Beyerskloof Winery Pinotage Experience in Stellenbosch

Taste your way through the fine food and wine made from South Africa’s signature grape

For a truly South African take on wine, there’s no better place to visit than Beyerskloof in Stellenbosch. The scenic family-run farm and its on-site Red Leaf restaurant are celebrated internationally as the champions of Pinotage, a distinctly local varietal that’s rarely produced elsewhere outside of Mzansi, and both are committed to taking visitors on an unforgettable journey into the wonderful world of this unique full-berried red.

Wine tasting cowboys can start their proudly Pinotage adventure with a bit of nosh from the laidback Winelands eatery. The Red Leaf – it’s named for the rosy-hued foliage distinct to the Pinotage vine – has craftily infused some of its signature dishes with the robust vino to give hungry patrons a cheeky preview of what’s on offer next door at the tasting centre.

Most famous is the Pinotage burger, an open-faced hand-ground beef patty topped with an onion relish slowly stewed in the rich plum undertones of the wine and served with hand-cut potato wedges. Though, if you’re in the mood for something even heartier, tuck into the slow-roasted rack of lamb drizzled with a moreish Pinotage red wine sauce and accompanied by seasonal vegetables and potatoes. Then, round off the meal with either the truly delectable, one-of-a-kind Pinotage ice cream or, if it’s on the menu, the molten chocolate Pinotage cake.

Obviously, it goes without saying that you’ll want to pair the creative grub with a glass or three of Beyerskloof’s sublime vintages.

Once you’ve lined the stomach, it’s time for a serious sampling session. Wander over to the wine tasting room and sit by the fire if the weather’s cold or, if the African sun’s a-shining, park outside and prepare to embark on a Pinotage expedition.

Settle into the journey with the easy-drinking, tropical-flavoured Chenin Blanc-Pinotage before swishing about the salmon-coloured Pinotage Rosé, a dry but fruity wine that goes best with a warm summer’s day. After you’ve had your fill of these lighter, crisper options, delve into the three popular 100% Pinotage reds, each of which has undergone a unique maturation process.

The classic Pinotage is the most popular in the country and is meant to be savoured young, the smoother, more full-bodied Pinotage Reserve goes well with food and the Diesel Pinotage – it’s named after the winemaker’s deceased hound – is the elegant, multi-award winning product of the best 20 barrels of each harvest.

And finally, cap off the experience with the unusual Lagare Cape Vintage, a Port-style Pinotage best paired with dessert or late-night chats. Though made in the open fermentation process typical of the Portuguese fortified wine, this blend has a nice depth and only a moderate sweetness.

Pricing and booking for the Beyerskloof Winery Pinotage Experience

While it’s not always necessary to book to do a Beyerskloof wine tasting or to eat in the restaurant, it is recommended to make a reservation at the Red Leaf during high season (November to March). To do so, phone +27 (0) 21 865 2685.

The Beyerskloof tasting room is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. A wine tasting costs R20p/p and includes any eight wines except the Diesel Pinotage and the Cape Field Blend; it’s an extra R20p/p to taste these two reds.

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Want to find out why this winery is considered the champion of Pinotage? Read more about Beyerskloof wine farm in Stellenbosch.

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