These awards highlight not only the innovation of South African winemakers but also the remarkable versatility of Pinotage, a grape that continues to define the country’s wine identity, 100 years after its creation.
Honouring a South African original
The Absa Perold Cape Blend Competition, launched in 2011, was designed to encourage a uniquely South African style of red blend with Pinotage as its cornerstone. Each entry must include at least 30% Pinotage, giving producers the freedom to experiment while ensuring the grape remains central. Over the years, Cape Blends have become a platform for winemakers to showcase originality and depth, resulting in wines that stand proudly alongside the world’s best.
This year’s Absa Perold Cape Blend winners demonstrated both diversity and strength:
- Bellevue Wine Estate, Atticus 2024 – Pinotage (41%), Cabernet Sauvignon (39%), Petit Verdot (20%), crafted by Wilhelm Kritzinger.
- Idiom, Cape Blend 2022 – Pinotage (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (38%), Merlot (11%), Cabernet Franc (11%), from winemaker Reino Thiart.
- Koelenhof Wynkelder, Koelenbosch Nineteenfortyone 2023 – Pinotage (49%) with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz, created by Nicholas Husselman and Handré Visagie.
- KWV, The Mentors Perold 2020 – Pinotage (40%) alongside Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Malbec, guided by Izéle van Blerk.
- Perdeberg Wines, Endura Winemaker’s Selection Cape Blend 2022 – Pinotage (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%), Malbec (17%), made by Albertus Louw.
- Simonsig Wines, Frans Malan Cape Blend 2022 – A bold statement blend led by Pinotage (62%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) and Merlot (3%), from Michael Malan.
The runners-up included Beyerskloof Wines with Faith 2020 and 2022 (Anri Truter), KWV’s The Mentors Perold 2022 (Izéle van Blerk), and Lyngrove Platinum Latitude Cape Blend 2023 (Danie van Tonder).
As part of the 100 year celebration of Pinotage, the six winners of the 2025 Absa Perold Cape Blend competition won an overseas trip to South America sponsored by TN Coopers. TN Coopers is a family-owned cooperage combining tradition and innovation to craft premium barrels and alternatives from French, American, and Exotic Woods.
A Rosé renaissance
Reflecting changing consumer tastes, the Pinotage Rosé Competition has become a key companion to the Cape Blend category. Rosé is now one of the fastest-growing wine styles worldwide, and Pinotage has proven its ability to produce vibrant, fresh and appealing pink wines that resonate across markets.
The 2025 Pinotage Rosé winners were announced as:
- Beyerskloof, Pinotage Rosé 2025 – Elsa du Plessis, West Cape
- Bon Courage Estate, Lady of the House Pinotage Rosé 2025 – Philip Viljoen, Robertson
- Jakkalsvlei Vineyards, Pinotage Rosé 2025 – Louis van der Riet, Herbertsdale
- Kaapzicht Wine Estate, Pinotage Rosé 2025 – Danie Steytler, Bottelary
- Pulpit Rock Winery, Stories Pinotage Rosé 2025 – Dewald Huisamen, Swartland
- Windmeul Kelder, Pinotage Rosé 2025 – Abraham van Heerden & Jenna Higgins, Kusstreek
Industry reflections
Commenting on the significance of the awards, De Wet Viljoen, Deputy Chair of the Pinotage Association, said:
“The Cape Blend and Rosé competitions show Pinotage at its most versatile. From powerful, structured blends to lively and modern rosés, these categories highlight the creativity of our winemakers and the adaptability of the grape. Pinotage has always been about breaking new ground, and this year’s winners continue that story with distinction.”
Jolene Grobler, Absa Western Cape, echoed this sentiment:
“Absa is proud to walk alongside the Pinotage Association in shining a light on South Africa’s wine heritage. These awards celebrate more than great wines—they honour innovation, resilience and the ability of our producers to capture the country’s story in every glass.”
Looking ahead
Together, the Absa Perold Cape Blend and Pinotage Rosé Competitions underline the dynamic future of South African wine. They not only honour the vision of the past but also affirm Pinotage’s growing global reputation as a cultivar that can deliver complexity, freshness and originality in equal measure.
As the centenary of Pinotage is celebrated throughout 2025, these competitions stand as a timely reminder of how far the grape has come - and how much potential it still holds.
For more information, contact brand@pinotage.co.za, visit pinotage.co.za for more info on the winners.