The Chenin Blanc Association (CBA) has been one of the earliest advocates for this remarkable grape which is planted more widely in South Africa than anywhere else in the world. For more than two decades it has been actively championing Chenin's potential to make exciting, delicious and uniquely South African wines.
This year we are celebrating the ten-year partnership between Standard Bank and the Chenin Blanc Association to bring together the Chenin Blanc Top Ten Challenge. Apart from the obvious trade potential, there’s also the chance to exchange a host of ideas - stylistic, philosophical, wine-growing and winemaking. The Top Ten wines will also be showcased at the Master of Wines tasting at the end of the year and at the Klein Karoo Stoep fees in 2024.
Entries for the competition open June 12 and will be accepted until 29 June.
Annually, the competition awards a cash prize of R25 000 to each of the producers of the top ten Chenins, to be spent on farm worker community projects. Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Stephan van der Merwe, head of commercial clients at Standard Bank in the Western Cape, said: “The express intention of the prize money is to acknowledge the vital role played by farm workers in making award-winning wines.”
He added that past winners had used the money mostly for educational initiatives, from early learning programmes all the way through to tertiary training. “There are now crèches and after-care facilities for school children on some farms, thanks to this prize money. Other winners have created libraries, computer rooms and other educational resources for learners, workers, and communities.”
To date, a total of R2.1 m has been spent to support farm worker projects. They also include fresh produce cultivation and housing initiatives to benefit workers and their communities.
Chenin entries should be delivered to Villiera in Stellenbosch. The winners will be announced at the end of August 2023.
For more information, go to www.chenin.co.za or email cheninblancasso@gmail.com.