“If you want to succeed, you have to listen to yourself, to your own heart, and you have to have the courage to go your own way.” -Robert Mondavi

Ever since that first famous crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut in 1925, Professor Perold embodied the essence of Robert Mondavi’s quote, years before the words left his lips. That fateful creation that “Prof Perold” sadly never tasted, grew from initial setbacks, then from strength to strength to become synonymous with the South African wine industry.

Every year since 2015 Lanzerac has celebrated our, and Pinotage’s shared history, on the second Saturday in October. A day which has become known as International Pinotage Day, and this year celebrates 65 years of Pinotage. 

During that weekend and preceding week, Lanzerac becomes the centre of indulgence. Guests can partake in the annual Restaurant Week, showcasing culinary creations from Executive Chef Stephen Fraser paired with Lanzerac’s finest vintages. Those with penchants for the performing arts can revel in the offerings provided by the Stellenbosch Woordfees, as well as the ever-popular Street Soirees. 

The traditional highlight being the Pinotage Festival on the weekend of 12 and 13 October. A celebration of friends, food, music, and Pinotage, capped off with a vertical tasting of Lanzerac Pinotage presented by Cellar Master, Wynand Lategan. 

Join us this October to honour this marvel of a grape, the “Professor”, and a legacy, boldly shaped and created in 1925.