THE BELLINGHAM STORY
Bellingham in Franschhoek has a long and courageous history. In 1693 the first 100 vines were planted on virgin soil by Gerrit Janz can Vuuren and his French Huguenot wife. The farm was named "Belle en Champ" which means Beautiful Fields in French.
Years passed and in 1943 an avante-garde young power couple from Johannesburg bought the property. Bernard and Fredagh Podlashuk were socialites with eclectic tastes and a bold vision. Undeterred by the challenges that faced them, their relentless hard work, extra-ordinary determination and courage culminated in a lasting legacy for both Bellingham and the South African wine industry.
More than three centuries and so many characters, extra-ordinary life stories and experiences. Yet a common theme, the enduring spirit of Bellingham, runs through like a golden thread; vision, determination and warm generosity.
Today Franschhoek is no longer a hidden valley, but an internationally renowned food and wine capital. Today Bellingham is firmly set in the 21st Century, producing contemporary, structured wines with an unmistakable sense of place and style
THE FOUNDERS SERIES
The Founders Series is an exclusive wine range honouring Bellingham's pioneering founders, Fredagh and Bernard Podlashuk, affectionately known as Freda and Pod. This power couple's bold vision not only for their iconic brand, but the South African wine industry as a whole, left a legacy for the ages. A rare greatness and inspiration, something that these special wines aim to emulate
THE BERNARD SERIES
The Bernard Series is our tribute to the determination and maverick spirit of Bellingham’s co-founder Bernard Podlashuk. Celebrated as a trail-blazing visionary, Bernard’s tenacity and courage established the winery’s stellar reputation and helped shape the South African wine industry we know and love today.
THE HOMESTEAD SERIES
The Homestead Series takes its name from the historical homestead at Bellingham in the magnificent Franschhoek Valley – a legendary landmark in local wine history. Once home to the colourful Podlashuk couple, this was where a number of remarkable, highly-successful vinous concepts were hatched.