WeeklySA_AdminUNCORKED: A bold new range from Bellingham Wines blends heritage with playful flair, inviting a new generation to experience wine without rules — just character, connection and a touch of mischief…
By WSAM Reporter
A little mischief has arrived in South Africa’s wine world — and it is making a confident, colourful entrance.
With the launch of Pandemonium, Bellingham Wines is stepping into a spirited new chapter, one that loosens the tie of tradition while holding firmly onto its roots of quality and craftsmanship. The result is a range that feels fresh, expressive and unapologetically modern.
Designed for spontaneous gatherings and bottles that beg to be opened, Pandemonium captures the vibrant pulse of contemporary wine culture. It is wine made not just to be appreciated, but to be shared — around lively dinner tables, at neighbourhood wine bars, or in the easy comfort of home among friends. At its heart, the range is about accessibility without compromise. It invites both seasoned wine lovers and curious newcomers to engage with Bellingham in a new way — one that feels relaxed, social and full of personality.
Behind this playful reinvention stands one of South Africa’s most respected estates. Bellingham Wines, with a heritage dating back to 1693, has long been recognised for balancing tradition with innovation. Pandemonium represents its most daring expression yet — a confident nod to the future without losing sight of its storied past.
The collection features four distinctive wines, each inspired by the colourful characters and stories that have shaped life around the estate. These include the Wild Peacock 2024 Chardonnay, bursting with zesty citrus and sunlit stone fruit; the Flying Dog 2024 Grenache Blanc, an experimental and expressive white; the Dandelion 2024 Malbec, offering structure and depth; and the Sleepy Bull 2024, a Grenache-led red blend with bold, layered character.
Together, they form a range that is as diverse as it is inviting — each bottle telling its own story while contributing to a larger narrative of creativity and connection.
“Pandemonium isn’t about rules, it’s about expression,” says Bellingham Marketing Manager Morné van Greunen. “We wanted to create wines that feel as alive as the rooms they’re opened in — bottles that bring energy to the table and tell a story: of place, people and the playful spirit that has always been part of our DNA.”
While the tone may be lighter, the craftsmanship remains serious. Each wine is produced with the same precision and care that has defined Bellingham for centuries, ensuring that quality remains at the forefront even as the brand explores a more relaxed and contemporary identity.
Importantly, Pandemonium also opens the door to premium winemaking at a more accessible price point — broadening the appeal of the Bellingham name without diluting its reputation.
Now available nationwide at select Woolworths WCellar stores, online via Takealot, and through a growing network of retail and on-trade partners, the range is poised to find its place wherever good wine and good company meet.
In Pandemonium, Bellingham has not abandoned tradition — it has simply chosen to have a little fun with it.
EVENTS
Pick n Pay Fest Returns to Cape
Cape Town’s “secret season” gets a delicious lift as the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival returns on April 25 and 26 at the Claremont Cricket Club in Constantia.
Set against the scenic Constantia valley, the two-day festival promises a celebration of South Africa’s finest wines, food and live entertainment. Visitors can explore offerings from more than 50 top wine estates, with a dedicated Sparkling Experience lane showcasing a variety of Cap Classique and sparkling wines.
Food lovers are equally well catered for. The Pick n Pay Fresh Food Market will feature everything from fish and chips and sushi to fresh salads and indulgent cheese and charcuterie boards. Burger and pizza trucks will add to the relaxed, festival-style atmosphere.
For a more curated experience, guests can book the popular Tasting Room sessions, pairing wines with gourmet canapés, or take part in the interactive Mixology Theatre, where cocktails are crafted under expert guidance.
Tickets start at R350 via Webtickets, with optional add-ons including picnic bags and premium tasting experiences.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxed weekend outing, this festival offers a perfect blend of flavour, fun and flair in the heart of the Mother City.
Cederberg Harvest Fest in Pretoria
Pretoria’s social calendar gets a touch of Italian flair as the Cederberg Harvest Festival arrives at Forti Too in Lynnwood Manor on April 9. Framed around the theme La Dolce Vita – The Sweet Life of Harvest, the event promises more than just wine tasting. It is positioned as a full sensory celebration, blending the romance of old-world Italian charm with a bold, contemporary energy.
Hosted at the stylish Forti Too venue at Lynnwood Bridge, the evening invites guests to slow down and savour the pleasures of harvest season in an atmosphere of refined elegance and sociability. The setting transforms into a vibrant piazza-inspired space, where music, conversation and curated experiences come together seamlessly.
Guests can expect an all-inclusive experience at R750 per person, featuring Cederberg’s acclaimed wines, curated tastings, and a selection of meals designed to complement the harvest theme. Still and sparkling water, as well as coffee and tea, are also included, ensuring a relaxed and indulgent evening from start to finish.
With its blend of fine wine, food and atmosphere, the Cederberg Harvest Festival offers Gauteng wine lovers a rare opportunity to experience the spirit of harvest season — without leaving the city.
Jazz, Wine at Vergenoegd Löw
The close of the 2026 wine harvest will be marked in style at Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate, where an evening of jazz, fine food and award-winning wines promises a memorable celebration under the Stellenbosch sky on Friday, 10 April.
Set on the historic werf in front of Geuwels, Jazz Under the Stars invites guests to unwind in a relaxed yet elegant setting, where music and the rhythms of harvest season come together.
The evening begins with a welcoming glass of Cap Classique, setting the tone for a curated culinary experience by chef Michelle Theron. Guests can look forward to an abundant seasonal starter spread, followed by a plated main course inspired by Cape heritage flavours and fresh garden produce. A heritage-inspired dessert will round off the meal.
Providing the soundtrack to the evening is Moonshine, led by acclaimed saxophonist Dan Shout, who will deliver a blend of jazz, swing and familiar classics.
Priced at R1 200 per person, the event offers a refined celebration of wine, food and music — capturing the essence of harvest’s end in one of the Cape’s most picturesque settings
BenVino Wine Fest Returns
Gauteng’s wine lovers are in for a treat as the BenVino Wine Festival returns on Saturday, 2 May 2026, bringing a full day of tastings, music and outdoor indulgence to 114 on Waterhouse in Benoni.
Hosted by Val Di Terra Events, the festival has quickly built a reputation as one of the province’s fastest-growing wine experiences — and for good reason. Set among rolling lawns, tranquil waterfalls and lush gardens, the venue offers a setting that evokes the charm of the Cape winelands without leaving the city.
This year’s edition promises even more variety, with unlimited tastings of over 200 wines from more than 25 leading South African estates, including at least ten new wine farms. Beyond the wine, visitors can expect a lively programme of entertainment, including live performances by Rewind, Les and Bryan, and other artists. Craft food stalls, harvest platters, wine-themed games and merchandise add to the festival atmosphere, while prizes worth over R25 000 are up for grabs.
With tickets starting at R275, and a VIP option available, BenVino delivers a relaxed, all-day celebration of wine, food and good company — proving once again why, for many, nothing compares.
New Harties Wine Fest
The inaugural Harties Wine Festival arrives at Matambandou in Hartbeespoort on April 26, offering a relaxed celebration of South African wine culture.
Starting at 12h00, the festival brings together a curated selection of local wineries for an afternoon of tasting, discovery and conversation. Designed as an easy, social outdoor experience, the event invites both seasoned enthusiasts and casual wine lovers to engage directly with winemakers while sampling a variety of labels.
Beyond the glass, the experience extends into gourmet food offerings and live entertainment, creating a vibrant yet unhurried atmosphere that reflects the growing appeal of destination-style wine events just outside Johannesburg.
Tickets are priced at R400 per person and include festival entry, access to wine tasting stalls, and a commemorative wine glass. Tickets are available via Webtickets, with no indication that sales will be available at the gate — early booking is advised.
– Compiled by Len Maseko: lenmaseko@weeklysamirror.news
