1953: The Birth of a South African Icon
At Bellevue Wine Estate, 1953 was more than just another year—it was a defining moment in South African wine history. It was the year P.K. Morkel planted one of the first commercial Pinotage vineyards, forever changing the trajectory of the country’s wine industry. But what led to this revolutionary decision?
The Road to 1953: A Story of Innovation and Vision
1925 – The Creation of Pinotage
The story begins in 1925, when Professor Abraham Izak Perold—a pioneering viticulturist at the University of Stellenbosch—set out to create a grape that combined the finesse of Pinot Noir with the resilience of Cinsault (then called Hermitage). The result was Pinotage, a uniquely South African varietal capable of thriving in the Cape’s diverse climate and soils.
For years, Pinotage remained largely experimental, with only a handful of vineyards testing its potential. While Perold’s creation showed promise, the lack of large-scale plantings meant it had yet to prove itself as a commercially viable varietal. That all changed with P.K. Morkel and Bellevue.
1940s – A Changing Wine Landscape
By the 1940s, South Africa’s wine industry was undergoing a transformation. Farmers and winemakers were looking for ways to improve wine quality and expand their offerings beyond bulk wine production.
At Bellevue, P.K. Morkel was already ahead of his time. As a graduate of viticulture and oenology under Perold himself, he had an in-depth understanding of soil management, grape selection, and winemaking techniques. He knew that the Bottelary Hills—Bellevue’s home—offered the ideal conditions for growing high-quality grapes, and he was determined to push the boundaries of what was possible.
The Decision That Changed South African Wine Forever
In the early 1950s, P.K. Morkel was looking to plant Gamay Noir, a red varietal commonly associated with Beaujolais wines. However, when he couldn’t source the vines, he was advised to consider Pinotage.
It was a gamble. Pinotage was still unproven on a commercial scale, and there were many sceptics. But P.K. believed in its potential and decided to take the leap. In 1953, he planted 2.58 hectares of Pinotage bush vines, making Bellevue one of the first farms in South Africa to commercially cultivate the varietal. The following year, impressed by the results, he expanded the vineyard by another 3.23 hectares, securing Bellevue’s place in history.
Why 1953 Was a Pivotal Moment
This wasn’t just about planting a new grape—it was about shaping the future of South African winemaking. P.K. Morkel’s decision to embrace Pinotage had far-reaching effects:
✔ Proving Pinotage’s Potential – His vines thrived in Bellevue’s Cartref and Westleigh soils, proving that Pinotage could be successfully cultivated in Stellenbosch.
✔ Encouraging Other Winemakers – Seeing Bellevue’s success, other wine estates followed suit, leading to wider adoption of Pinotage across the Cape Winelands.
✔ Paving the Way for Commercial Success – Pinotage was no longer just an experiment; it was now a serious contender in the South African wine industry.
1953 to 1959: From Vineyard to Victory
Just six years after P.K. planted the first vines, Bellevue’s Pinotage was ready for the world to taste. In 1959, P.K. entered his Pinotage into the Cape Wine Show (now the SA Young Wine Show). The result?
🏆 Bellevue Pinotage won the General Smuts Trophy, awarded to the best wine in South Africa across all varietals.
This victory was more than just an accolade—it was validation. Pinotage had officially arrived, and Bellevue was at the forefront of its success.
Pinotage Today: A Global Icon
Today, Pinotage is South Africa’s signature red grape, known for its bold fruit flavours, earthy undertones, and exceptional aging potential. From its first commercial plantings, including at Bellevue, to its global recognition, it remains a symbol of South African innovation and identity.
And it all started here, in 1953, when P.K. Morkel took a chance on something new—a decision that changed South African wine forever.
Bellevue’s Lasting Contribution to South African Wine
Bellevue’s influence on South African winemaking extends far beyond our historic Pinotage vineyard. Over the decades, we have remained dedicated to:
✔ Preserving heritage vineyards – Our 1953 Pinotage vineyard remains one of the oldest in South Africa, producing exceptional wines that honour our legacy.
✔ Innovation in viticulture – P.K. Morkel was an early adopter of cold fermentation techniques, revolutionizing how South African red wines were made.
✔ Pioneering excellence – Bellevue has continued to win awards and accolades, showcasing the world-class potential of South African Pinotage.
Experience the Legacy
Come visit Bellevue and taste history in every sip. Our wines pay tribute to the pioneering spirit of P.K. Morkel, and our Heritage Pinotage remains one of the most celebrated expressions of this uniquely South African grape. From the first commercial Pinotage vineyard to a legacy that continues today, Bellevue stands as a true contributor to South Africa’s winemaking heritage.
