Four of South Africa’s iconic Pinotage producers, all part of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, have joined forces to create the Pinotage Root of South Africa, the first demarcated wine experience centred round the grape variety with which the South African wine industry has become synonymous.
The four wine farms are part of the lexicon of premier South African wines, with the Pinotage Root comprising Simonsig Estate, Kanonkop, Beyerskloof and L’Avenir, all recognised as the crème de la crème of Pinotage producers. Not only have these wineries been top performers in the history of the Top 10 Pinotage Competition, but their role in promoting the country’s Pinotage pedigree has been at the forefront of South Africa’s wine narrative over the past few years.
According to Annareth Bolton, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, the Pinotage Root was formed to provide a unique experience for wine lovers wishing to focus on wines made from the country’s best-known indigenous grape variety.
“As a collective, these four wineries are a showcase of the degree of excellence found within the boundaries of the Stellenbosch wine region, and represent one example of why Stellenbosch is deemed as South Africa’s leading wine region in terms of diversity of terroir and wine offering as well as pure excellence,” she says.
The relative close proximity of the L’Avenir, Kanonkop, Simonsig and Beyerskloof allows the visitor easy access to the best Pinotage wines in South Africa within a day-trip. Each farm will be offering visitors a selection of five Pinotage wines from their cellars, with various culinary offerings varying from snacks to gourmet restaurant meals laid on.
Bolton says that the initiative was taken by the wineries themselves to set-up the Pinotage Root, and underscores the dynamic forward thinking that has become a feature of the corps of members belonging to the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
“As the largest wine route in South Africa we are able to add value by offering visitors select, focussed offerings as our region has something for everyone,” she adds.
“The energy and enthusiasm of our members has led to many dynamic initiatives within Stellenbosch, of which the Pinotage Root is the latest example. I trust this new kid on our block will attract many visitors and will most definitely add value to Brand Stellenbosch.”
For more information, call +27 (0)21 886 4310, or e-mail info@wineroute.co.za.
