1959: The Year Bellevue Pinotage Made History
In 1959, a single decision at Bellevue Wine Estate changed the course of South African winemaking forever. This was the year that Bellevue’s Pinotage won the prestigious General Smuts Trophy, marking the first major recognition for South Africa’s signature red grape. It was a moment that cemented Bellevue’s place in wine history and proved that Pinotage was a force to be reckoned with.
The Road to 1959: How Bellevue Led the Pinotage Revolution
1953 – One of the First Commercial Pinotage Vineyard
The journey to this historic moment began in 1953, when P.K. Morkel—a visionary wine farmer and Stellenbosch University viticulture graduate—decided to plant one of South Africa’s first commercial Pinotage vineyards. At the time, Pinotage was still an experimental grape, created in 1925 by Professor Abraham Izak Perold as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (Hermitage). While the new varietal showed promise, very few winemakers were willing to take the risk of planting it commercially.
P.K. Morkel saw potential where others hesitated. He planted 2.58 hectares of Pinotage bush vines at Bellevue, followed by an additional 3.23 hectares in 1954. Little did he know his decision would shape the future of South African wine.
The 1950s – Pinotage Gains Momentum
Through careful vineyard management and winemaking techniques, Bellevue’s Pinotage flourished. The grapes developed deep colour, rich fruit flavours, and robust tannins, proving that Pinotage could thrive in Stellenbosch’s terroir. As more winemakers took notice, Pinotage plantings began to expand across the Cape Winelands.
By 1959, P.K. Morkel knew he had something special. Confident in the quality of his wine, he entered Bellevue’s Pinotage into the Cape Wine Show—South Africa’s most prestigious wine competition (now the SA Young Wine Show).
1959 – The Year That Changed Everything
Against 1,800 competing wines across 70 varietal categories, Bellevue Pinotage won the General Smuts Trophy, awarded to the best overall wine in South Africa.
🏆 Bellevue became the first producer to win a major wine competition with Pinotage.
🏆 Pinotage gained instant credibility as a world-class varietal.
🏆 South Africa’s wine industry embraced Pinotage, leading to widespread plantings across the country.
This victory was more than just an award—it was a defining moment for South African winemaking. It proved that Pinotage was not just an experiment but a serious contender on the global stage.
Bellevue’s Pinotage Legacy: From 1959 to Today
Following its historic win, Bellevue’s 1959 Pinotage was bottled and sold under the Lanzerac label by Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery, making it the first commercially bottled Pinotage in the world.
Since then, Pinotage has become South Africa’s flagship red wine, known for its bold flavours, the complexity of fruit and excellent ageing potential. It is now grown and celebrated worldwide, with Bellevue remaining a proud custodian of Pinotage history.
Today, the original 1953 Pinotage vineyard still stands, producing limited-edition wines that pay tribute to P.K. Morkel’s pioneering vision.
Experience the History
At Bellevue, we invite you to taste the legacy of our award-winning Pinotage. Visit us and taste the history in every sip and discover why 1959 remains one of the most critical years in South African wine history.
