The story of Bellingham is not a new one to most wine lovers. With a history of over 300 years, Bellingham is a well established label in South Africa and in over 50 countries around the world.
It is a brand that is richly coloured by the labours of vintners, past and present. This new generation of Bellingham celebrates the historic momentum that has shaped its wines through time with a golden thread of innovation, ingenuity and foresight.
From Huguenot beginnings in 1693, through ages of farming families, the modern renaissance of the Bellingham Estate in Franschhoek began in the 1940’s when Bernard and Fredagh Podlashuk purchased the farm and began rebuilding it to its former glory. The Podlashuks were true pioneers, and it was their initiative that inspired the release of the first Cape rosé in 1959, their ‘Premier Grand Cru’ was the first dry white blend in the country and the original in its style, and the first single variety Shiraz was bottled at Bellingham in 1959.
THE TREE SERIES
Fresh, fruity, juicy and redolent with well balanced varietal character, these three blends capture those happy-go-lucky times together outdoors in the surreal beauty of the estate. The Podlashuks loved to entertain family and friends in Fredagh’s much loved gardens. The great oak where legendary long lunches took place, a hardy pear tree planted in the 1700s and wild berry bush hedges that attract indigenous birds, have all inspired the Tree Series of lifestyle blends including:
Big Oak Red Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (ARP R35)
Pear Tree White Chenin Blanc Viognier 2012 (ARP R30)
Berry Bush dry Rosé 2012 (ARP R30)
THE INSIGNIA SERIES
The estate grown fresh fruit and produce that filled the farm kitchen inspired the provocative and enticing labels of the Insignia Series with a contemporary and fresh approach to wine trends in the premium segment. Citrus Grove Chenin makes your mouth water in anticipation of a tantalizing citrus twist, whilst Mocha Java Merlot is irresistible with its rich and toasty mouthful of brooding dark berries.
Citrus Grove Chenin 2012 (ARP R35)
Mocha Java Merlot (ARP R40)
ANCIENT EARTH
Weathered Malmesbury rock, shale and Table Mountain granite. Over time, these elements have conjured the unique alchemy of Cape wineland soils. The Ancient Earth collection links the future to where it all began with a graphic and elegant label acknowledging our roots. The range taps into the bedrock of our Cape vineyards with flavours faithful to the cultivars and the soils that gave them life in six single varietal wines.
Ancient Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (ARP R50)
Ancient Earth Chardonnay 2011 (ARP R50)
Ancient Earth Shiraz 2011 (ARP R60)
Ancient Earth Pinotage 2010 (ARP R60)
Ancient Earth Merlot 2010 (ARP R65)
Ancient Earth Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (ARP R65)
THE BERNARD SERIES
This series pays homage to Bernard Podlashuk, fondly known as Pod, and his tremendous passion to go beyond the ordinary. Pod’s maverick spirit, imagination and innovation are still hallmarks of Bellingham today. The Bernard Series combines terroir and excellent cellar craft to create extraordinary wines that stand out in character, super premium quality and individuality, placing them in a class of their own.
The Bernard Series Handpicked Viognier 2011 (ARP R120)
The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2011 (ARP R130)
The Bernard Series Whole Bunch Roussanne 2010 (ARP R120)
The Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage 2010 (ARP R170)
The Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah 2010 (ARP R180)
The Bernard Series Small Barrel SMV 2009 (ARP R230)
This next chapter in the history of Bellingham promises a journey of discovery beyond the facade of the manor house into the heart of the brand with a warm and engaging collection of stories that allow the consumer to explore and experience the real Bellingham, its rich history and the visionary spirit of innovation that has defined it as a true South African wine brand.