THE ten winemakers who received special trophy awards and the 36 Gold Medal winners at the 2008 Swiss International Air Lines Wine Awards have their sights set on international markets as a result of their success in this prestigious competition.
Among the trophy winners were local wines Franschhoek Cellar Merlot 2006 (Best Value Red) and Vondeling Babiana 2006 (Best Kept Secret), a barrel fermented blend of Chenin Blanc Chardonnay and Viognier. Vondeling is a boutique-style cellar from the Voor-Paardeberg Region.
Less than 5% of the over 740 entries to the Swiss Air International Wine Awards received gold medals.
President of the competition and internationally renowned wine fundi, Robert Joseph said that success in this competition would benefit the wine makers’ sales and brand exposure both locally and internationally.
“The differentiator in this competition is a panel composed of international and local wine buyers and a selection of the winning wines are offered on Swiss International Air Lines Business and First class on-board service.”
“We had a record number of entries – 747, which was 32% up from last year and this year we presented 36 Gold Medals, which is about 5% of the total number of entries,” he said.
In a new category, most Successful Winery, Saronsberg received the honours.
“Saronsberg Cellar Provenance Shiraz 2005 was a Gold Medal winner from last year that was selected to be an on-board offering on Swiss International Air Lines. We received tremendous international exposure and we’re honoured to have been awarded the Most Successful Winery Award this year,” said winemaker Dewaldt Heyns.
“The global exposure together with an international judging panel means our wines are being judged by international standards and I’m thrilled that the Saronsberg Full Circle 2005 was awarded the Best Red,” he said.
According to influential local wine buyer and judge, Allan Mullins, there is no wine competition in South Africa which offers the opportunity for undiscovered wine to come through like this one. “
The gold and silver award-winning wines will be available for tasting and purchase in the Swiss International Air Lines Award-Winners Pavilion, at South Africa’s premier food and wine exhibition, The Good Food and Wine Show taking place 15-18 May at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Tickets available on www.gourmetsa.com or at the door. .
* Other Special Award Category winners were Best Red: Saronsberg Full Circle 2006, Best White: Saam Mountain Sauvignon Blanc, Best Sparkling: Villiera Monro Brut 2001, Best Fortified: Alvi’s Drift Private Cellar Muscat de Frontignan; Best Late Harvest: Klein Constantia HLH 2006, Best Value White: Mooiplaas Chenin Blanc 2006; Best Wine in first year: Eagles Nest Shiraz 2006, Most Successful Winery: Saronsberg
