You’ve sipped your way through Merlot, swirled your fair share of Cab, and maybe even flirted with a Tempranillo or two. But have you met Pinotage?
It’s okay if you haven’t. Not every great wine makes a grand entrance. Some, like Pinotage, wait patiently on the sidelines, bold, earthy, and just a little misunderstood. Born in South Africa, this red grape carries notes of smoke, spice, and sun-drenched soil, wrapped in a personality as complex as the land it comes from.
And once you get to know it, you might wonder why it took so long to find its way into your glass.
What Pinotage Really Is and Why It’s So Different
Some wines are born in the vineyard. Pinotage was born in a lab with heart. In 1925, a South African scientist named Professor Abraham Perold stood at the crossroads of curiosity and creativity. He took the delicacy of Pinot Noir and paired it with the durability of Cinsaut (once known locally as Hermitage). What came out of that unlikely union wasn’t just a new grape; it was a new identity.
“Pinotage was created in 1925 by Professor Abraham Perold at Stellenbosch University by crossing Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsaut).”
Source: Wines of South Africa (WOSA)
Pinotage walks in with notes of blackberry jam, bitter chocolate, espresso, and a smoky whisper of something primal, like a late night campfire story you didn’t see coming. It's rich. It's rustic. And it doesn't try to be polite.
That’s why some call it the “Marmite of wine.” You’ll either fall headfirst for its boldness or circle back later when your palate’s ready to explore the deeper end of the wine pool. However, Pinotage doesn’t need to be liked by everyone. It just needs to be tasted with an open mind and maybe a plate of barbecued lamb on the side.
“Once dismissed by critics for ‘acetone’ aromas, Pinotage has undergone a revival through improved vineyard and cellar practices.”
Source: Decanter Magazine
Pinotage has gone from being the grape everyone loved to criticize… to the one quietly commanding respect in the glass. And the best part? The world is just starting to catch on.
Where to Taste Pinotage Across South Africa’s Wine Country
Some wines make you want to book a reservation. Pinotage makes you want to book a flight. To truly understand this grape, its roots, its resilience, and its rebellious charm, you have to meet it on its home turf. South Africa’s Western Cape is where the grape found its voice among mountains, sun-baked soils, and the rhythm of the seasons.
Stellenbosch is the heart of it all, an elegant blend of old-world winemaking and modern flair. Here, legendary estates like Kanonkop and Beyerskloof treat Pinotage like royalty, crafting bottles that range from bold and structured to unexpectedly refined. A tasting here is a story in your glass.
Head west to Swartland, and the vibe shifts, more rustic, more experimental. Pinotage here often leans wild and untamed, with natural winemakers embracing the grape’s earthy, smoky edge. It’s Pinotage with dirt under its nails—and it’s glorious.
In Paarl and Wellington, tradition and terroir intertwine. Wineries like Diemersfontein have built cult followings for their “coffee Pinotage,” a rich, mocha-kissed expression that surprises even seasoned palates. And if you’re thinking of going (and honestly, why wouldn’t you?), February to April is the magic window. This isn’t just wine tasting . It’s a journey into the soul of South Africa.
How to Pair Pinotage with Food You’ll Actually Crave
Wine pairing shouldn’t feel like decoding an ancient manuscript. With Pinotage, it’s about matching bold flavors and smoky charm to food that makes your taste buds sit up and pay attention.
This grape’s rich structure and smoky undertones make it a natural companion to the kind of food that’s unapologetically flavorful. Like South Africa’s famous braai (their legendary barbecue), ribs glazed in sticky sauces, or pulled pork that falls apart with just a fork’s nudge. It’s the kind of wine that stands tall next to smoky char and hearty spice without losing its voice.
Pinotage’s versatility goes beyond the grill. Savor it with grilled sausage. Even vegetarian lovers aren’t left out; a creamy mushroom risotto or a plate of roasted root vegetables brings out Pinotage’s earthier side. Here is your uncorked invitation to indulgence, a wine and cheese pairing guide for beginners. Pinotage is your invitation to dig in boldly and sip confidently.
What Makes Pinotage a Champion of Sustainable Winemaking
South African vineyards have become leaders in eco-conscious winemaking. This is a grape that is giving conscious wine lovers an extra reason to raise their glass. Wine and Spirit Board’s Integrated Production of Wine Scheme (IPW), a rigorous program ensuring that every step, from vine to bottle, meets high standards for environmental care, social responsibility, and quality.
“More than 95% of South African wine is certified under the Wine and Spirit Board’s Integrated Production of Wine Scheme (IPW), ensuring sustainability from vine to bottle.”
Source: wine.co.za
Pinotage vineyards often blend tradition with innovation, using water-wise irrigation, reducing chemical inputs, and embracing biodiversity. Initiatives like the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI) work tirelessly to protect native species and natural habitats, proving that great wine and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
Top Pinotage Wines to Try Even If You’re Not a Red Lover
Begin with the softer side of this South African gem. Bottles like 2020 The Winery of Good Hope Pinotage , a South African Pinotage featuring wild raspberries, plums, and subtle spice that feel like a friendly handshake rather than a bold declaration. And Diemersfontein’s “Coffee Pinotage”? Think of it as that velvety, comforting cup of mocha that welcomes you back, smooth and rich without overwhelming.
When you’re ready for something that truly tells a story, Kanonkop Black Label awaits. Revered by critics and loved by connoisseurs, it’s often called South Africa’s “First Growth”, a title earned by wines that demand attention and reward patience with layers of depth and elegance.
The best part? Pinotage isn’t a far-flung dream anymore. It’s increasingly available at your favorite wine shops and online retailers worldwide. So whether you’re new to red wine or just curious, a little Pinotage adventure is always within reach, and who knows? It might just become your new favorite.
When It’s Time for Wine, It’s Time to Start With Soul
Getting started with wine isn’t about gadgets or flashy tools; it’s about refining the experience, making every pour smoother, every bottle last a little longer, and every flavor unfold like a story worth savoring. Now, the table is set. The glasses wait patiently. The ritual is ready, and you’ve done your part to honor what’s inside the bottle. All that’s left is the wine itself.
Start somewhere with heart and soul. Time for Wine offers gentle whites that ease you into the moment and bold reds that linger long after the last sip. Because the journey with wine doesn’t end once you have the right gear; it truly begins there.
So, pour yourself a glass. Begin with Time for Wine. And let every sip mean something.