Now in its eight year, this competition – in collaboration with WineLand Media which publishes WineLand magazine – also presents an opportunity for the wine industry to engage with the next generation of wine writers and enthusiasts on various topical issues related to wine.
According to SANWSA chairperson Christo Pienaar, the ever changing digital era has created a multitude of platforms for sharing information. “As one of the stakeholders in the wine industry, we have a responsibility to ensure that as a collective we are part of the discussion surrounding South African wine, and that we help to cultivate a culture of wine interest and knowledge among wine consumers.
“We believe that this competition will create a new avenue for writers and bloggers to express themselves and thereby inspire others to join in the exciting field of sharing views on all wine-related matters.”
The competition is open to all South African citizens or residents aged 18 - 35 years. No full-time or established wine writers are permitted to enter; nor previous winners of this competition.
Participants are requested to submit two entries: one article of 700 words, and one blog post of 300 words:
ARTICLE – must have a heading, teaser, sub-titles with paragraphs and a logical, meaningful flow. At least three sources/experts from the industry must be quoted to support arguments. Not only internet research should be relied on. Own opinions are not applicable; only reputable sources.
The article must deal with the following subject:
INNOVATION IN THE WINE INDUSTRY
The wine industry was under considerable pressure during the Covid-19 and lockdown period. Wine businesses necessarily had to innovate or stay behind. Those who did survive had to think on their feet and be creative. Who did what? Give the innovative wine businesses exposure and convey what others can learn from their experience.
BLOG – must have a heading, teaser, sub-titles and paragraphs with a logical, meaningful flow. Use sources from the industry to prove points. Own opinions do apply in the blog.
The blog must deal with:
RESPONSIBLE MARKETING AND WINE
Write a log on social media/opinion formers’ thoughts around responsible marketing and wine/alcohol while peoples’ movement was not free as usual during the lockdown period.
To help prospective wine writer entrants give it some thought beforehand, they can request magazines from the publisher of WineLand to get inspiration from their original material. The magazine, as co-sponsor of the competition, is a relevant source to help form opinions about the wine industry. Contact them on info@wineland.co.za
The entries will be judged by a panel of experienced and distinguished South African wine writers. Guidelines to consider are:
- Content – reflect accuracy, readability, information transfer, education and a degree of entertainment value.
- Accuracy – strict attention should be given to spelling and grammar.
- Reasoning – prove the ability to present a premise and conclusion or convincing argument.
- Communication and narrative – reflect a good ‘story-telling’ ability while sharing information with readers.
The winner will receive a cash prize of R15 000 and the runner-up R7 500. Entries may be submitted in any of the 11 official South African languages. All participants are to present this in MS Word format to: admin@veritas.co.za, along with a completed entry form and short CV, stating specific details of possible previous wine-writing activities.
The media partner of the Young Wine Writer competition since 2018 is WineLand Media, whose editor, Wanda Augustyn, has announced that they would be the first publication to publish the two top-rated articles. Moreover, the winner and runner-up will be commissioned by WineLand to write articles for this media house’s various platforms during 2021.
The competition closes on Monday 16 November 2020 at 18:00. Requests for entry forms or any enquiries may be directed to the SANWSA at the e-mail address below.
For more information, contact the Veritas office at tel 021 8631599, e-mail info@veritas.co.za or visit www.veritas.co.za.
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