On 10 October 2025, wine lovers raised a glass to celebrate International Pinotage Day, marking 100 years since the creation of South Africa’s signature grape.
For Wellington Wines, this year’s celebration came with an extraordinary reason to be proud. On 9 October, at Meerendal Wine Estate, the 2025 ABSA Top 10 Pinotage Competition results were announced — and our DUKE Pinotage 2024 was named one of South Africa’s Top 10 Pinotage wines.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that this award-winning Pinotage retails at just R80 per bottle. Duke Pinotage has stepped confidently into the spotlight, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the most iconic names in the industry, proving that exceptional quality doesn’t need an exceptional price tag.
This milestone is not only a testament to the quality of Wellington Wines, but also a tribute to the legacy of Pinotage itself — a cultivar that embodies the innovation, resilience, and character of South African winemaking.
TASTING NOTES:
“This wine pours a dense ruby red, surprisingly intense for its R80 price point. The nose is layered and expressive, offering vibrant notes of raspberry, cherry, blueberry, and ripe purple plum, backed by hints of spice, earthy undertones, and a gentle touch of oak. The palate is soft and juicy on entry, mirroring the nose with a generous flow of plush red and purple fruit. Bright acidity lifts the wine, while fine, ripe tannins provide structure and mouth-coating grip. It finishes dry, with lingering flavours of cherry and subtle spice. A confidently crafted Pinotage that seriously overdelivers for its price.” – Raymond Noppé (Cape Wine Master)
