Now in its 22 year, the Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards has seen a sharp escalation in entries over the past decade as the South African wine and spirits sectors have expanded in terms of both the numbers of producers as well as diversity of offerings.
Samples required for the wine, MCC and sparkling wines categories are six 750ml bottles or five 1000ml bottles. Brandy entrants need to submit two 750ml bottles per entry, and liqueur and spirits three 750ml bottles. Garagiste wines and Golden Oldie entries are judged on four 750ml bottles and international entries on two 750ml bottles.
Entry fees are R995 per sample.
Entries close on 31 July, with judging taking place from 20 to 25 August.
Immelman says the Michelangelo office has been inundated with entries of wines and spirits as the competition grows in popularity year-on-year.
“We are 22 years old this year, so the reputation of the brand makes it the primary wine competition at which producers wish to showcase their wines, craft spirts and brandies,” says Michelangelo founder and CEO, Lorraine Immelman. “The fact that our judging panels are primarily made up of international judges gives us a leading edge on other competitions, and producers want their products scrutinised by these discerning palates.”
Two fantastic developments which characterised last year’s rendition of the Michelangelo Wine and Spirits Awards have also gripped the imagination.
The first one is a technological world first in the wine and spirits world.
“Using various experts in the field of digital marketing, Michelangelo has embarked on a ground-breaking project the likes of what the industry has not seen before,” says Immelman.
“From last year the coveted Michelangelo awards stickers - from silver and gold to double gold and platinum, all the way up to trophy award stickers - appear with a QR code. Once scanned on the smartphone of the retail, restaurant or hotel customer, the code will allow access to succinct and varied information on the product, including tasting notes, the producer’s story as well as guide as to where the specific product can be purchased and/or ordered.”
This revolutionary technological initiative has been complemented by the introduction of two new sponsors to the Michelangelo Wine and Spirits Awards, namely the iconic hotel group Tsogo Sun and airline Airlink who once again on-board.
“Tsogo Sun and Airlink are two of the leading brands in the South African hospitality industry, of which wine and spirits are an integral part,” says Immelman. “With their partnering of the Michelangelo International Awards we have the opportunity to unlock value and create further opportunities for entrants to the competition and their products, the greater wine and spirits loving public as well as, of course, these valued new sponsors.
“Together with Airlink and Tsogo Sun Michelangelo will be in a position to literally spread its wings and open doors throughout South and Southern Africa.”
This sponsorship will see wines entered into Michelangelo automatically selected for on-board service on Airlink. Tsogo Sun is one of the South African hospitality industry’s largest wine purchasers, exposing hundreds of thousands of people to its wine offering through 14 entertainment destinations and over 100 hotels. As a Michelangelo sponsor, Tsogo Sun will use its extensive marketing channels to promote the competition as well as the producers.
“These value-adds to entrants have definitely helped to bolster entries,” says Immelman, “and we look forward to showing the industry that Michelangelo is the one competition of its type where the entrants’ wine and spirits brands receive top priority.”
Entries for this year’s Michelangelo Wine and Spirits Competition close on 31 July. See www.michelangeloawards.com for details.