The Bernard series represents the pinnacle of winemaking achievement at Bellingham.
Bellingham’s founder Bernard Podlashuk, a trail-blazing visionary who through tenacity and courage established the winery’s stellar reputation, was the inspiration for Bellingham’s Bernard Series.
A man who helped shape the South African wine industry we know and love today, Bernard was a Royal Air Force veteran who after injury in the Second World War embarked on a new adventure in the Cape Winelands. He and his wife Fredagh bought the Bellingham farm in 1943, which had been lying fallow for 20 years straight.
They cultivated the land to vines and set about building the iconic Bellingham brand. In 1949 they released the Cape’s first rosé, followed in quick succession by the Premier Grand Cru in 1951 and the first single varietal Shiraz in 1956.
The Bernard Series draws inspiration from its namesake’s legacy of innovation. The Series features individualistic wines that exemplify winemaking skill and an undoubtable sense of place.
Here’s a look at some of the most sought-after wines in the range:
Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage
This sensual rendition of South Africa’s best-known indigenous variety originates from predominantly unirrigated old bush vines.
Basket Press Syrah
This wine celebrates Bernard’s proud legacy as the first winemaker to release a single-varietal Shiraz in the Cape.
Small Barrel SMV
The grapes for this blend of Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Viognier are sourced from 3 prime vineyards and hand harvested, gently crushed and fermented before maturation in small French oak barrels.
Old Vine Chenin Blanc
This unique and award-winning barrel-matured Chenin Blanc is made from characterful cool climate bush-vine fruit.
Whole Bunch Roussanne
Hand-harvested grapes are pressed in whole bunches to preserve the fascinating wild Cape flower and herbal tea aromas embellished by soft kiwi, tropical pineapple and peach kernel vivacity.
Taste and purchase these and other fine Bellingham wines at their tasting lounge at Franschhoek Cellar.
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