South Africa’s proudly homegrown grape, Pinotage, turns 100 this year, and the celebrations will be as diverse as the regions where the varietal thrives. A century ago, Professor Abraham Izak Perold of Stellenbosch University crossed Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, creating a grape that has become both a national treasure and a global ambassador for the Cape Winelands.
This centenary is anchored by the 2025 Absa Top 20 Pinotage Finalists, drawn from 120 entries representing 68 producers across Stellenbosch, Simonsberg, Durbanville, Paarl, Swartland, Breedekloof, Wellington, and the Olifants River. According to Beyers Truter, Chairman of the Pinotage Association, the finalists “embody everything this variety stands for—heritage, tenacity, and the ability to tell South Africa’s story through wine.”
Events
The commemorations begin at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville, one of Pinotage’s founding homes. On 9 October the Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards take place, followed by the Absa Perold Cape Blend and Rosé Awards on 10 October, and a Pinotage Party on 11 October. That same day, International Pinotage Day will be celebrated nationwide, with estates across South Africa offering tastings, tours, and special activations.
Later in the month, on 18 October, Stellenbosch will host the Klub1000 and Pinotage Association’s “’n Winemaker, ’n Storie en ’n Liedjie” event, blending wine, storytelling, and song. The festivities continue into November, beginning on 1 November in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands at Duma Manzi Lodge, where guests can enjoy Pinotage and Padel, Sip and Paint with Pinotage, and a Dinner with Pinotage. On 15 November, the Pretoria Country Club will host its own Pinotage 100 Festival, combining fine dining, exceptional wine, and an auction to benefit community initiatives. The season concludes on 25 November at Die Boer Restaurant in Durbanville with Proe die Beste, a showcase of top wines and culinary pairings.
While these flagship events set the stage, wine estates across South Africa will host their own celebrations throughout October and November, ensuring that wine lovers from every region can raise a glass to 100 years of Pinotage.