Quoin Rock Wines has secured a remarkable total of nine medals at the 2024 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, one of the world's most prestigious wine competitions. With one Grand Gold Medal and eight Gold Medals, both estates have solidified their status as leading producers of premium South African wines.
Under the expert craftsmanship of winemaker Schalk Opperman, the estates have been recognized across a range of varieties, further showcasing their dedication to excellence and innovation in winemaking.
Award highlights
Grand Gold medal
- Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Gold medals
- Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
- Knorhoek Chenin Blanc 2022
- Quoin Rock Chardonnay 2022
- Quoin Rock Chardonnay 2023
- Quoin Rock Shiraz 2020
- Quoin Rock Shiraz 2021
- Quoin Rock Simonsberg Blend 2020
- Quoin Rock Vine Dried Sauvignon Blanc 2023
The standout of the competition was Knorhoek’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, which earned the prestigious Grand Gold Medal—a testament to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship behind the estate's iconic red wines. Quoin Rock continued to impress, claiming Gold Medals for both its Chardonnay (2022 and 2023 vintages), Shiraz (2020 and 2021), and its signature Simonsberg Blend 2020, underscoring the estate’s consistent excellence.
Winemaker Schalk Opperman commented: “Winning these awards at such a respected global competition is a tremendous honor. The Grand Gold Medal for the Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is particularly significant and reaffirms our commitment to producing wines of the highest quality. The range of Gold Medals is a true reflection of the skill and passion that go into every bottle across both estates.”
About Quoin Rock and Knorhoek
Situated in Stellenbosch, Quoin Rock and Knorhoek Wine Estates are renowned for their commitment to producing sustainable, innovative wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Cape Winelands. With Schalk Opperman as the guiding force behind their award-winning wines, both estates continue to gain recognition on the global stage.
Quoin Rock boasts three distinct terroir pockets that enhance the complexity of its wines. On the Quoin Rock farm, a variety of Bordeaux cultivars thrive alongside Chardonnay, which is blended with Chardonnay from Boskloof, another terroir pocket located at the southernmost point of Africa in Agulhas, where the cool climate and ocean breezes create ideal conditions for refined, elegant wines.
Knorhoek Wines, on the other hand, focuses on two key cultivars: a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon and an Old Vine Certified Chenin Blanc, showcasing the estate's commitment to heritage and excellence.
A global platform for South African wine
The success of Quoin Rock and Knorhoek at the 2024 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles highlights the continued rise of South African wines in the international arena. These accolades not only showcase the craftsmanship of the winemaking teams but also reaffirm Stellenbosch’s position as one of the world’s leading wine-producing regions.