Bellevue

is located in the renowned Bottelary wine region of Stellenbosch in South Africa and looks back on a long and rich history. It was founded in 1701 when the original land was allocated to a French Huguenot named Jean Le Long. The French Huguenots, who found refuge from religious persecution in South Africa, played a central role in the development of South African viticulture.

 

The Bottelary wine region

is one of the most fascinating and historically significant wine-growing areas within the famous Stellenbosch wine region in South Africa. It lies to the west of the town of Stellenbosch and stretches across rolling hills and valleys that benefit from cool sea breezes from False Bay. These geographical and climatic conditions contribute significantly to the production of high-quality wines. History and origin The name ‘Bottelary’ is derived from the Dutch word ‘bottelarij’, which refers to a wine cellar or storage facility for wine. Wine has been cultivated in this region since the 17th century, when the first European settlers, including French Huguenots and Dutch settlers, began to cultivate vines. Thanks to the rich soils and ideal microclimate, Bottelary quickly developed into a centre of wine production. Climate and terroir The terroir of Bottelary is characterised by a combination of granite soils, clayey layers and sandy parts, which give the wines structure and minerality. The cool sea breezes from False Bay and the moderate temperatures contribute to the slow ripening of the grapes, which leads to an intense development of flavours. Red wine varieties such as Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in particular thrive in this unique microclimate.

 

The winery played a significant role in the history of South African viticulture

when the owner P.K. Morkel 1953 developed a new Pinotage variety. This led to Bellevue releasing 1959 the world's first single-varietal Pinotage under the Bellevue name that same year, making the winery known as a pioneer in South African winemaking. Today, the winery is owned by the Morkel family, who have run Bellevue for over five generations. It is known for its high-quality wines, especially its award-winning red wines such as Pinotage, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, Bellevue has been recognised for its environmentally friendly farming methods and sustainable production. The historic wine estate has not only played a significant role in the history of South African viticulture, but is also a place where ancient traditions and modern winemaking meet. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and rich wine experiences at Bellevue, which is now recognised both nationally and internationally for its top wines.