Last year this time, as we all remember, we were nearing a much-trumpeted doomsday with the taps close to running dry and the dams being cracked and empty. Then came the winter and with it the wet cold fronts that are supposed to be a permanent feature of the Cape Winelands, but had for some or other reason been shy in making an appearance over the past four years.
While water should never be taken for granted – ask me, I hail from the Namib desert! – the situation has improved and predictions of a social, natural and agricultural disaster have been abated. This is definitely the highlight of 2018, and although I do not have a patch of vine under my watch, I share in the joy of the past year’s improved rainfall.
By all accounts, this is not going to lead to a much heavier grape harvest than last year, as the past four dry years have taken their toll on the sub-surface water levels and the vines’ stress levels. But the past winter has revived the vineyards which are looking so much healthier and livelier than last year.
2018: The watershed year
For Michelangelo it was an excellent year that saw the competition attracting the most entries of any wine and spirits competition in Africa and the southern Hemisphere. A total of 2 255 entries were received, taking the competition to new heights.
I believe the reason for this is that Michelangelo has been committed to adding extra value for entrants. The days of producers entering a competition, receiving or not receiving an award, and then waiting for the following year’s call to entry, are a thing of the past.
Today Michelangelo is a 365-day vehicle for promoting the wine and spirits industries and the diversity of the people and products that enter the competition. For this our partnerships with hospitality power-houses such as Tsogo Sun, the leading hotel group in southern Africa, and air-carrier Airlink, has afforded our entrants the opportunities of seeing their wines and spirits promoted beyond the annual black-tie awards evening.
Since 2014 Michelangelo has been backed by the generous sponsorship from international industry-giant Multi-Color Corporation (MCC), who provides the elegant award stickers for our winners. The Michelangelo’s eye-catching gold, silver, double gold and platinum stickers, embellished with our ground-breaking customised QR codes, go a long way to ensure that our winners’ wines and spirits are noticed on shelves in retail outlets everywhere!
Through SAA and Shoprite, Michelangelo further offers entrants the opportunity of selling product into channels that offer high visibility.
In terms of value-add we believe we have led the way in the local competition circuit. And believe me, we are set to further grow the footprint of both the competition and our entrants, who we see as our partners.
Spirits breaking away
As a result of the vast growth in the spirits categories, Michelangelo will in 2019 be splitting the awards function into two events: one honouring winning wines and the other committed to showcasing the diversity and quality of the spirits entrants and winners.
Over the past number of years we have seen a massive increase in spirits entries with more and more distillers of rum, gin, whisky, brandy and liqueurs crafting superb products. To really allow both wine and spirits groups to get their deserved amount of exposure and focus we will therefore next year present separate wine and spirit functions.
The judging of wine and spirits will still take place in that one hectic week of August, but the awards ceremonies will each have an own date and venue. More news coming in the new year...
On that note, I wish to thank you all for your support and loyalty during 2018, as well as a blessed Christmas, a joyous festive season and a relaxing, refreshing break. And, of course, good luck for harvest 2019 – barely two months away - although I am sure you don’t wish to be reminded of that just yet!
Lorraine Immelman