Beyerskloof: The King of Pinotage's Own Estate

Beyers Truter left Kanonkop after saving Pinotage's reputation and founded his own estate. "The King of Pinotage." Beyerskloof Red Blend is the single biggest-selling red wine in South Africa. Five minutes from the university where Pinotage was born. Full circle.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Taste the Wine That Redeemed Pinotage Wine · Price: low

   Before Beyers Truter, critics called Pinotage 'burnt rubber.' In 1991, while at Kanonkop, he became the first South African to win International Winemaker of the Year. With Pinotage. The world noticed. His entry-level wine now sells over 1 million bottles annually and still sells out. His Diesel Pinotage is the one that put the grape back on the map. Tasting costs R20 for any 8 wines. Add R20 to taste the Diesel—that's why you're here. Ask about the 1996 Beyerskloof Reserve. Industry legend. Open Mon-Sat 9am-4:30pm, Sun 10am-4:30pm. If Diesel isn't available, the standard Pinotage tells the story too.

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2. 2 Find the Connection to Pinotage's Birthplace History · Free

   You're 5 minutes from where Pinotage was born. Welgevallen Experimental Farm at Stellenbosch University. Prof. Abraham Perold crossed Pinot Noir × Cinsault there on 17 November 1924, and planted the seeds in 1925. Four seedlings. In 1928 they were nearly composted until a lecturer named Charlie Niehaus saved them while cycling past. If he'd taken a different route, Pinotage wouldn't exist. Ask the staff: 'How close are we to where Pinotage was born?' They'll tell you. Ask if you can visit Welgevallen—there's a memorial plaque on campus. The estate name 'Beyerskloof' comes from the Beyers family who farmed here for 5 generations. Truter is the 6th generation. Full circle.

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3. 3 Drink Pinotage the Way South Africans Do Adventure · Price: low

   South African wine culture is braai culture. Beyerskloof built their hospitality around pairing Pinotage with fire-grilled food. Red Leaf Bistro on the estate. Views across vineyards. Order something grilled—boerewors, steak, lamb. Pair it with Pinotage. This is how it's meant to be drunk. Not in tasting rooms. Around a fire with meat. If the bistro is full, ask the tasting room staff about food pairings. They'll recommend local spots or tell you what to braai at home with the bottle you buy.

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