The national wine tasting team preselection round as part of South African Wine Tasting Championships (SAWTC) was intense and highly competitive. The 15 best national tasters were challenged to identify 10 wines served blind, evaluating them on country, appellation, vintage, producer, and grape variety.
Chris Groenewald has been crowned team captain for 2024, not only because of his top score in the preselection round but also his consistent performance, having qualified for Team South Africa multiple times. Groenewald’s leadership will be crucial as South Africa vies for global recognition in this year's championship.
The other four potential members of Team South Africa 2024 are:
- Danielle Le Roux CWM – Winemaker at Rust and Vrede and Team SA 2022 member
- Bernard de Boer – An optometrist from East London with a deep passion for wines
- Wim Truter – Cellarmaster at Meerlust Wine Estate
- Pieter de Waal – A veteran of the competition and Team SA 2021 member
These individuals demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge in blind wine tasting. Their combined experience is expected to elevate South Africa’s performance on the world stage.
While the budget to secure Captain Chris Groenewald’s participation has been confirmed, the final size of Team South Africa 2024 will depend on support from the wine industry. It is crucial that the industry recognises the significance of having a South African team competing in what is often referred to as the "Olympics" of wine tasting. This competition offers unparalleled visibility for South African wines on a global stage, especially given that the event is organized by La Revue du Vin de France, the world’s oldest wine magazine, founded in 1927. With 38 countries participating, the exposure is immense.
The minimum team size is three tasters, while the maximum team will comprise six members: four competitors, a coach, and an emerging South African wine professional. This approach not only strengthens the team but also fosters inclusivity by preparing the next generation of South African wine experts. Exposing our young professionals to the wines of the world is essential, as these are the competitors we face in a challenging global market.
Since its inception in 2013, SAWTC has consistently fielded a South African team for the World Blind Tasting Championships every year, with the exception of 2020 during the hard lockdown.
We extend our best wishes to these champions, confident in their abilities to make South Africa proud and, with hope, to bring the trophy home.
The wines served blind in the selection were:
- Italy - Soave Classico - garganega - 2022 - Pieropan
- France - Macon Milly Lamartine - Chardonnay 2021 - Les Heritiers du Comte Lafon
- France - Vouvray - Chenin - 2020 - Pierres Tousses Paul Breton
- Austria - Kamptal - Grüner Veltliner - 2021 - Jurtschitsch
- Hungary - Tokaj - Furmint - 2020 - Patricius
- Spain - Rioja - Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano - 2008 - Viña Cubillo - Lopez de Heredia
- France - Chateauneuf du Pape - Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre - 2015 - Domaine Juliette Avril
- France - Saint Emilion Grand Cru - Merlot and Cabernet Franc - 2015 - Chateau Capet Guillier
- South Africa - Springfontein Rim - Pinotage - 2018 - Springfontein Wine Estate
- Portugal - Port DOP Crusted Vintage - Touriga Nacional - 2015 - Graham's
The success of Team South Africa at the Wine Blind Tasting Championship is a collective effort. With industry support, we can showcase the excellence of South African wines to the world.
For more information, please contact Jean Vincent Ridon at jv@ridon.co.za.