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,”
says Bolton. “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 021 886 4310, or e-mail info@wineroute.co.za. Visit www.facebook.com/PinotageRoot
or www.twitter.com/pinotageroot