KWV clinched the top Veritas award, the Duimpie Bayly Vertex Trophy, for the second year in a row at the 35th Veritas Awards evening on Saturday, 11 October 2025, with its masterful The Mentors Perold 2022. The House of Graham Beck and Cederberg Wines also excelled with a haul of coveted double gold medals.
KWV winning team:
Front L to R: Dewald Louw, Anneke du Plessis, Izéle van Blerk, Oursula Lenee, and Kobus van der Merwe.
Back L to R: Lourens Stander, Marco Ventrella, Christo Pienaar (SANWSA), Kobus Prins,and Justin Corrans.
The evening of exceptional achievements featured the KWV The Mentors Perold 2022, a superb Cape Blend, that triumphed overall among the Double Gold medals for both established brands and novices out of a mammoth 1 205 entries.
The glamorous gala dinner, known as the “Oscars” of the wine industry, held in the CTICC Ballroom, once again proved to be an unforgettable event for the thrilled 550 guests that enjoyed delectable dishes, awarded wines and top-notch entertainment.
Veritas’s anchor sponsors, SA Litho and Deloitte, were joined by the financial partners KykNet-ontbytSAKE, Dry Ice International, Porex SA, Nashua, and newcomers Unitrans and Agrimark. At the same time, three “living legends” of the wine world received honorary scrolls for their outstanding service to the industry.
KWV this year achieved remarkable success at the Veritas function and, like last year, was named Best Wine Producer, with most Double Gold medals, a record eight Double Gold as well as 13 Gold awards. The Best Achiever in the class for ten wine entries or less was House of Graham Beck from Robertson with four Double Gold medals and a Gold award. KWV also won the laurels for brandy, followed by Sydney Back Brandy.
Cederberg Wines excelled with four Double Gold medals and one Gold, while three wineries achieved three Double Gold each, namely Nederburg Wines, Perdeberg Wines, and Spier Wine Farm. Seven cellars bagged two Double Gold medals each: Bellingham Wines, Beyerskloof, Flagstone Wines, Kleine Zalze, Recast Wines, Van Loveren Family Vineyards, and Diemersdal Estate. The latter added a superb 11 Gold medals to their two DGs.
3 and 4 Double gold award winners:
Front L to R: Johan Jordaan (Spier), Lisa Keulder (Graham Beck), Albertus Louw (Perdeberg),
Back L to R: Christo Conradie, Samuel Viljoen(Nederburg), Jean Nel (Cederberg), Bennie Howard.
Furthermore, 34 wineries each received a Double Gold award each, among a total of 88 Double Gold and 182 Gold medals handed over to tremendous applause at the gala dinner.
The major highlight of the event, like in the past seven years, was the presentation of the Duimpie Bayly Veritas Vertex Award – named after this legendary industry role player – for the overall champion wine entered.
The hand-crafted glass trophy was won by KWV cellarmaster Justin Corrans and his winemaking team for their KWV The Mentors Perold 2022, a Cape Blend of Pinotage/Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec. It is the third time that KWV has clinched the Vertex Award – the first time being in 2020 with their The Mentors Orchestra 2018 (Bordeaux blend) and last year the 2021 vintage of the Mentors Perold. It was the fourth time that a Red Blend clinches this top award since its introduction.
The entries were adjudicated by 88 authoritative international and local judges during five days’ blind tasting sessions. The judging panels comprised five members each. The international judges were Adero Achola (Kenya), Christine Austin (UK), Treve Ring (Canada), Bernard Stramwasser (Canada), Yoshiko Takahashi (Japan) and Joe Wadsack (UK).
Christo Pienaar, chairperson of the SA National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) and Veritas, said the organisation was overwhelmed with the support. “We are thankful to our Veritas financial partners for their commitment and continued support to be part of the wine industry’s most renowned wine awards.”
See the breakdown of medals for the top wines and brandies below.
Financial boost for international judges and Vertex Award
The Veritas Awards enjoy ongoing support from its financial partners:
- Deloitte as sponsor of the countrywide public wine tastings of DG and G winner wines
- SA Litho for their development of the VinoVeritas Shop Window and website for online entries
- ontbytSAKE TV on KykNet as media partner
- Dry Ice International as sponsor of the international judges
- Porex which presents the tasting of the Vertex and Double Gold winners in London, while also flying the winner of the Duimpie Bayly Vertex Award to the UK
- Nashua, Unitrans and Agrimark as sponsors of the awards function
Online sales app on a roll
The use of the VinoVeritas shop window for wine lovers to easily purchase awarded wines online, is in full swing. Veritas vice-chairperson Bennie Howard said he was delighted with the phenomenal success of the VinoVeritas by CTP platform “We introduced the App in 2020 so consumers can order the awarded wines directly online for delivery to their doorstep by our partner, GetWine. It has now been upgraded by SA Litho for wine lovers for easy use at the public tastings while tasting one’s favourite wines or at home to order them.”
This means that the wine and brandy buying public can download the link for direct access to the results to order any of the 270 products that won Double Gold or Gold at the 2025 Veritas Awards. Click HERE to shop.
Dawrian Salies, general manager of SA Litho says, “For years, the Veritas Awards has been the benchmark for excellence in wine, and SA Litho label printers the standard for precision in label printing. Our partnership celebrates a shared commitment to craftmanship and the highest possible quality standards.”
Public wine tastings countrywide
Good news for consumers is that the regular public wine tastings presented under the Deloitte banner, will be held in the main centres. Ruwayda Redfearn, Deloitte Africa’s CEO, said,” We look forward to share the fantastic selection of top South African wines crowned at the Veritas Awards at the tastings with our clients, the trade and consumers.”
The public tastings will be held on 23 October in Cape Town, 28 October in Durban and 5 November in Johannesburg – all taking place at the Deloitte premises in these cities. Further information is available at veritas.co.za.
Three living legends honoured
The Veritas tradition since 2009 to honour industry leaders, is being continued. Thereby, three eminent personalities received the 2025 Living Legend Scroll of Honour for their dedication to and enthusiasm for the local wine and brandy industries, namely Charles Back (owner Fairview Wine & Cheese), Michael Back (former owner Backsberg Estate) and Johan Malan (owner and former head winemaker Simonsig Family Vineyards).
A word from our financial partners
Louis Mclaren, owner and executive producer of ontbytSAKE:
"ontbytSAKE’s goal is to promote businesses across all industries in South Africa, including the wine industry. Veritas showcases the best of the best. These winemakers, distillers, researchers, academics and merchants are our people, our pride!"
Deon Roux, CEO of Dry Ice International:
"Having expanded our presence in the Western Cape, especially to the benefit of the wine farmers, we at Dry Ice International are confident that it can make a significant contribution to the success of our local wine industry. We are proud to be partnering with Veritas 2025, celebrating our wine industry excellence."
Lionel Dickens, CEO of Porex:
"Being part of Veritas as a sponsor is a great honour for us at Porex SA. Adding to the value of sponsoring the top wine in the country each year and then showing it to the international market are critical exercises. This is our small part of giving back to the wine industry. Thanks a lot to all wineries that supported Porex SA over the last years. We are looking forward to join the winners for the tasting in the UK and showing the best wines for 2025 to the international media and trade."
Barry Venter, CEO of Nashua:
"Nashua is honoured to partner with Veritas in support of the South African wine industry. As a proudly South African company, we recognise the significant value of this sector to our country's agricultural landscape and economy. We are committed to supporting the industry with leading technology solutions that prioritise our customers by helping them save time and money."
Edwin Hewitt, CEO of Unitrans:
"At Unitrans, we believe that excellence – whether in logistics or winemaking – starts with a commitment to quality, credibility and growth. Sponsoring the Veritas Awards reflects our drive to deliver tailored, high-impact solutions that help our customers grow. We’re proud to stand alongside South Africa’s finest, celebrating those who, like us, are continuously focused on operational excellence and meaningful progress."
Arno Abeln, managing director at Agrimark Operations:
"Agrimark’s partnership with the Veritas Awards reflects our commitment to our customer base of nearly 1 000 wine farms and cellars through essential inputs, packaging, mechanisation and financial services. We believe in investing where it matters most – in the people, the land, and the craft. By partnering to celebrate excellence and the stories behind every vintage, we are proud to support initiatives that uplift the entire value chain."
Veritas medals strictly monitored
Consumers can acquire the Veritas medal winners with confidence, as all the entries are monitored by SA Wine Industry Information and Systems (Sawis) to comply with the competition’s strict rules. This includes verification of the relevant documentation.
Medals breakdown
WINE
KWV – 8 Double Gold (and 13 Gold)
- Laborie Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs 2017
- KVW The Mentors Pinotage/Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec Perold 2022
- KWV The Mentors Perold Pinotage/Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec 2021
- KWV Roodeberg Dr Charles Niehaus Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Malbec/Durif 2022
- KWV Roodeberg Reserve 2022
- KWV The Mentors Canvas Shiraz/Durif/Mourvèdre/Tempranillo/Carignan 2021
- KWV The Mentors Canvas Shiraz/Durif/Tempranillo/Mourvèdre/Carignan 2022
- KWV The Mentors Petit Verdot 2022
Graham Beck Wines – 4 Double Gold (and 1 Gold)
- Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique 2019
- Graham Beck Cuvée Clive Cap Classique 2019
- Graham Beck Ultra Brut Cap Classique 2018
- Graham Beck Pinot Noir Rosé Cap Classique 2019
Cederberg Wines – 4 Double Gold (and 1 Gold)
- Ghost Corner The Bowline 2024
- Ghost Corner Sauvignon Blanc 2024
- Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2024
- Ghost Corner Sémillon 2024
Spier – 3 Double Gold (and 4 Gold)
- Spier Private Collection Chenin Blanc (WW) 2024
- Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2023
- Spier Creative Block 3 2021
Perdeberg – 3 Double Gold (and 3 Gold)
- Perdeberg Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2023
- Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Courageous Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2024
- Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Rossouw's Heritage 2022
Nederburg Wines – 3 Double Gold (and 1 Gold)
- Nederburg Private Bin Edelkeur 2011
- Nederburg Private Bin Sémillon NLH 2000
- Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon Private Bin R163 2015
Diemersdal Estate – 2 Double Gold (and 11 Gold)
- Diemersdal The Journal Pinotage 2023
- Diemersdal The Journal Pinotage 2022
Van Loveren Family Vineyards – 2 Double Gold (and 4 Gold)
- Van Loveren Chenin Blanc No.5 2025
- Van Loveren Daydream Chardonnay/Pinot Noir 2025
Beyerskloof – 2 Double Gold (and 3 Gold)
- Beyerskloof Faith Cape Blend 2022
- Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage 2021
Flagstone – 2 Double Gold (and 3 Gold)
- Flagstone Time Manner Place Pinotage 2022
- Flagstone Writer's Block Pinotage 2022
Kleine Zalze – 2 Double Gold (and 2 Gold)
- Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut Cap Classique 2019
- Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Bellingham – 2 Double Gold (and 1 Gold)
- Bellingham Homestead Old Orchid Chenin Blanc 2025
- Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024
Recast Wines – 2 Double Gold
- Rudmatis Chenin Blanc 2023
- Rudmatis Chenin Blanc 2022
BRANDY
KWV excelled among brandies with two Double Gold and six Gold. Backsberg was second with two Double Gold.
KWV – 2 Double Gold (and six Gold)
- KWV 12 year Potstill Brandy
- KWV 15 year Alambic Blend Potstill Blend
Backsberg – 2 Double Gold
- Sydney Back Limited Release Potstill Brandy 25 year
- Sydney Back Special Release Potstill Brandy 15 year
Heineken Beverages – 1 Double Gold (and 3 Gold)
- Van Ryn's Single Potstill Brandy Aged 20 Years
Simonsig Family Vineyards – 1 Double Gold
FORTIFIED WINE
- Boplaas won two Double Gold: Boplaas Cape Tawny NV and Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2009 (and 5 Gold)
- Nuy Cellar received two Double Gold: Nuy Inspiration White Muscadel 2023 and Nuy Legacy Barbieri Idro Red Muscadel 2017.
BEST ACHIEVER CLASSES
The Best Achiever in the class for ten wines or less was Graham Beck, while KWV was the Best Achiever with more than 11 wines entered. Fortified Wines, Museum and Brandy class medals are excluded for these calculations.
Category winners
The Veritas Awards this year had 1 205 medal contenders and altogether 1 141 medals were awarded – 88 Double Gold and 182 Gold awards were handed out this year, together with 249 Silver Outstanding, 434 Silver and 188 Bronze.
The seven most keenly contested categories in terms of entries received were: Red Blends (149), Sauvignon Blanc (130), Chenin Blanc (113), Chardonnay (104), Pinotage (100), Cabernet Sauvignon (98) and Shiraz (84).
Top scorers in the Double Gold medal stakes for Wine were Chenin Blanc (12), Red Blends (11) and Pinotage (9). Shiraz and Cap Classique with 6 medals each, Sauvignon Blanc (4), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with 3 medals each. Rosé, White Blends, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Museum White and Museum NLH with 2 medals each.
A Double Gold medal each was awarded to Cap Classique Rosé, Chardonnay, Other White Cultivar, Museum Cap Classique, Museum Red, Sémillon and Viognier.
Double golds for Fortified wines were awarded to Cape Style (4), Red Muscadel (2) with 1 medal each Dessert Wine, White Muscadel and Museum Cape Style.
Potstill Brandy excelled with 6 Double Gold awards.
In the Gold medal stakes, Red Blends (23) was tops, followed by Pinotage (17), Sauvignon Blanc (15), Cap Classique and Chardonnay 12 medals each. Museum Red and Potstill Brandies each was awarded 9 medals. Cabernet Sauvignon (8), Certified Heritage Wines and Chenin Blanc with 7 medals each. Cape Style, Museum White and Shiraz 6 medals each. Merlot (5), White Blends (4) Cap Classique Rosé and Red Muscadel (3) medals each. Two medals each were awarded to Dessert Wine, Malbec, Museum Cap Classique, Museum White Dessert, Museum NLH, Pinot Noir, Rosé and Straw Wine.
One medal each was awarded to Cabernet Franc, Colombar, Other Red Cultivars, Other White Cultivars, Grenache Blanc, Low Alcohol Wine, White Muscadel, Museum Cape Style, Museum Red Dessert, Natural Sweet Wine, NLH, Petit Verdot, Standard Brandy and White/Red Blend.
For more information, contact the SANWSA/Veritas office at tel 021 8631599, e-mail info@veritas.co.za or visit veritas.co.za.
Stay in touch via social media:
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Stay connected: #VeritasAwards
Photo captions:
1. Duimpie Bayly Veritas Veritas Vertex Trophy: Izéle van Blerk (senior red winemaker at KWV), Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, and Christo Pienaar (chairman of Veritas)
217. Duimpie Bayly Veritas Veritas Vertex Trophy: Izéle van Blerk with the glass trophy and award certificate
229. 2 Double gold award winners: Hanri Ferreira (Kleine Zalze), Gerhard Swart (Flagstone), Leana Coetzee (Diemersdal), Christo Pienaar (Veritas), Ricardo Cloete (Bellingham), Anri Truter (Beyerskloof), Janco Janse van Rensburg (Van Loveren), and Jacques Erasmus (Recast Wines)
231. Fortified – 2 Double gold award winners: Christo Basson (Nuy Wynkelder), Margaux Nel (Boplaas), and Christo Pienaar (Veritas)
233. Brandy – Double gold award winners: Lourens Stander (KWV – 2DG), Walters Uys (Heineken – 1DG), Renaldo Fourie (Backsberg – 2DG), Johan Malan (Simonsig – 1 DG), and Bennie Howard (Veritas)
211. Top Achiever 10 wines and less: Graham Beck – Premier Alan Winde, Lisa Keulder (Graham Beck), and Christo Pienaar (Veritas)
212: Top Achiever 11 wines and more: KWV – Premier Alan Winde with the KWV team and Christo Pienaar (Veritas)
Three wineries each won two double gold awards for Pinotage, in the 100th anniversary year of Pinotage:
171. Beyerskloof: Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Beyers and Anri Truter, and Christo Pienaar (Veritas)
172. Flagstone: Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Gerhard Swart, Ilonka Laubscher, Mia Boonzaaier, and Christo Pienaar (Veritas)
173. Diemersdal: Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Juandre Bruwer, Leana Coetzee, Thys Louw, Reon Richter, and Christo Pienaar (Veritas)
94. Wine Legends: Bennie Howard (Veritas), Johan Malan, Michael Back, and Christo Pienaar (Veritas). Charles Back apologised as he was unable to attend.
SPONSORS:
150. Christo Pienaar (Veritas), Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Dawrian Salies (SA Litho), and Bennie Howard (Veritas)
252. Bennie Howard (Veritas), Carike Nel (Deloitte), and Piet Nel
240. Christo Pienaar, Melinda Meyer, Alicia Potgieter, Marie-Louise Mclaren, and Louis Mclaren (all from ontbytSAKE)
162. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Minister John Steenhuisen, Stephan Stander (Nashua), Premier Alan Winde, and Deon Roux (Dry Ice International)
250. Cheslin Sass (Unitrans), Bennie Howard (Veritas), and Sean Jackson (Unitrans)
156. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Johan de Lange (Agrimark), Minister John Steenhuisen, Premier Alan Winde, Rico Basson (SA Wine), and Arno Abein (Agrimark)
243. Chris Fourie (AgriExpo), Christo Pienaar, and Breyton Milford (AgriExpo)