Steeped in history dating back to 1692, Lanzerac is a historic landmark and Stellenbosch icon.The first owner was Isaac Schrijver who planted the very first vineyards and, unsurprisingly, named the farm Schoongezicht, meaning “wonderful view”. In the early 1800’s the first cellar was erected and subsequently complemented by the iconic Manor House, which exhibits an unusually high level of sophistication for Cape Dutch architecture of the period with its main gable dating back to 1830.
The homestead was transformed into the Lanzerac Hotel in 1959 – reminiscent of the traditional French way of fusing a country hotel and wine estate. Today the iconic property hosts an elegant five-star Country hotel, acclaimed bars, restaurants and Deli, a remarkable tasting venue, and a chic day spa.
The grande dame is synonymous with old-world charm and rich Cape heritage. Positioned in the idyllic Jonkershoek Valley on the outskirts ofStellenbosch, the Estate boasts views of dramatic mountain ranges, endless rows of lush vineyards and hectares of gardens shaded by giant oak trees.
“If you want to succeed, you have to listen to yourself, to your own heart, and you have to have the courage to go your own way.” - Robert Mondavi
Ever since that first famous crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut in 1925, Professor Perold embodied the essence of Robert Mondavi’s quote, years before the words left his lips. That fateful creation that “Prof Perold”sadly never tasted, grew from initial setbacks, then from strength to strength to become synonymous with the South African wine industry.
Since 2015, Lanzerac has celebrated our shared history with Pinotage on the second Saturday in October. This day has come to be known as International Pinotage Day, and this year marks Lanzerac's 65th anniversary of producing Pinotage.
During the weekend and preceding week, Lanzerac becomes the centre of indulgence. Guests can partake in the annual Restaurant Week, showcasing culinary creations from executive chef Stephen Fraser paired with Lanzerac’s finest vintages.
The traditional highlight being the Pinotage Festival on the weekend of 12 and 13 October. A celebration of friends, food, music, and Pinotage, capped off with a vertical tasting of Lanzerac Pinotage presented by cellarmaster, Wynand Lategan.
Embrace the month of Pinotage with the 2021 vintage of the Lanzerac Jonkershoek Pinotage.
Sourced from 4 vineyards as well as a bushvine located 400-420m above sea-level, this new-world take on Pinotage entices with ripe berries and plums on the nose. 15 months of aging in French oak, enhances Pinotage’s classic mouthfeel and lingering aftertaste. This Stellenbosch icon will be equally at home accompanying your spring afternoon braais, as well as lavish meals with friends and family.
Enhancing this marvel of a wine is executive chef Stephen Fraser’s Pinotage burger, with Wagyu beef, streaky bacon, white cheddar, red pepper romesco sauce, avocado crispy fried jalapenos, and Pinotage-soaked onions.
Join us this October to honour this marvel of a grape, the “Professor”, and a legacy, boldly shaped and created in 1925.
TheLanzerac Jonkershoek Pinotage 2021 is available for purchase via our online shop, tastewine.co.za.
This article originally appeared on Cape Tourism, as part of a collaboration with wine.co.za.