The SA Terroir Wine Awards will be presented for the 20th time this year and has become a very pertinent event on the wine calendar, giving the expert winemakers the opportunity to showcase their fine wines for which all the grapes come from a specific soil and climate terrain – the international term for specific wine terrain being the French term terroir.
A sixth trophy has now been added to celebrate the 20th edition of the SA Terroir Wine Awards this year. This will be awarded to the best wine entered in the category for “Old Vines” that forms part of the Certified Heritage Vineyards. South Africa boasts the most diverse winelands in terms of producing top quality wines in all cultivars and styles from various wine terrains all over its winelands.
Old vines are playing a significant role these days to express the outstanding wines produced from such vineyards. Says Rosa Kruger, eminent viticulturist and the mastermind behind the Old Vine Project, “The Old Vine Project of South Africa is extremely happy to be honoured with a Trophy at the SA Terroir Wine Awards. This shows the commitment to our vine heritage and the eternal search for the very best wines. We thank the organisers for including this project in this wonderful competition."
The SA Terroir Wine Awards competition was founded and started in 2005 by well-known Cape Town wine writer and acknowledged Wine Legend, Marius Labuschagne, and acquired by the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) in 2019. “The organisation is proud to have included the SA Terroir Wine Awards in its portfolio seven years ago – a significant and unique wine competition that celebrates the numerous different terroirs of our winelands and their expression in award-winning wines,” said the Association chairperson, Christo Pienaar.
Only wines certified by the Wine and Spirit Board (WSB) as wine of origin from a specific ward, a district not divided into more than one ward, estate-produced wines and single-vineyard wines may be entered for the terroir competition. The South African wine industry applies the most authoritative Wine of Origin System in the world since its introduction in 1973.
Out of all the wines entered for the SA Terroir Wine Awards, a national winner from each cultivar and wine style is named. The top wines from the various cultivars and styles in each of the different areas are chosen. In addition, the judges name the trophy winners from the ranks of the national winners – the latter comprising trophies for the top single-vineyard wine, top wine estate, top terroir producer, top area, overall top wine and now also the best wine from the Old Vines entered.
During the past year, the demarcation committee of the Wine & Spirit Board has added one new production area, namely the Moordkuil Ward in the Worcester District.
The SA Terroir Wine Awards are presented in collaboration with the financial partners SA Litho and WinField United SA, while the OntbytSAKE programme on KykNET acts as a media partner.
With over 120 years of expertise, SA Litho Label Printers proudly supports South Africa’s wine industry through innovative thinking, profound industry knowledge and premium packaging solutions.
“Partnering with the SA Terroir Wine Awards reflects our shared commitment to celebrating authenticity, craftsmanship, and the unique character of South African wine,” says Dawrian Salies, general manager of SA Litho Label Printers.
WinField United SA’s CEO Jan Vermaak says, “We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that propel agricultural progress. By actively engaging in projects that advance the industry, we help connect the entire value chain – from the soil to the shelf. Our partnership with the SA Terroir competition underscores our commitment to South Africa's finest wines, supporting excellence from the vineyard all the way to the bottle."
Regarding OntbytSAKE as partner, Louis McLaren, owner and executive producer, says, ”OntbytSAKE/kykNET takes pride in offering national exposure to the outstanding winemakers and wine farms associated with the Terroir Wine Awards. Rewarding excellence is at the heart of the programme!”
Entries for the competition are open until 4 June, with late entries closing on 13 June. The delivery of samples for judging will be on 20 and 21 June. Judging takes place on 25 - 27 June and the winners will be announced at a luncheon on 13 August at the Lanzerac Hotel &Spa, Stellenbosch.
Says the founder of the SA Terroir Wine Awards, Marius Labuschagne, “This competition emphasises the Cape winelands’ terroir and versatility to create the finest quality wines from wide-ranging grape cultivars. Our viticulturists are supreme experts who fully exploit and utilise these areas to cultivate the best cultivars at many of our perfect soil and climate terrains.”
Enquiries to Elsabé Ferreira at 021 863 1599 or admin@terroirwineawards.co.za
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Stay connected: #saterroir
www.terroirwineawards.co.za
More about our sponsors
With over 120 years of label printing excellence, SA Litho Label Printers is a trusted partner to South Africa’s leading wine brands. Combining world-class technology with unmatched craftsmanship, we create premium packaging solutions that drive shelf impact and brand distinction. As specialists in high-end embellishments and a proud partner of the SA Terroir Wine Awards, SA Litho is deeply committed to supporting and celebrating the unique character of South African wine.
At WinField United SA, we focus on driving the advancement of South African agriculture through innovation, sustainable practices, and collaborative partnerships. Guided by our core pillars – customer-centricity, data-driven expertise, environmental stewardship, and value chain collaboration – we work alongside growers, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to unlock innovation and tackle agricultural challenges. Our commitment to sustainability ensures we not only support productive farming todaybut also protect and nurture the environment for generations to come. We are dedicated to making a meaningful impact and leading progress across the agricultural landscape.
Winning wine producers, including new entrants in South Africa, will be given airtime exposure on OntbytSAKE/kykNET, channels 144 and 145 in 2025. Executive producer Louis McLaren states, ”OntbytSAKE/kykNET takes pride in offering national exposure to the outstanding winemakers and wine farms associated with the Terroir Wine Awards. Rewarding excellence is at the heart of the programme!”
