Boplaas Family Vineyards has emerged as one of the top performers at this year’s Trophy Wine Show. The awards in this renowned championship were made at a function in Stellenbosch this week.
The Calitzdorp winery’s stars at the event were both ports, which reaffirmed its long-held reputation for consistent, world-class quality. Boplaas claimed two of just 40 gold medals awarded in total. Amplifying the achievement is the high standard of scoring, which requires wines in this segment to rate between 95 and 100 points.
Only three Cape Ports were rated above 95 points at the show this year, which gives Boplaas top honours once again.
"It’s always a great honour to see Boplaas wines recognised, but receiving accolades at the Trophy Wine Show is particularly meaningful,” says Boplaas cellarmaster and South African port wine pioneer. “The rigorous judging process and the calibre of the panellists ensure that only the very best are awarded — which is why this show is held in such high regard by discerning wine lovers. To be acknowledged once again among South Africa’s finest is a source of real pride for our team and a testament to the passion and dedication we put into every bottle."
The Trophy Wine Show, sponsored by Investec, has been held for 24 years and is regarded by many as the leading platform for celebrating the excellence of South Africa’s premium wines. According to the esteemed founder, Michael Fridjhon, “In a market that is rapidly having to adapt to meet new challenges, success at the country’s most credible competition can be life-changing for wineries.”
This year saw 650 wines assessed by a team comprising amongst others, expert local judges as well as a trio of international experts, from France, the UK and Australia.
The reason Boplaas is often the first ‘port’ of call in premium fortifieds
The two Boplaas wines that struck gold were the Cape Vintage Reserve from the 2021 and 2022 vintages. Each are a shining example of a legacy built on crafting the very finest Cape fortifieds, utilizing Portuguese varieties, traditional vinification and dedication to style, to create wine that will offer decades of enjoyment.
Each is deep coloured and rich with aromas and flavours that are characteristic of premier port.
Portuguese wine grape varieties thrive in the Klein Karoo, home of Boplaas Family Vineyards. But they arrived at Boplaas by chance. Family patriarch, Danie Nel, ordered Shiraz vines from a nursery in the Cape, only to realise years later that he’d planted Tinta Barocca. The discovery was made by Carel Nel while he was studying at Stellenbosch University, putting him on the path to produce world class red wines from Portuguese varieties and ports.
The climate in Calitzdorp is well suited to the Portuguese varieties. Boplaas has Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca, Souzão and Touriga Franca; and, the white varieties, Verdelho and Alvarinho.
Years later, Carel’s daughter and current Boplaas winemaker Margaux Nel, would continue the tradition. She undertook her MSc degree at Stellenbosch University, focusing on Touriga Nacional produced as red table wine.
For more information, email admin@boplaas.co.za, call 044 213 3326 or visit boplaas.co.za.