In collaboration with the South African High Commission, Message in a Bottle marked the centenary of Pinotage with a vibrant celebration of innovation, resilience, and South Africa’s winemaking heritage
On 25 October 2025, Message in a Bottle, in collaboration with the South African High Commission in Singapore, hosted the inaugural Pinotage Festival in Singapore to commemorate 100 years of South Africa’s most original grape. Created in 1925 by Professor Abraham Izak Perold, Pinotage was the result of crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault (then known as Hermitage). Although initially dismissed and used for lower-quality wines, the grape experienced a renaissance in the late 20th century as winemakers refined their techniques to unlock its full potential.
South African High Commission in Singapore
Pinotage gained international attention in 1987 when Beyers Truter from Kanonkop won the Diner’s Club Wine of the Year Award for his Pinotage. This milestone inspired more winemakers to embrace the variety, highlighting its fruit-forward character, finesse, and balance. Today, Pinotage stands proudly as a symbol of South African ingenuity and excellence, recognised across the global wine industry.
The Pinotage Festival 2025 was more than a centennial celebration—it was a reflection on South Africa’s evolving wine story, defined by reinvention and adaptability. The festival’s theme, “Who Moved My Cheese?”—borrowed from Spencer Johnson’s 1988 motivational business fable—served as a powerful metaphor for embracing change in an industry challenged by trade tensions, technological shifts, and the climate crisis. It also echoed the story of Pinotage itself, a grape born of experimentation and resilience.
The event featured a wine tasting and a virtual Masterclass led by three generations of acclaimed South African winemakers: Beyers Truter, the “Prince of Pinotage” who pioneered its global recognition; Abrie Beeslaar, celebrated for fusing tradition with innovation; and Gavin Bruwer Slabbert, a visionary next-generation winemaker reimagining Pinotage for a new era. Their shared insights and experiences inspired attendees to appreciate not only the wine but the spirit of innovation that defines South Africa’s wine heritage.
The South African High Commission in Singapore extended its congratulations to Message in a Bottle for curating a remarkable festival and expressed gratitude to the participating winemakers and exporters. With over 60 wines showcased, the event underscored the creativity, craftsmanship, and community that continue to drive South Africa’s wine industry forward. Kopano ke matla!—Unity is strength.
Source: South African High Commission in Singapore
