Duimpie Bayly Veritas Vertex Trophy: Elsabé Ferreira; Justin Corrans and Izele van Blerk (KWV); and Christo Pienaar (Chair of Veritas).
KWV’s exceptional year of achievements has reached new heights. On Saturday, 12 October, it was crowned Best Producer for the second consecutive year at the prestigious 34th Veritas Awards. The evening’s crowning moment came with KWV winning the coveted Duimpie Bayly Veritas Vertex Trophy for its Cape Blend, The Mentors Perold 2020. This is the second time KWV has won this top award, following its 2020 win with The Mentors Orchestra 2018.
For the first time in Veritas history, a brandy producer outshone the wineries, with KWV Brandy earning six Double Gold medals - more than any winery achieved across their wine portfolios. KWV’s standing as a leader in both wine and spirits was further reinforced when its wines won three Double Gold and six Gold medals. In total, KWV amassed 47 medals across its entire portfolio.
“This is truly exceptional,” said KWV CEO John Loomes. “In a year highlighted by outstanding achievements across both our wine and spirits portfolios, the Veritas Awards represent the culmination of all our efforts and provide consumers with a powerful assurance of the consistency they can rely on. For over 100 years, KWV has been synonymous with quality and enjoyment, and this recognition reinforces our commitment to that legacy. With KWV Brandy approaching its centenary, it’s fitting that it delivered a performance that has set a historic benchmark.”
The glamorous gala, often referred to as the "Oscars of the wine industry", brought together South Africa’s top wine and spirits producers. The Vertex Trophy, awarded to the top wine from over 1,265 entries, was a moment of prestige for KWV’s winemaking team, led by Chief Winemaker Justin Corrans, and in particular The Mentors Winemaker, Izele van Blerk.
Receiving the handcrafted glass Duimpie Bayly Vertex Trophy, Van Blerk reflected on the moment: “Words cannot fully express the pride and honour I feel in being part of KWV, especially within The Mentors team. Winning the prestigious Duimpie Bayly Veritas Vertex Award for the second time carries particular significance. It pays tribute to two legends of the South African wine industry - Prof. Abraham Perold, the father of Pinotage, and Duimpie Bayly, a legendary industry role player.”
Adding to the weight of this achievement, The Mentors Perold 2020 received this honour fittingly on Pinotage Day, 12 October. Van Blerk elaborated: “At KWV, we pursue excellence relentlessly, and The Mentors Perold 2020 exemplifies this pursuit. Our journey with this blend began in 2010 as a tribute to Prof. Perold and is indicative of our commitment to showcase South Africa’s unique varietal, Pinotage.”
KWV Brandy’s historic Veritas performance builds on its recent success at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), where it was named Brandy and Cognac Producer of the Year and awarded World’s Best Brandy, and further contributes to KWV’s status as the most awarded Cognac and Brandy brand in the world.
Reflecting on the achievement, Master Distiller Pieter de Bod beamed: “I’m blown away and incredibly proud of the KWV distilling team. This milestone reflects their unwavering commitment to innovation. Making history for KWV also underscores the exceptional quality of South African brandy, which is now enjoying remarkable global recognition - and KWV fully intends to build on this momentum.”
A year of exceptional success
KWV’s recognition at Veritas 2024 is the latest in a series of impressive achievements this year. In September, KWV was named Best Producer South Africa at the 35th annual Mundus Vini Awards. The producer also earned the title of Best Brandy and Cognac Producer at the ISC, further cementing its global reputation.
“Our focus is always on raising the bar and delivering world-class wines and spirits,” said Corrans. “The accolades we have received this year inspire us to keep evolving and striving for new heights. These are not only awards but reflections of the standards we set for ourselves and the experiences we aim to create for our consumers.”
Van Blerk concluded: “We will savour this extraordinary achievement throughout the year, but as the next harvest draws closer, we are excited to embark on the next chapter—pushing the boundaries of innovation and exploration in winemaking, always striving for perfection.”
KWV’s winning results
KWV’s commitment to excellence was evident in its impressive collection of medals across its various wine and brandy categories.
It secured 3 Double Gold Medals for:
- KWV The Mentors Perold Pinotage/Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec 2021
- KWV The Mentors Perold 2020 (Vertex Trophy Winner)
- KWV Cathedral Cellar Triptych Red Blend 2021
KWV Brandy’s historic performance was secured with a lineup of six Double Gold awards for:
- KWV 5-Year-Old Superior Blend Brandy
- KWV 10-Year-Old Potstill Brandy
- KWV 12-Year-Old Potstill Brandy
- KWV XO Potstill Brandy
- KWV 15-Year-Old Alambic Blend Potstill Brandy
- KWV 20 Year XX0 Potstill Brandy
In his closing remarks, KWV CEO John Loomes expressed his excitement for the road ahead: “These achievements are a testament to the dedication and passion of everyone at KWV from our winemakers to our distillers. Every accolade reflects their relentless pursuit of excellence. While we are incredibly proud of these results, we see them not as the finish line but as motivation to keep innovating and pushing boundaries. As we approach KWV Brandy’s centenary, we are more inspired than ever to build on this momentum and continue delivering world-class products that showcase the best of South Africa to the world.”
For full results, visit www.veritas.co.za