“It was just incredible to see how people throughout the country grabbed the initiative this year,” says Beyers. “Wineries, retailers, restaurants and wine-lovers themselves have really taken to the objective of celebrating all things Pinotage on the 2nd Saturday of October. Only three years after the first Pinotage Day this occasion is already part of the South African calendar due to a groundswell of pride in our country’s most famous wine variety. And it is set to grow even further in the years to come.”
Beyers says that the main reason for the success of Pinotage Day lies in the fact that it is driven from the heart by all South Africans.
“Wineries throughout the Cape took the initiative to offer special events, tastings and wine offers on the day,” he says. “In Pick ‘n Pay Pinotage Day we had a partner advertising the date and promoting the wines. From all over the place we were sent photographs of people having special Pinotage parties in their homes, organising potjiekos competitions to celebrate the date and even hosting Pinotage dance parties. Just incredible. Our social media campaigns reached over 1,5 million people, and the print, broadcast and digital media got behind us, giving excellent coverage – we even made the Wall Street Journal discussing Pinotage on their television show.”
According to Truter, there are many reasons for giving Pinotage its own day.
“It is a totally original South African wine made from a grape that was crossed on local soil between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut in 1925. Since the first commercial Pinotage wine was made in 1959 it has become a defining fingerprint of the local wine industry. Which other grape variety has, 57 years after it produced its first wine, garnered such claim and recognition as Pinotage?” he says.
“Pinotage is one of the major regions for South Africa being seen as a leading wine producer, and in many international surveys and competitions Pinotage wines lead the way in terms of ratings and scores accorded to local producers. Quite simply, Pinotage defines the reputation of the South African wine landscape. Add to this the spirited fans of Pinotage, its passionate producers and the wine makers committed to constantly improving Pinotage’s reputation for excellence, and you have such a huge story to tell that it actually needs not just one day, but a whole year!”
Roll on Pinotage Day 2017 on 14 October…..