So why Pinotage? What is it about this proudly South African grape that has earned a place in luxury spas around the world? We asked Elisabeth Brandt, founder of Healing Earth.

Why Pinotage?

People often assume we chose Pinotage simply because it’s South Africa’s own grape. While that’s certainly part of the story, it wasn’t the deciding factor. We chose it because of what the grape contains.

Pinotage is naturally rich in polyphenols, powerful plant compounds that help protect the vine from the harsh African sun, changing seasons and environmental stress. Those same compounds have attracted enormous interest in skincare because they help protect our skin in much the same way.

For us, Pinotage brought together science, nature and a story that could only come from South Africa.

Polyphenols sound very scientific. What are they in simple terms?

Think of them as the vine’s own defence system. Every day the vineyard is exposed to heat, sunlight, wind and other environmental pressures. Polyphenols help the plant cope with those challenges. When extracted and used correctly in skincare, they can help protect the skin against oxidative stress, support collagen and elastin and improve the skin’s overall appearance. That’s why they’ve become such valued ingredients in premium skincare.

Nature figured this out long before we did.

How much research went into developing the range?

Years. From the beginning we wanted to understand the grape before we ever developed a product. That meant looking closely at the active compounds found in Pinotage and understanding how they could contribute to healthy skin. Every formulation grew from that research. We never wanted to include grape extracts simply because it sounded appealing. Every ingredient needed a purpose.

Which compounds make Pinotage so valuable?

Pinotage grape seeds contain several important polyphenols, including proanthocyanidins (OPCs), resveratrol, catechins and anthocyanins. Each contributes something different, but together they provide powerful antioxidant support, help defend the skin against environmental stress and support healthier-looking skin.

It’s remarkable that something growing in our vineyards can offer so much beyond the glass.

Healing Earth’s Pinotage range is now found in spas around the world.

Why do you think it has travelled so well?

People are looking for products with authenticity. They want to know where ingredients come from. They want products with substance, not simply beautiful packaging.

Our Pinotage range offers something they can’t find anywhere else. It reflects South Africa’s biodiversity, our vineyards, our research and our approach to wellness.

Guests aren’t only enjoying a treatment. They’re experiencing something that could only have originated here.

Does this mean wine itself is good for your skin?

That’s probably the question we’re asked most often. The answer is no. It’s not the wine that benefits the skin. It’s the carefully extracted compounds found in the grape itself. Those active ingredients are what make the difference.

Beyond the science, what does the Pinotage collection mean to you personally?

For me, it has always been about telling a South African story.

We have extraordinary natural ingredients, remarkable scientific knowledge and a wine culture recognised around the world. Bringing those together in one collection felt completely natural.

Every treatment becomes another way of introducing someone to South Africa.

What do you hope guests take home after a treatment?

Of course we want them to leave feeling rested. But I also hope they leave curious. Curious about the vineyard they just walked past. Curious about Pinotage. Curious about the remarkable plants and ingredients we have in South Africa.

If someone walks away seeing our vineyards differently than they did when they arrived, then we’ve achieved something special.