Wine Tasting at Beyerskloof

Spend the day sipping and swirling proudly South African wines

No visit to the Western Cape Winelands would be complete without a wine tasting at Beyerskloof wine estate, the Stellenbosch-based farm that’s become synonymous with South Africa’s one true cultivar, Pinotage. 

As closely identified with the robust red as Nelson Mandela is with freedom, the farm produces millions of bottles of the darkish Burgundian purple vino each year, all of which consistently sell out. 

The real champion behind the varietal, though, is Beyerskloof’s co-owner and cellar master, Beyers Truter, and his relentless devotion to creating a wine of exceptional character. Nearly wiped off the face of the earth in 1976 after a group of British wine masters declared the nose “hot and horrible” and the taste akin to that of rusty nails or acetone, Pinotage was only granted a place in the global limelight thanks to Truter’s unfaltering convictions.

 Just under two decades after the varietal had been dubbed an ugly duckling, only suitable for bulk jug wine and mixing fodder, Truter wowed the international community with a well-rounded, polished vintage, and thus became the first South African to win the ‘International Winemaker of the Year’ award in 1991 (and with a wine that had been left for ‘dead’, no less).

Once he’d put Pinotage back on the world map, however, Truter did anything but let up, and these days, there’s no better place than Beyerskloof to taste a proudly South African wine. 

Set in the shadow of the Simonsberg mountain in the heart of the Winelands, the farm boasts a contemporary indoor tasting centre, a cosy lounge area and an expansive outdoor courtyard – all ideal spaces for sipping and swirling the day away no matter the season. 

Alongside sampling the rich plum and full-fruit flavours of the entry-level Beyerskloof Pinotage, visitors can also taste seven other vintages for a mere R20. Though the estate specialises in bold reds, those who prefer an easy-drinking white or a honey-sweet Port will be happy to find a light, tropical Chenin Blanc/Pinotage Blend and the Beyerskloof Lagare (a wine meant to accompany puddings and sweet treats) on offer, as well as an exuberant Rosé.

Though not available for tasting, the Beyerskloof Diesel, a well-oaked Pinotage crafted from the best barrels and made to commemorate the life of Truter’s noble boerboel, and the Beyerskloof Field Blend, a full-bodied Bordeaux blend, are up for purchase (both are exceptional wines). 

What’s more, at this Boland region wine farm, it’s just as plausible to taste iconic wines as it is to sample a legendary burger. Beyerskloof’s Red Leaf restaurant is home to the much-lauded Pinotage patty, and its menu also includes a delectable array of both light meals and hearty mains. 

Price of Wine Tasting at Beyerskloof

For R20 p/p visitors can taste any eight Beyerskloof wines, with the exception of the Beyerskloof Diesel and the Beyerskloof Field Blend. The tasting room is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, and on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. 

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Interested in learning more about this Stellenbosch Winelands icon? Read more about Beyerskloof wine farm, or find out about the Pinotage burger at Beyerskloof’s Red Leaf restaurant.

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