WeeklySA_AdminCOLLABORATIVE: Crafted by 10 winemakers from the valley, the wine is described as a refined expression of the best of local grapes…
By Len Maseko
Durbanville Wine Valley recently unveiled a wine that celebrates a century of Pinotage and 200 years of Durbanville – the Durbanville Pinotage 2024.
The new wine, launched last month, is a collaborative effort by winemakers of the Durbanville Wine Valley. It is produced in a limited quantity by region’s cellars, representing as much a milestone as a window to the future of cool climate diversity.
This is the second time winemakers from the valley have collaborated in this manner, having previously joined hands to produce the signature Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc – now in its fourth vintage – from the collective effort of winemakers from 10 cellars in this leading home of Sauvignon Blanc, which is situated a short distance from Cape Town city. The 2025 Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc was released early this year –the first in 2022 – when the collaboration began, utilising the best fruit from farms across the valley.
Through the Pinotage, the winemakers sought to reaffirm the standing of the valley, not only as a Sauvignon Blanc stronghold, but also as a source of distinguished cool climate red wines.
The wine was crafted in celebration of three significant milestones: the 200th anniversary of the town of Durbanville, 100 years of Pinotage as a true South African cultivar, and 100 years of Afrikaans as an official language.
The winemakers harnessed the very best grapes and skills of the Durbanville Wine Valley to create a wine of sublime quality. Just 1 170 bottles of the Durbanville Pinotage 2024 wine are available, with each bottled exclusively as a 1.5L magnum. Adding to its rarity, the wine is sold only through selected valley tasting rooms and its organisational website.
The collaboration behind the Durbanville Pinotage 2024 involves 11 cellars – each famous in its own right. They included Nitida, Meerendal, Maastricht, Klein Roosboom, Groot Phesantekraal, Durbanville Hills, Diemersdal, De Grendel, D’Aria, Mellish Family Wines and Canto.
“A wine that bears this level of significance, displaying the highest art of its creators, deserves to be shared generously – and nothing says celebration quite like a magnum,” says Durbanville Wine Valley manager Natasha de Villiers.
“The youngest of South Africa’s most popular varieties, Pinotage is sometimes overshadowed by its bolder siblings, but this centenary is a reminder that it is a cultivar built for the future – especially in places like Durbanville. The region’s cool climate extends stylistic capabilities to making wines both delicate and complex.”
The Durbanville Wine Valley is one of South Africa’s oldest wine-producing regions, with farms dating back to 1698. Just seven kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean and a 20-minute drive from Cape Town, the valley is defined by its cool maritime influence, elevations of up to 450 metres above sea level, and diverse soils. These natural conditions contribute to wines of freshness, structure and character.
The label design tells the story of Durbanville’s land and legacy. Framed in Delft-blue illustration, it features the historic Dutch Reformed Church (construction begun on 1 April 1825), a Cape Dutch homestead found on the family-owned farms, and the iconic outline of Table Mountain as seen from the hills of Durbanville.
A garland of pumpkins, wheat and grapes pays tribute to the region’s rich agricultural heritage. All wording on the label appears in Afrikaans, marking the centenary of Afrikaans as an official language and reflecting its cultural prominence in Cape Town’s northern district.
“It’s always a privilege to make this wine,” says De Grendel winemaker Morgan Steyn. “It speaks of the unity and camaraderie among producers in the valley, and its contribution to our mutual success.
Morgan describes the wine as “a refined expression” that opens with layered aromas of blackcurrant, prune and cherry, lifted by gentle undertones of winter spice.
“The palate is elegant and well-structured, guided by soft, powdery tannins that provide length and finesse. A lively natural acidity brings vibrancy and definition, allowing the purity of the fruit to shine.
This wine offers both freshness and depth, with the potential to develop further complexity over time,” said Morgan.
Magnums of the wine are available at R1 200 each.
EVENTS
Winex 2025
Standard Bank WineX, the Southern hemisphere’s spectacular wine celebration, returns to transform Johannesburg for three unmissable nights.
As usual, Winex is expected to attract 9 000 wine enthusiasts gathering for the largest consumer wine event under one roof on October 29, 30 and 31. The show has evolved far beyond its origins – 25 years of which have been at the Sandton Convention Centre – to become a multi-sensory celebration that combines wine appreciation with art, music and entertainment.
What distinguishes the event is the line-up of 700 wines from more than 120 exhibitors – featuring everyone from legendary award-winning cellars to exciting boutique discoveries that could become tomorrow’s cult favourites.
WineX offers wine lovers the opportunity them to engage directly with passionate winemakers and ask those burning questions they’ve always wondered about – no judgment, just genuine enthusiasm for sharing wine knowledge. They can explore an array of wines so vast that even the most dedicated cannot hope to cover everything on offer – discover rare gems, limited releases, and exclusive tastings that aren’t available anywhere else. The starts at 17h00 and 21h00.
Tickets are available via Webtickets. Early Bird tickets available now and up to 19 October: Thursday 30 October R260; Friday 31 October R290 per ticket. Full rate tickets from 20 October and at the door: Thursday 30 October R295; Friday 31 October R375 per ticket. Standard Bank clients will receive a discount of up to 30% on their ticket purchase, limited to four tickets per transaction. *Wednesday 29 October is by invitation only for Standard Bank clients and guests.
P n P Wine Fest
The Pick n Pay Wine and Food Festival Johannesburg is the place to be on October 5 and 6 to usher in summer with a prime variety of South African wines.
Visitors to the show, which will be held at The Wanderers Club, will enjoy award-winning wines from more than 70 top wine estates, delicious food options and live music. From exquisite stills and elegant Cap Classiques to luxury Champagne and refreshing Mimosas… There is something for every taste and palate.
The Pick n Pay Fresh Food Market will serve an assortment of dishes prepared with fresh ingredients such as fish and chips, fresh salads, sushi and indulgent cheese and charcuterie boards. Burger and Pizza Trucks will also serve their popular dishes.
The Festival’ ever-popular Tasting Room sessions are back to take guests on an ultimate sensory journey with chef Tjaart Walraven. Space is limited to 40 guests per session.
Another attraction, the Mixology Theatre will make its debut after a wildly successful launch in Cape Town. These fun and interactive 30-minute sessions will see guests channel their inner mixologist by creating two delicious cocktails.
A R300 ticket available via Webtickets gets you: a day pass, a branded wine glass, 20 wine tasting vouchers, access to wine tasting, the opportunity to purchase wine at retail prices, wine lifestyle products and more. The event starts at 12h00
Steenberg Garden Party
Steenberg’s signature Garden Party returns to Randburg on September 20 with a bold new setting, fresh vintages, and a flourish of spring energy.
The event blends cap heritage with Joburg sophistication at the beautiful Glenshiel Estate, 19 Woolston Road, in Westcliff, known for its stately charm, sweeping lawns, and panoramic views.
In honour of Cap Classique Month, the event will also toast 25 years of Steenberg Cap Classique, alongside the estate’s acclaimed Sauvignon Blancs and signature reds. Carefully curated tasting stations and generous harvest-style food pairings will showcase the depth and character of the range.
Adding an extra layer of discovery, an optional Masterclass with Cellar Master Elunda Basson will be held from 13h00–14h00, offering guests an intimate tasting experience of older vintages and insights into the unique Steenberg terroir.
Live music by Mo-T (Mi Casa) and the event organisers invite guests to dance, taste, and wander. Tickets from R250 per person.
JC Le Roux Fridays
The House of J.C. Le Roux, South Africa’s first and leading cellar dedicated entirely to the art of making sparkling wine, will host singer Langa Mavuso under the winery’s J.C. Fridays on September 26.
A wine dedicated to craftsmanship and driven by passion, offers you an opportunity to indulge in an immersive wine and pairing experience, while listening to a smooth yet sweet voice of Mavuso.
Mavuso will set the tone for an afternoon of unforgettable memories, sip, dance and celebrate against a breathtaking Devon Valley in Stellenbosch backdrop. Tickets are R350 per guest (no under 18s). The winery is situated on Devon Valley Road. The event starts at 18h00.
Tickets include: one sparkling welcome drink on arrival; seated sparkling wine and food pairing experience in the Tasting Room. Limited tickets are available exclusively via Quicket.
Unwined Food and Wine Show
The Unwined Food and Wine Show, taking place at Mbombela Golf Club in Mpumalanga on September 27, will showcase the best of South African wine.
The Unwined Local Food and Wine Show is committed to bringing together top winemakers, estates, and industry experts to elevate your wine experience. Visitors will explore an array of exquisite wines from our carefully curated selection of wine estates.
They will be able to take advantage of exclusive show discounts to purchase your preferred bottles directly from the wine estate. On offer will be a diverse range of food vendor s and restaurants to showcase their cuisines for the day – all to be enjoyed with a soundtrack of soulful melodies and infectious rhythms.
Unwined is more than just a showcase of exceptional wines and culinary delights – it’s a celebration of community, camaraderie, and shared passion. Tickets costing R250 per person will be available via Quicket. The event starts at 12h00.
Strauss & Co Wine Auction
Strauss & Co is proud to present a landmark fine wine auction celebrating South Africa’s vinous heritage – featuring the Engen Cellar Collection, an extraordinary private cellar that includes some of the rarest and most historically significant South African wines from the 1970s to 1980s.
This cellar has exceeded all expectations in both condition and consistency, particularly remarkable given the age of the wines. Stored in temperature-controlled conditions, carefully racked and meticulously catalogued, the bottles appear virtually untouched since their original delivery decades ago.
Upon visiting the cellar, the Strauss & Co wine team was struck by a sense of discovery: “The setting was almost mystical – accessed through a narrow passage leading to a long, slender room lined with racks of perfectly stored bottles. It was immediately clear that this was no ordinary collection,” recalls Higgo Jacobs, Strauss & Co’s Senior Wine Specialist.
“This was one of the top wines of the Engen cellar. Without wanting to benchmark it too heavily, we all remarked on the Southern Rhône character on both nose and palate—low acidity, rich fruit, dried herbs, and a savoury texture. Quite high in alcohol for the era, it is deep, with layers of flavour and enough freshness.
The tannins are fine and soft, while the finish is both exotic and balanced. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Cinsaut and possibly Pinotage. Drink over the next two decades.” – 95/100
The auction promises to offer serious collectors and connoisseurs a rare opportunity to acquire bottles that are not only historically meaningful but exceptionally well preserved. Given the provenance, rarity, and exceptional condition, these wines are expected to be among the most sought-after lots ever offered in South Africa. .– Compiled by Len Maseko
