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SA's top vintners crowned at Winemaker of the Year Awards

21 Nov 2016

Suited gents and dolled-up dames gathered in the manicured grounds of La Residence hotel in Franschhoek on Saturday evening for the 36th annual Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Awards. What sets this prestigious event apart from other industry awards is that while the wines are allocated due praise, the event ultimately celebrates the skills, talent and dedication of the people behind the process.

A worthy contender for 'best-dressed' on the night.

Scores of entries were whittled down to nine finalists, the wines of whom were then reviewed based on appearance, aroma, taste and aftertaste, and overall impression. This year’s judging panel comprised a number of wine experts including Carrie Adams, Dave Hughes, Debi Van Flymen, James Pietersen, Michael Crossley, Nomonde Kubheka, Colin Frith, and esteemed international wine educator and businesswoman Nancy Gilchrist.

“We are here to celebrate nine South Africans of distinction, our winemakers. We are here to celebrate their skills, their relentless perseverance for excellence, and their patience and love for a craft that they have chosen and truly excelled in,” Lesego Chauke-Motshwane, managing director for Diners Club South Africa and Africa, said on the evening.

And what an evening it was! A gala dinner that can only be likened to an exclusive soirée for French aristocracy was held in the vintners’ honour, with guests treated to a sumptuous three-course dinner prepared by La Residence chefs and expertly paired with the top-scoring wines.

SA's top vintners crowned at Winemaker of the Year Awards

Winning winemakers

This year, the Winemaker of the Year award went to the maker with the best chenin blanc, while the Young Winemaker of the Year accolade went to the producer of the best red wine.

Murray Barlow from Rustenberg Wines was named Young Winemaker of the Year for his 2015 Rustenberg RM Nicholson red blend. Two of his other submissions were also shortlisted, namely the 2013 Rustenberg Buzzard Kloof Syrah and 2014 Rustenberg Buzzard Kloof Syrah. Barlow was also the Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year in 2013, and a finalist last year.

The Winemaker of the Year title was awarded to Pierre Wahl from Rijk's Cellar in Tulbagh. With two decades of winemaking experience, Wahl wowed the judges with his 2014 Private Cellar Chenin Blanc.

Murray Barlow, Lesego Chauke-Motshwane and Pierre Wahl.

Wahl receives a R50,000 cash prize while the Young Winemaker takes home R25,000. Both winners get two return business class tickets on Delta Airlines to any wine-producing region in the USA.