2018

"Overall the wines are much better, much purer, much cleaner, more linear and now, all of a sudden, the judges have an opportunity when they’re looking at their top silvers and their golds to look for real personality, real nuance, real detail. It’s not just about a well-made wine that gets there by default. It is that some of the really finest wines have expressed themselves in a way we weren’t expecting to find five or ten years ago”, said Michael Fridjhon, Chairman of the Judges at the Feedback session, 3 May 2018.

Judging took place at the Grande Roche Hotel, Paarl from 30 April – 3 May. Listen to what the South African judges had to say about some of the categories they judged. The video, with international judges’ feedback and a look at how the competition works, also showcases last year’s winning winery and reveals the moment this year’s Most Successful Producer of the Show was announced.

2018 audio bytes

Alexandra McFarlane – SA Judge

Christian Eedes – SA Judge

Heidi Duminy CWM – SA Judge

James Pietersen – SA Judge

Narina Cloete – SA Judge

Nkulu Mkhwanazi – SA Judge

An interview on The John Maytham Show on 3 May between programme host Mike Wills and international judge Debra Meiburg MW – 567CapeTalk

2017

The Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show judging was described as “the most fair and respectful wine show for the wines in all the world”, by Eduardo Brethauer, 2017 judge and wine journalist from Chile. In the clip below watch the process, hear international judges’ comments and share the success of the important players in the South African wine industry.

Judging takes place at the Grande Roche Hotel, Paarl from 30 April to 3 May 2018. The 2018 video and related sound-bytes will be uploaded thereafter.

2017 Audio bytes

Francois Rautenbach – SA Judge
Heads up the ‘Singita Premier Wine Direct’ programme for Singita Game Reserves, sourcing and supplying wines for the Singita properties in Southern and East Africa.

James Pietersen – SA Judge
SA Portfolio Manager for Wine Cellar.

Narina Cloete – SA Judge
Winemaker at Blaauwklippen Agricultural Estate.

Nkulu Mkhwanazi – SA Judge
Durban-based wine educator and KZN wine ambassador for various top South African wineries.

Heidi Duminy – SA Judge
Cape Wine Master and wine communications specialist recognised for her particular expertise in Champagne and sparkling wine.