The Bellingham Estate
Our history
The Bellingham story starts in 1693 when Hollander Gerrit Janz van Vuuren and his French Huguenot wife planted the first 1 000 vines on the estate, then known as Bellinchamp (‘pretty fields’). It then passed from family to family until 1943, when Bernard and Fredagh Podlashuk purchased the somewhat derelict farm, set about restoring the manor house, gardens and vineyards and effectively pioneered the modern renaissance of the Bellingham Estate in Franschhoek. The first of many innovative steps this dynamic duo would take.
Stewards of Innovation
In 1949 Bernard, affectionately known as Pod, released the Cape’s first Rosé, to be followed in 1951 by the Cape’s first Dry White and in 1956 this maverick of his time released the Cape’s first single varietal Shiraz. Bellingham is also known as one of the first to produce an Old Vine Chenin Blanc and is known internationally as a benchmark for this cultivar. Today, Bellingham Winemaker, Richard Duckitt, carries the torch as the current stewart of innovation and uses state of the art fermentation vessels, which need minimal human intervention, to bring out the natural character of the grapes, showing beautiful expression of terroir in our wines.
Internationally acclaimed wines
The Bellingham Wines speak to a golden thread of innovation, ingenuity and foresight which have been internationally as well as locally awarded by the likes of Tim Aktin MW, Decanter, Mundus Vini, Michelangelo, John Platter, Winemag and IWC. Our wines consistently receive the highest awards vintage by vintage and we strive to continue to produce excellence from vineyard to bottle. for this cultivar. Today, Bellingham Winemaker, Richard Duckitt, carries the torch as the current stewart of innovation and uses state of the art fermentation vessels, which need minimal human intervention, to bring out the natural character of the grapes, showing beautiful expression of terroir in our wines.
Environmental Responsibility
DGB has always been mindful of the impact of our wine and spirit production, distribution and exports, with a track record of sound environmental practices and accreditations.
Corporate Responsibility
We are driven to make our communities sustainable for years to come.
Our humanitarian ethos defines the way we engage with our employees, business partners and customers, as well as the communities where we operate.
Social Responsibility
Our aim at DGB is to remain socially and environmentally responsible, while enhancing economic opportunities which serves our business and society.
