a global icon, Pinotage has travelled a remarkable road. It is a grape of substance, history, and incredible diversity—a true South African treasure that has finally earned its place in the spotlight. The era of dismissing Pinotage is over; the era of celebrating it is in full swing.

From the indulgent and iconic to the classic and complex, the world of Pinotage has never been more exciting. At Vinty, we’re passionate about bringing you the very best of it, handpicking wines that tell the story of this grape’s triumphant journey. The three wines featured here are just the beginning. They represent the different paths your adventure can take, each one leading to a delicious destination.

We invite you to explore our full, handpicked Vinty Pinotage Selection and discover your new favourite South African red. Cheers!