Pinotage Strikes Red Gold - Centenary Medallion Minted At The Cape Mint

In a momentous celebration of South African winemaking heritage, the very first Pinotage Centenary Medallion was struck on the 30 April 2025 at The Cape Mint™, launching a year-long campaign to mark 100 years of Pinotage.

Forged by Sub-Saharan Africa’s oldest private mint, the medallion symbolises a century of resilience, innovation, and proudly South African excellence. This limited-edition collector’s item will honour key contributors to the Pinotage legacy throughout 2025.

“Pinotage is not just a wine — it is the bloodline of South African winemaking,” said Beyers Truter, Chairman of the Pinotage Association. “This medallion is a symbol of everything Pinotage stands for: resilience, originality, and a future rooted in excellence.”

The Cape Mint™ — renowned for crafting the Black Rod for Parliament — collaborated with the Pinotage Association to engrave this tribute in precious metal. Designed with the Italian Numismatic tradition, the medallion captures the essence of a grape born in 1925 by Professor A.I. Perold, from Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (Hermitage).

“To celebrate the centenary of Pinotage in metal is to treasure our national story,” said Natanya van Niekerk, MD of The Cape Mint. “This project celebrates a century of perseverance and craftsmanship.”

The medallion was minted in the presence of media, industry leaders, members and friends of the Perold family, and wine ambassadors.

Bennie Howard, Cape Wine Master and Chairman of the Pinotage Vintage Awards of Excellence competition says “The medallion doesn’t just commemorate the past — it inspires pride and momentum for the next 100 years of Pinotage, and consumers should applaud and celebrate the South African wine industry.”

“The Pinotage 100-Year Celebration is a year-long (and beyond) centenary campaign featuring global trade showcases, themed masterclasses, and a flagship event at Meerendal Wine Estate this October. Pencil in the dates — 9th to 12th — it’s a celebration not to miss!”

A limited number of medallions will be made available by the Cape Mint. For inquiries, contact Belinda Jacobs at the Pinotage Association – brand@pinotage.co.za