The second Saturday of October is always a wine highlight as International Pinotage Day is celebrated. And this year is no exception, with #PinotageDay celebrations planned all over the world. Over the past seven years the excitement and interest around this day has grown immensely. This day has become a highpoint on the international and local wine calendars as wine lovers celebrate this uniquely South African wine varietal. Although the Covid19 restrictions has limited some of the Pinotage Day events this year, the excitement is still evident and numerous promotions and tastings are planned. This year promotions and campaigns are planned in Finland, The Netherlands, China, Japan and the UK to name a few. It is also fitting that the first harvest of Pinotage grapes in the UK will commence this weekend at Leonardslee Gardens. The theme this year is #ProudlyPinotage and #ProudlySouthAfrican as this wine is truly a national treasure and a key part of Brand South Africa. In South Africa there is a hype of excitement as numerous wine stakeholders are planning special activities, events, and promotions. Some of the highlights include a Pinotage Day FunRun and MTB race at Van Loveren Wines, a Pinotage weekend at Lanzerac, SA’s biggest virtual tasting by Deetlefs Estate and a Snoekbraai at Beyerskloof. Exceptional and unique vertical tastings and exclusive pairing menus have also been created. A centralised online voting competition has grabbed the attention of wine stakeholders and wine lovers. For the month of October, online users, visitors to wine estates and restaurants can vote for their favourite Pinotage brand and they will stand a chance to win Pinotage wines. Vote here http://bit.ly/VotePinotage. More info can be found on our website www.pinotage.co.za or on the Pinotage Day Facebook Album – https://bit.ly/2SyqElm Some producers planning promotions or events: Van Loveren Deetlefs Estate Mountain Ridge Wines Wellington Wines Neethlingshof Beyerskloof Mellsat Wines Kanonkop Rickety Bridge Chateau Naude Lanzerac Diemersdal Diemersfontein Meerendal The Vinoteque (Fleur du Cap, Durbanville Hills, Zonnebloem) Simonsig Viljoensdrift Alvi's Drift L'Avenir