Paarl wineries Shine in Competition

THE third edition of the annual Winemakers’ Choice Awards saw South Africa’s smaller wineries scoop the major awards from under the noses of the large volume cellars at an elegant awards ceremony.

This year the judging was undertaken by 25 of South Africa’s leading winemakers, divided into teams of five. Each panel was convened by the winemaker considered to be most expert in that particular category.

In the 16 categories judged this year 39 wines took the Diamond Award.

When it came to the most prestigious awards, the selection by the panel of winemakers was in stark contrast to last year’s event, where the larger estates dominated.

This year, Tulbagh estate Saronsberg flew the flag for the smaller wineries, coming out tops with the title of Best Producer with five diamond awards including the trophy for Best Red for its Full Circle Shiraz 2005.

Adding to the accolades for the smaller estates, boutique cellar Glenwood of Franschhoek won the trophy for Best White for the Glenwood Vignerons Selection Chardonnay 2006.

Other local wines to be awarded Diamond Awards by the judges included Bellingham “Our Founders” Sauvignon Blanc 2007 and The Maverick Chenin Blanc and The Maverick Syrah 2005, KWV’s Laborie Cap Classique 2003, KWV Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc as well as the 1953 KWV Muscadel Jerepigo, Franschhoek Cellar Reserve Petit Verdot 2005, Backsberg John Martin Sauvignon Blanc 2007 and Anura 2006 Grenache.