A Hundred and One Years in the Making: A Future Still Unfolding

A Legacy in Every Vintage

Bellevue, the estate behind the world’s first bottled Pinotage, continues to uphold a century of heritage with every vintage. To rediscover Bellevue wine estate is to taste more than just our wine. It is tasting history, honouring our pioneers and joining the journey that is still unfolding.

The Foundations of a Legacy

Bellevue’s winemaking legacy was unlocked in 1820 by Johannes Julius Mechau who built the original cellar on the Estate. After he passed away in 1835, Pieter Krige (P.K) Morkel expanded the original cellar in 1943. Bellevue’s story is one of bold decisions and forward thinking. When P.K. Morkel couldn’t find Gamay vines in 1953, he embraced a pioneering South African cultivar: Pinotage. This decision not only shaped Bellevue’s identity but also contributed to the global recognition of Pinotage as a uniquely South African cultivar.

A Legacy Reimagined

Our rich history will never be forgotten.It is the responsibility of each generation, not only to preserve our history, but also to build on it.

And so, Bellevue rises again, now reinvigorated under new ownership. Once known for supplying bulk wine and prized fruit to some of the Western Cape’s most renowned producers, Bellevue is now crafting wines that are confidently shining with virtue.

A Journey of Renewal

Bellevue has undertaken a significant journey of renewal over the past two years. This transformation is driven not only by the desire for growth, but also by commitment to build on the legacy entrusted to us.

This evolution has touched every aspect of our work, from the wine itself to the label presentation thereof, through to the restoration of the historic buildings on the estate where our wines are showcased.

Guided by Nature

Our focus has shifted intentionally towards minimal intervention and quality. Bellevue’s philosophy is to work in harmony with nature. Carefully integrated farming methods ensure that Bellevue succeeds in the nurturing and protection of some of the oldest vineyards in South Africa.

Bellevue wines are fruit-driven and complex, showing true purity of fruit borne from good viticultural practices. Each cultivar has specific needs regarding soil and terroir. Close attention is given to the exact planting location of each cultivar. Our goal is to produce site-specific wines, reflecting the individual character of each vineyard and its unique soil and terroir.

Heritage Reimagined

Bellevue’s new labels are contemporary interpretations of its proud heritage, crafted to honour the old while introducing the new. As for the restorations underway, the true experience can only be appreciated by visiting the estate yourself.

The Hands Behind the Revival

The effort behind this rebirth is no less than the labour of those who first broke the earth for Pinotage. Hands pruning, minds shaping and hearts committed to excellence, all working to ensure Bellevue’s name is not only remembered, but reimagined.

The Story Continues

Bellevue, the estate behind one of the world’s first commercialised Pinotage plantings, continues to uphold a century of heritage with every vintage. To rediscover Bellevue wine estate is to taste more than just our wine. It is tasting history, honouring our pioneers and joining the journey that is still unfolding.