“We are very proud of this year’s panel, which consists of no less than 14 Cape Wine Masters, award-winning wine makers and sommeliers,” says Lorraine Immelman, who founded the competition in 1997.
Due to international travel restrictions and uncertain Covid protocols in various countries, this will be the second year that the Michelangelo will not have its signature judging panel of 30+ international wine and spirits experts in attendance.
“We are thoroughly aware of the challenges once again awaiting us in this year’s tasting room,” she says. “But we realize it is critical to maintain the momentum of the annual competition. Long after everyone has forgotten about the pandemic which turned the world on its head, Michelangelo award stickers remain a symbol of top-quality wine and spirits.”
Meet your judges, Anton Swarts, Johan Venter and Janno Briers-Louw
22 of South Africa’s best to judge
For this year’s judging panels, Michelangelo has identified the cream of South Africa’s wine and spirits industry and invited judges for their judging experience and their position and status in the industry. This means the 2021 panels will be comprised of 22 award-winning winemakers, sommeliers and no less than 14 Cape Wine Masters.
In keeping with local and world drinks trends, Michelangelo also offers categories for Ready to Drink (RTD) beverages, wines in a can and wine from the Old Vines Heritage project.
Entries for the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards close on 31 July 2021 and delivery of samples to Longridge Wine Estate closes on 6 August. To enter please visit https://michelangeloawards.com
1 June 2021 – Online entries open
31 July 2021 – Online entries close
26 July 2021 to 6 Aug 2021 – Delivery of samples
16 Aug 2021 to 21 Aug 2021 – Judging week
