Pinotage Day 2025 – Celebrate South Africa’s Signature Grape

South Africa’s homegrown hero deserves its spotlight – and on Saturday, 11 October 2025, we celebrate the grape that’s as bold and distinctive as the land it comes from.

Born in Stellenbosch in 1925 from a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault (locally called Hermitage), Pinotage has grown into a true symbol of South African winemaking. Known for its rich, deep colour, juicy red fruit, and signature smoky-earthy note, it’s a varietal that divides some but captivates many.

From plush and fruit-forward to structured and age-worthy, Pinotage offers a spectrum of styles that prove why it’s worth celebrating every year.

Pinotage is a chameleon in a glass. It ranges from fresh and fruit-forward to bold and age-worthy, depending on where and how it’s made.

On the nose: Expect aromas of black cherry, blackberry, fig, and plum, often lifted by notes of spice, mint, or even a smoky edge. Cooler climate versions are more red-fruited and bright, while warmer areas give deeper, jammy tones.

On the palate: Pinotage can be full-bodied and rich, with medium-high tannins and acidity. Oak-aged examples bring vanilla, chocolate, and roasted coffee into play, while mature bottles reveal layers of leather, tobacco, and gamey savouriness.

Our Top Picks for Pinotage Day 2025

Here are four standouts from our collection to help you toast the occasion:

Beyerskloof Kriekbult Pinotage 2023

Our Wine of the Month – a vibrant, fruit-driven Pinotage with a smooth, modern edge.
[Explore Beyerskloof Kriekbult]

Beeslaar Pinotage 2023

Classic and powerful – for those who want structure, richness, and a serious expression of Pinotage.
[Explore Beeslaar Pinotage]

Scions of Sinai ‘Atlantikas’ Bushvines Pinotage 2024

A terroir-driven take with freshness and finesse, showing just how elegant Pinotage can be.
[Explore Scions of Sinai Atlantikas]

Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2022

The benchmark. Bold, iconic, and built to age – a must for collectors.
[Explore Kanonkop Black Label]

Pinotage may have started as an experiment, but today it’s a symbol of South African resilience and creativity. Despite its rocky reputation in the 1980s and ’90s (when it often showed rubbery, smoky notes due to poor vineyard and cellar practices), modern winemakers have unlocked its full potential. The result? World-class wines that stand proudly beside the great reds of the world.

So, this Pinotage Day, open something proudly South African. Explore our curated Pinotage collection and discover why this grape continues to define our winemaking identity.

[Shop Pinotage Collection]