The 2025 harvest has officially started here at Rijk's Wine Estate. This year's harvest is especially meaningful as we have the privilege of not just welcoming another harvest but also honouring a historic milestone: 100 years of Pinotage.
Pinotage, a variety that carries the heart of South African winemaking, is the only red wine that we produce and it is an honour to be celebrating a century of this special variety.
We started harvesting on 23 January, with our team carefully handpicking grapes under the soft glow of headlights in the stillness of the night. We harvest exclusively at night, not only to protect the quality of the grapes but also to provide a cooler, more comfortable environment for our hardworking team in Tulbagh’s intense summer heat.
Thanks to the dedication of Daniel and his team, and a fantastic growing season, the vines are looking strong and the bunches are in great shape.
With a busy road ahead, Adriaan and the cellar team are eager to bring this exceptional harvest to life. Early tastings already hint at wines brimming with vibrant red fruit, smooth tannins, and that signature Pinotage character we all love.
2025 marks 100 years since the birth of Pinotage, a variety created in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold in South Africa. This iconic grape continues to define South Africa’s winemaking heritage, with the country remaining the world’s largest producer of Pinotage. And we are proud to contribute to this legacy.
Join us in celebrating this centenary by enjoying our special vintages, visiting the farm during harvest, or raising a glass in honour of this milestone.
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