Lanzerac Wine Estate
Lanzerac Wine Estate is a historic Stellenbosch landmark, renowned as the birthplace of the world’s first bottled Pinotage and celebrated for its exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Jonkershoek Valley. Steeped in heritage dating back to 1692, Lanzerac combines old-world charm with a commitment to quality, offering a distinctive portfolio of wines shaped by tradition and innovation
Pioneers of Pinotage
Lanzerac released the world’s first bottled Pinotage in 1959, establishing a legacy as innovators in South African wine.
Distinctive Jonkershoek Terroir
Lanzerac’s vineyards in the Jonkershoek Valley enjoy cool mountain breezes and diverse soils, resulting in wines with vibrant fruit, freshness, and structure.
Heritage Craftsmanship
A blend of traditional methods and modern techniques ensures Lanzerac wines are balanced, refined, and true to their historic roots.
A Legacy Bottled: The Pionier Pinotage
Experience a wine that captures South Africa’s proud heritage—Lanzerac Pionier Pinotage 2021 delivers bold, layered dark fruit and spice, with a velvety finish that sets the benchmark for this iconic varietal
Grape Varieties:
100% Pinotage, Single Vineyard
About the wine:
The Lanzerac Pionier Pinotage is a tribute to the world’s first bottled Pinotage – a 1959 Lanzerac Pinotage.
Method and Maturation:
The Pionier Pinotage 2021 was made from a 25-year old single vineyard that produced a yield of 6.39 tons/ha. This single vineyard is 1.99 hectares in size and is 400 meters above sea level. All harvesting, pruning and canopy management is done by hand.
After harvesting the grapes were de-stalked and hand-sorted followed by natural fermentation in open wooden fermenters. The natural fermentation took about 7 days to complete after which the wine was pressed with a small basket press. Malolactic fermentation took place in new-, second- and third fill 225 litre French oak barrels. After malolactic fermentation the wine was racked and sulphured. During maturation in barrel for a total time of 21 months the wine was racked a further two times to soften the tannins.
Wine Tasting Notes:
The 2021 Pionier has an excellent deep colour, with typical varietal aromas like ripe, plummy red fruit on the nose and palate. A big mouth-feel, complex and velvety pallet and long and lingering aftertaste rounds off this wine perfectly.
Aging Potential:
With 5 to 10 years maturation the Pionier Pinotage 2021 will start to acquire the velvet density and luxurious chocolate and caramel flavours for which its predecessors is known.
Food and Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Enjoy this flagship wine with a slow cooked rich oxtail and butter bean curry or duck au vin with chestnuts, onions and mushrooms.
For Cheese pairings, consider:
When pairing cheese with the Lanzerac Pioneer Pinotage 2021, you’ll want cheeses that can match its intensity, complement its fruitiness, and either contrast or harmonize with its smoky-spicy undertones.
Try pairing with these cheeses:
1. Aged Gouda (2+ years) – Its caramelized, nutty sweetness balances the wine’s dark fruit and spice.
2. Cheddar (Sharp or Mature) – The boldness stands up to the Pinotage, while the slight tang enhances the fruit.
3. Blue Cheese (e.g., Stilton or Gorgonzola) – The salty, creamy intensity contrasts beautifully with the wine’s jammy richness.
4. Smoked Gouda – Echoes the wine’s subtle smoky notes.
5. Camembert or Brie – The creamy, buttery texture softens the wine’s tannins.
| Alcohol | 14.04% |
|---|---|
| Residual sugar | 1.7g/L |
| Acidity | 6.1 |
| Region | Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek Valley |
| Producer | Lanzerac |
A Storied Journey Through Centuries
Lanzerac’s story is woven into the very fabric of Stellenbosch’s wine heritage. Over the centuries, the estate has witnessed visionary owners, innovative milestones, and significant contributions to South African winemaking. From its origins as one of the Cape’s earliest farms to its role in shaping the country’s wine identity, Lanzerac’s evolution reflects a legacy of resilience, transformation, and pioneering spirit. The highlights below trace the estate’s remarkable path through history, revealing how tradition and progress have defined Lanzerac’s enduring character.
- Established in 1692, just 13 years after Stellenbosch was founded, originally named Schoongezicht.
- Land granted by Governor Simon van der Stel to Isaac Schrijver and three freed slaves, who planted the first vineyards.
- Renamed Lanzerac in 1920 by Elizabeth Catherina ‘Kitty’ English, who modernized the estate and laid foundations for its winemaking legacy.
- Mrs English is credited with bottling the first Lanzerac wine and introduced 21 imported grape varietals; honored today by the Mrs English Reserve Chardonnay.
- Purchased in 1934 by Jacobus Tribelhorn, who further developed one of the most modern wine cellars in the Cape by 1936.
- Bought by Angus Batts Buchanan in 1941, who won numerous awards and established Lanzerac as a leading wine brand.
- Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery acquired Lanzerac in 1958 and produced the world’s first commercially bottled Pinotage in 1959, a South African milestone.
- Lanzerac Rosé, launched in 1959 in its iconic teardrop bottle, remains a flagship wine.
- Converted into a luxury hotel by the Rawdon family in the late 1950s, with the Manor House declared a national monument and hosting notable guests like Senator Bobby Kennedy.
- Acquired by Dr Christo Wiese in 1991, who upgraded the estate to international 5-star standards and modernized vineyards and cellar.
- Since 2012, owned by a British consortium, with longtime Cellar Master Wynand Lategan continuing Lanzerac’s tradition of excellence.
This history reflects Lanzerac’s evolution from one of the oldest Cape wine farms to a pioneer of South African wine heritage and luxury hospitality.
Our Current Curation of Lanzerac Wines
Explore Further
