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OUR INVESTMENT TO THE CRAFT. YOUR LASTING MEMORIES.
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OUR ROOTS
In 1693, the first vinous roots of the Bellingham legacy were planted by Gerrit Janz van Vuuren, a spirited Hollander, and his French Huguenot wife. Back then, the land was dubbed Belle en champ - a picture of undulating ‘pretty fields’ as far as the eye could see. Over the years, this land changed hands, passing from one family to another, with each leaving their mark on the soil.
ENTER THE INNOVATORS
Fast forward to 1943, when Bernard and Fredagh Podlashuk took the reins of the weathered estate. Rolling up their sleeves, they delved into the task of reviving the once-dilapidated manor house, and breathing life back into the gardens and vineyards. Their fervour for winemaking led them on a pilgrimage to the vineyards of France and Germany, where they learned techniques and nuances to apply to their beloved Bellingham.
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A NEW ERA
Their return marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the vineyard. In 1949, they proudly introduced the Cape’s very first Rosé, followed closely by the distinguished Premier Grand Cru in 1951 and the groundbreaking single varietal Shiraz in 1956. Over the decades, particularly the 80s and 90s, there was an expansion of the vineyards, the stretching of cellars, and the conception of Bellingham’s iconic New World winemaking approach.
Today, the still iconic Bellingham continues to draw inspiration from its heritage of trailblazing, innovation, creative brilliance, and visionary thinking. Every bottle produced bears the imprint of a rich legacy, blending timeless tradition with contemporary finesse and yielding wines that resonate with a unique sense of origin, terroir and character.
OUR PHILOSOPHY