Participants in this year’s competition are now encouraged to enter via the on-line platform which is a collaboration between Veritas and its financial partner SA Litho. This considerably streamlines providing information for the competition, whose closing date for entries is 7 August, while late entries at an increased fee will be accepted until 19 August 2026.

Veritas prides itself as South Africa’s oldest wine and brandy competition for market- ready (bottled) products and as being the country’s foremost guideline of quality for consumers, restaurants, hotels and the trade over 36 years – ever since 1991. It has grown in importance from a marketing perspective over the years to highlight the quality of South African wines, not only locally, but also in the international markets.

The increased sales of the winning wines and brandies following the announcement of the results are clear proof of the Veritas Awards’ significance for the industry. Veritas is the only domestic wine competition run by the industry, for the industry.

The Veritas Awards showdown has since its establishment as an authoritative yardstick continued to serve as a benchmark for the country’s quality wines and brandies, confirming its vital position in the industry and among the consumers. Participants utilise the results and accompanying Veritas bottle stickers as an outstanding marketing opportunity.

The Vertex Award for the overall top wine at Veritas – known as the Duimpie Bayly Vertex Award – was introduced in 2017.

The judging will take place from 7 – 11 September 2026 in the Pavilion at Nederburg in Paarl. As has been customary over the years, specialist judges are appointed in all the panels to ensure that the best expertise is employed to identify the winners.

The regular use of accomplished international judges at Veritas has been an integral part of the success of the competition, adding the experience of these judges to the skilled local judges. Thanks to the Veritas financial partner Dry Ice International, who have undertaken to bring a group of foreign judges to South Africa annually, the international judges will continue to play a cardinal role on the various panels.

The awards function, known as the “Oscars” of the wine industry, is to be held on 10 October 2026 at the CTICC in Cape Town. The countrywide wine and brandy tastings will be presented for the public and wine trade again in collaboration with Veritas’s long-standing financial partner, Deloitte. These tastings will take place in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, where all the Double Gold and Gold winners will be presented for tasting.

The “VinoVeritas by CTP” on line shop which has been specially developed by SA Litho will give wine lovers the opportunity to order the Double Gold and Gold winning wines immediately following the results for delivery to their doorstep, executed by GetWine wine traders.

A new sponsor, Agrimark, joined the ranks of financial partners, making a valuable contribution to spread Veritas’s image as the country’s leading wine show.

Agrimark is a leading agricultural and lifestyle retailer, serving farmers, families, and local communities across Southern Africa through a network of more than 80 branches. Drawing on over 100 years of experience, Agrimark delivers best-in-value products and solutions that support agricultural success from farm to fork.

Said Arno Abeln, managing director, Agrimark Operations, “Agrimark is proud to partner with the Veritas Awards in recognising and celebrating excellence in South Africa’s wine industry. As a trusted partner to wine producers across the country, we understand the dedication, innovation and craftsmanship required to produce world-class wines, and we remain committed to supporting the success and sustainability of this important sector.”

Christo Pienaar, chairperson of Veritas, said, “We are delighted to have Agrimark, a company with such an excellent footprint in agriculture in South Africa, on board at Veritas. It shows the important role that business plays in promoting our finest South African wines.”

Ends

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This proud event will feature the finest wines from the 2025 showdown, including the overall winner – namely the Duimpie Bayly Vertex Trophy laureate – in the form of the KWV The Mentors Perold 2022, a Cape Blend of Pinotage/Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec.

The first such Veritas tasting in London was presented in 2019 as an initiative to highlight the top achievers from the Veritas Awards, South Africa’s premier wine show, aimed at highlighting the international standard of the excelling entries.

This showpiece tasting will be hosted by Izele van Blerk, senior winemaker of KWV, the leading wine and spirits producer based in Paarl, and Lionel Dickens, Managing Director of Porex SA, the prominent Filtration & Separation supplier to the local food and beverage industry.

Prominent wine writers, members of the trade and other dignitaries will be attending the sit-down tasting conducted by Ms Van Blerk. The tasting of all the competition’s Double Gold wines and some selected brandies will be available at the walk-around tasting afterwards to a large group of invited guests at the High Timber Restaurant, known for its excellent South African cuisine.

The London tasting takes place thanks to a partnership between Veritas and Porex SA. Says MD Lionel Dickens, “As Porex SA, we sponsor the pinnacle Veritas Vertex Award as support in promoting the country’s top-end wines in the international market. At the same time, we supply the best possible equipment to South Africa to assist our clients in producing the best wines to compete globally.”

Veritas has earned the status as South Africa’s most authoritative competition for market-ready wines and brandies, while being the oldest and most prominent contest of its kind in this country, dating back to 1991.

Veritas chairperson, Christo Pienaar, says, “We are delighted to present this exclusive tasting in collaboration with Porex, where the Veritas Double Gold Award winners are taken to the next level of excellence, enhancing the image of South Africa’s quality wines internationally.”

Ends

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The long-established examination for wine evaluation by aspiring wine judges in South Africa has been upgraded and will henceforth be presented by the SA National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) – a significant boost to refine and maintain judging standards in wine competitions.

This wine industry organisation’s re-instatement of the Wine Evaluation Examination under the Veritas auspices is based on a similar course developed in the 1990s by the judging pioneer Prof Joël van Wyk and later continued and refined by Charl Theron. The late Prof Van Wyk was head of the Department of Viticulture at the University of Stellenbosch and Charl Theron is an eminent wine production and training specialist and former lecturer at the US.

The purpose of this upgraded course, according to SANWSA chairperson Christo Pienaar, is to expand the pool of qualified wine judges in the South African wine industry and ensuring the highest standards. “The Association is perfectly suited to this, as the SA Young Wine Show – also presented by us – has for years already included trainee tasters in its various judging panels.

“We are particularly pleased to present this course in future for our dynamic industry with its variety of competitions and showdowns, where the SANWSA takes the lead with its prominent awards.”

The Wine Evaluation Examination is being presented in cooperation with South Africa Wine and enjoys acknowledgement by this national organisation, whose Manager: People Development, Ms Kachné Ross, said, “We are committed to actively support this process through relevant insights, continuous learning and sharing of best practices throughout the whole value chain.

“We believe in the value of partnerships, especially for human development and strengthening our industry. By closer collaboration between Veritas and South Africa Wine we can utilise collective expertise and raise standards in a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable wine industry.”

The Veritas Wine Evaluation Examination will be held over two days and the participants will attend two training sessions, as well as a final assessment session. A reference panel comprising three experienced judges, with knowledge and expertise in wine over an extensive spectrum, will manage the training and assessment.

The first session will include some 40 white wines and the second about 40 reds. The focus will be on three criteria for judging, namely quality differentiation, wine fault identification and consistency.

During the second day’s assessment, 50 wines will be judged, where the same training criteria will be applied. Interaction between the panel and candidates will form a vital component of the training and assessment. The successful participants will receive certificates.

Candidates require at least five years’ experience in the wine industry, as well as a relevant wine industry position and interest in serving in tasting panels at wine competitions.

The first Veritas Wine Evaluation Examination takes place on 12 – 13 May – at the Veritas Office in the Simonsvlei Business Hub, Paarl. The cost for the two days, including one luncheon, is R3 500 per person.

The examination is limited to 20 participants and two more such examinations are to be held on 28 – 29 July and 6 – 7 October. Enquiries and bookings can be made at info@veritas.co.za or tel 021 863 1599.

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The winning wine with the Vertex trophy

Premier Alan Winde, Justin Corrins, Anneke du Plessis, Marco Ventrella, Kobus Prins, Kobus vd Merwe,  Oursula Lenee, Izéle van Blerk and Christo Pienaar (SANWSA)

Terroir and teamwork merged in a master blend

The masterful The Mentors Perold 2022 Cape blend that has just bagged KWV an exceptional third Duimpie Bayly Veritas Vertex Award as overall winning wine in this superior showdown is the result of merging a multitude of elements – from terroir diversity to top teamwork.

This is the picture emerging from a chat with the leading role players in this historic achievement. Moreover, this happened in tandem with KWV being named Best Wine Producer with 11 or more entries for an unprecedented third consecutive year in the Cape winelands’ awesome Oscars-like event  – the Veritas Awards 2025, attended by  550 guests in the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Interviewed at their domein in the company’s sprawling cellar complex in Paarl, were a clearly still adrenalin-laden Izele van Blerk, The Mentors portfolio’s winemaking guru, and team captain Justin Corrans: Chief KWV Winemaker. Within all the elation, they emphasise the vital role of Chief Viticulturist Marco Ventrella by their side, as well as the cellar assistants Albie van der Westhuizen and Neville Friesland in the engineroom.

At the same time, a host of other team members, from vineyard to bottle, played their specialised roles to pull off these accolades among a 1 205 entries which earned 88 Double Gold medals representing Cape wine country’s cream of the crop.

In total, KWV was awarded a record-breaking eight Double Gold and 13 Gold for its wines and two Double Gold and six Gold for its brandies. This, while the company clinched the Duimpie Bayly Veritas Vertex Award an unprecedented third time since its inception in 2017. Especially significant is the fact that their Vertex winnner is named after Professor Abraham Izak Perold, the founding father of Pinotage who worked in KWV’s cellars in the 1920s –coinciding with the centenery celebration of  South Africa’s homegrown grape variety.

The KWV The Mentors Perold 2022 is a Cape Blend of Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, the company’s flagship red blend that manifests its total commitment to the evolution of Pinotage.

Said Van Blerk, “Perold is an icon of Pinotage; it’s exceptional for us at KWV to have this brand name. And to have a Pinotage-based blend win this award in 100 years of Pinotage’s existence is incredible – through persistence, concentration and quality from vineyards to the cellar and with an amazing team!”

The components, she says, derive from four grape-growing areas: 30% Pinotage from one vineyard block on a farm in Bottelary, 30% Shiraz from the Swartland, 30% Cabernet from Bottelary and 10% Malbec from Sir Lowry’s Pass near Somerset West. The basic recipe stays the same; just the percentages vary, although we also had Petite Sirah in the mix for last year’s Vertex winner, the The Mentors Perold 2020 which had 40% Pinotage from the very same vineyard block.”

The first of their three Vertex triumphs was in 2020 with The Mentors Orchestra 2018, a full-on Bordeaux blend, obviously without Pinotage whereas the Perold is a unique and diverse composition.

Corrans said that their great achievement lay in finding harmony between the diverse elements and components, terroir traits, areas, varietal characteristics. Also, people characteristics. The leading creative personalities originate from diverse backgrounds – himself, Izele and Marco respectively from the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and KZN, who together hold cellar and agricultural qualifications including wine biotechnology, viticulture and oenology and viticulture, all at the US and Elsenburg in addition to varied previous experience.

“Having diversity from different upbringings and different areas brings different ideas. We challenge each other’s opinions but ultimately have the same goal and are aligned to achieve the best possible outcome in the best possible wine. Doing everything only one percent better each year means the holistic outcome is a massive, monumental step-up in quality,” said Corrans.

“There are very strong personalities in our team and each one is an expert in their field, respecting each other and each bringing team consistency. Our little Mentor’s team of five have actually been together since 2010.” Van Blerk said.

“I make the wine but essentially I’m the link between the vineyard and cellar teams …I taste all the time and decisions are all made on tasting, on feeling; we taste and do analyses, but analysing is not the driver of what we do. Focusing meticulously on the picking date, I travel a lot with the vineyard team to 12 widespread farms in peak season and, for instance, taste the Pinotage up to six times, being highly critical.”

The Mentors portfolio of limited-edition premium terroir-driven wines comprises eight wines, both blends and single cultivar, plus a limited-bottling “surprise,” this year being a “unique, innovative style” Cabernet Sauvignon.

“What sets the Perold blend apart,” stresses Corrans, “is good acid for longevity and freshness, the prominent aroma with amazing weight, depth of palate, structure, elegance and softness. The tannins give the wine depth of body without being harsh or astringent. An iron fist in a velvet glove,” he smiles.

Gratifying for these passionate Perold devotees, is the fact that their pinnacle product sells 80% from the KWV Wine Emporium right there in Paarl, with significant sales also in the UAE duty free outlets.

Here KWV wine lovers will also find the eight Veritas DG winning wines of 2025, including the magic The Mentors Perold 2022, as well as Roodeberg Dr Charles Niehaus 2022 and KWV Roodeberg Reserve 2022 – the brand which endorses KWV’s long-standing reputation for creating iconic blended wine.

The extraodinary Veritas accolades follow the company’s recent top listings at the Absa Pinotage Top 10 and Absa Perold Cape Blend competitions – featuring The Mentors Pinotage 2022 and The Mentors Perold 2020 and 2022.

Said KWV CEO John Loomes, “With this performance at Veritas, we once again demonstrate that across our entire portfolio, we will always overdeliver on quality. It’s a commitment that has guided us for over a century, and one we remain steadfastly dedicated to.”

THE MENTORS PEROLD 2022 MAKE-UP
Production
4 800 L –  30% Pinotage, 30% Shiraz, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Malbec 

Vintage conditions
The vintage was characterised by alternating hot and cool conditions with small rainfall spells throughout – where picking decisions and pH management in the winery were important.

Winemaking
A mix of varieties from regions and sites that consistently produce outstanding quality and style. Only the best varieties, regions and sites are selected with focus on balanced structure, concentration and finesse. A combination of whole-berry fermentation and gentle pump-overs to ensure every bit of flavour is captured, Pinotage taking priority. The bunches were handpicked and sorted. After fermentation, the most promising wines of each cultivar were chosen to mature further in barrel. After 12 months, the best wines were singled out and aged for another six months. Matured for 18 months in first-fill French oak barrels.

Description
Layers of fruitcake, anise and cranberry with lifted perfume, floral and marzipan aromas, and a touch of cigar box and pencil shavings. On the palate, the structure is restrained and focused yet supple with sweet textured tannins and a finish of lingering intensity.

Analysis
Alcohol: 14.74% pH: 3.42 Total acidity: 6.15 g/l Residual sugar: 2.56 g/l.

“An outstanding example of wine where the sum of the parts exceeds the value of the individual components” – inscription on back label of the stylish wax-sealed, numbered bottes, featuring a portrait of Dr A I Perold

Ends 

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Wine Legends – Bennie Howard (Veritas), with two of the three Wine Legends who received their Scroll of honour at the Veritas Awards Dinner – Johan Malan and Michael Back with Christo Pienaar (Veritas Chairman)

Charles Back was the third recipient, but apologised as he was unable to attend.

The tradition of annually honouring a handful of industry leaders was continued at this year’s 35th Veritas Awards ceremony, known for many years as the “Oscars of the Wine Industry”, on Saturday 11 October 2025. This award, instituted by the Veritas Awards in 2009, serves as recognition for exemplary service to the industry over the years – acknowledging their commitment and paying homage to them for remarkable achievements.

Thereby, three luminaries received the 2025 Living Legends Scroll of Honour for their dedication to and enthusiasm and passion for the domestic wine and brandy industries.

CHARLES BACK
Charles Louis Back is the third-generation owner of Fairview, one of South Africa’s most renowned wine and cheese producers in Paarl, Western Cape. A proud old-boy of Paarl Gymnasium, known for producing both rugby greats and winemakers, Charles went on to complete his military service before studying wine technology at Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch. After a practical year at Perdeberg, he officially joined his father, Cyril, at Fairview in 1978, taking full control of the farm in 1995.

From early on, Charles showed a flair for innovation and an instinct to challenge convention. He introduced Mediterranean grape varieties such as Viognier, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah to the Cape, opening new horizons for South African winemaking. In 2000, he launched Goats Do Roam, which quickly became the highest-selling South African wine brand in the United States, and expanded Fairview’s reach with the creation of sub-brands such as La Capra and Bloemcool.

Charles’ achievements have been widely recognised. In 1996, Wine Magazine South Africa named him the second most influential figure in the local wine industry, second only to Nelson Mandela. In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious IWC Lifetime Achievement Award in London, and in 2017 he received both the 1659 Wine Industry Medal of Honour and the South African Farmer of the Year title.

Alongside wine, Charles also turned Fairview into the country’s leading producer of artisanal cheeses. Today, Fairview is South Africa’s largest producer of specialty cheeses, stocked in major retailers across the country and closely partnered with Woolworths. Recently, the farm also walked away with the most awards at the SA Dairy Championships, a testament to the excellence of its cheesemaking legacy.

True to his entrepreneurial spirit, Charles was also instrumental in putting the Swartland on the map. After discovering an old tobacco farm in Malmesbury, he established Spice Route Wines, a premium brand that helped spark what became known as the Swartland Revolution. Together with the Spice Route Destination in Paarl, the brand remains a vibrant expression of exploration and innovation. More recently Charles started the Klein Amoskuil project, where organic and traditional Georgian style natural wines produced in qvevri – egg-shaped, unglazed earthenware vessels – in the Swartland.

But perhaps Charles’ greatest legacy lies in his social impact. Long before it was common practice, he advocated for better working conditions under Apartheid, and in 1997 founded the Fair Valley Workers’ Association, giving employees the opportunity to farm their own land. More recently, he shared ownership of Fairview with longstanding staff from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, further supported by Fairtrade accreditation.

Today, Charles Back remains one of the most decorated and respected figures in South African wine. Entrepreneur, innovator and community leader, he continues to honour his family’s heritage while pushing the boundaries of what Fairview can achieve, in the vineyard, in the cheesery, and in the community it calls home.

MICHAEL BACK
Born in 1954, Michael Back has spent a lifetime dedicated to building, stewarding, and transforming the family business.

After graduating from the University of Stellenbosch in 1975 with a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture, Michael returned to the Backsberg farm with a singular focus: to grow and develop the enterprise that his grandfather had begun. His entire professional career has been devoted to managing and expanding this family business – a commitment that he has carried out with passion, pragmatism and an eye on social responsibility.

Michael has through the years led with heart-and-soul and conviction. He has consistently sought to keep the business profitable, to care deeply for employees and the wider community, to champion social justice, to protect and nurture the environment and to embrace technology and innovation.

While the family’s business ventures have also included livestock businesses, Michael has chosen to focus on his contributions to the wine industry. These efforts reflect not only the growth of a family enterprise but also Michael and his wife, Jill’s, shared values, using business as a force for good.

Michael joined his father, Sydney, in 1976 and quickly set about modernising and professionalising the business. In 1982, he launched a propagation programme using plant material that had been smuggled into the country by his father and others, laying the groundwork for future vineyard excellence. Just four years later, he earned international acclaim when Backsberg’s 1986 Chardonnay was awarded the coveted Domecq Trophy at the International Wine & Spirits Competition for Best South African White Wine.

Throughout the 1990s, Michael continued to expand and innovate. Together with his father, he initiated a brandy distillation program in 1991 and in 1995 won the Domecq Trophy again, this time for Best Brandy of the Show.

In 1998, he launched Freedom Road Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa’s first “empowerment wine”, with the first bottle signed by President Nelson Mandela in Parliament – a symbolic milestone marrying business with social change. This commitment to empowerment deepened in 2002 with the completion of the Freedom Road housing project, enabling all Backsberg staff to own their homes.

Michael was early to adopt technology and sustainability initiatives: he introduced roto-tanks in the late 1980s, pioneered screwcap bottling in 2003, began the journey to carbon neutrality in 2006, and earned recognition such as the Mail & Guardian Greening the Future Award (2009) and Biodiversity Champion status (2010). His bursary programme funded the equivalent of 150 years of tertiary education for staff and their families.

His achievements were widely recognized: in 2014 he was made a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, and in 2015, he received the Drinks Business Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2021, after nearly five decades in wine, Michael sold the family’s interests in the industry. In 2023, Michael and Simon acquired a fruit marketing company, C Fruit, as a springboard into the next chapter of the family’s agricultural journey. He retired in 2025, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, integrity, and impact.

JOHAN MALAN
Johan studied BSc Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University like his father, Frans.  After graduation he joined the Simonsig team in 1981, and the next year he stepped into the position of head winemaker. He held this position for 41 years until 2023, before handing over the reins to his son, Michael.

During his career he made major changes to the Simonsig red wine portfolio. The red blends of Tiara, Frans Malan, Redhill Pinotage and Merindol Syrah were the culmination of his dedication to making top class red wines with more body, concentration and structure. He made his first Simonsig Chardonnay in French oak in 1982 and six years later the Simonsig Chardonnay 1988 was rated the best South African white wine at the IWSC in London.

The Kaapse Vonkel was in its infancy in 1982 and still contained Chenin Blanc as the grape variety. Johan changed the blend in 1987, when he introduced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for the cuvée. In 1997, Kaapse Vonkel became the first Cap Classique to include all three the classic grape varieties used in Champagne when Pinot Meunier joined the fold. Over the years Simonsig has won the Cap Classique challenge an unprecedented three times. The prestigious Diners Club Winemaker of the Year was awarded to Johan in 2020 for the Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel 2015.

Johan was the founding chairperson of the newly formed Cap Classique Producers Association in 1992. This was one of the very first association ever formed to promote one specific style of wine. Membership now stands at 120.

In 1984 he was invited to join the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild and twice served as chairperson. The annual auction of the CWG gave him the ideal platform to express his innovative talents. Johan’s use of new French oak barrels in 1989 for Pinotage was a big step forward to show the world the great potential of South Africa’s own grape variety.  His CWG Auction Reserve blend of Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in 1991 was an immediate success and created a new style of wine that became known as Cape Blend. The wine was named in honour of Frans Malan, the family patriarch who started the Simonsig story in 1953.

Under Johan’s guidance as cellarmaster, Simonsig has won 47 Double Gold and 113 Gold Veritas awards.

The Grapesmith wines with grape varieties like Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc among others, were born out of Johan’s interest in white and red varieties from the warm and dry Southern Rhône vineyards. With an eye on climate change, these varieties are well positioned to make top quality wines even under hotter and more arid conditions.

Another of Johan’s dreams came true in 2008 with the first Simonsig The Garland single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the iconic Simonsberg slopes was made. The Garland 2020 received the accolade as the best Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa by the Platter Wine Guide. The grapes came from the vineyards once farmed by his grandfather Pieter Beyers van Niekerk. To him it was like the completion of the circle of life over 3 generations.

ENDS

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Izéle van Blerk, Senior Red winemaker KWV with the 2025 Duimpie Bayly Veritas Vertex Award, with Minister John Steenhuisen en Christo Pienaar, Chairman Veritas.

KWV’s clinched the top Veritas award, the Duimpie Bayly Vertex Trophy, for the second year in a row at the 35th Veritas Awards evening, with its masterful The Mentors Perold, while Graham Beck and Cederberg Wines also excelled with a haul of coveted double gold medals.

The evening of exceptional achievements featured the KWV The Mentors Perold 2022, a superb Cape Blend, that triumphed overall among the Double Gold medals for both established brands and novices out of a mammoth 1 205 entries.

The glamorous gala dinner, known as the “Oscars” of the wine industry, held in the CTICC Ballroom, once again proved to be an unforgettable event for the thrilled 550 guests that enjoyed delectable dishes, awarded wines and top-notch entertainment.

Veritas’s anchor sponsors, SA Litho and Deloitte, were joined by the financial partners KykNet-ontbytSAKE, Dry Ice International, Porex SA, Nashua, and newcomers Unitrans and Agrimark. At the same time, three “living legends” of the wine world received honorary scrolls for their outstanding service to the industry.

KWV this year achieved remarkable success at the Veritas function and, like last year, was named Best Wine Producer, with most Double Gold medals, a record eight Double Gold as well as 13 Gold awards. The Best Achiever in the class for ten wine entries or less was Graham Beck Wines from Robertson with four Double Gold medals and a Gold award. KWV also won the laurels for brandy, followed by Sydney Back Brandy.

Cederberg Wines excelled with four Double Gold medals and one Gold, while three wineries achieved three Double Gold each, namely Nederburg Wines, Perdeberg Wines and Spier Wines. Seven cellars bagged two Double Gold each – Bellingham, Beyerskloof, Flagstone, Kleine Zalze, Recast Wines, Van Loveren Family Vineyards and Diemersdal Estate, the latter that added a superb 11 Gold awards to their two DGs.

Furthermore, 34 wineries each received a Double Gold award each, among a total of 88 Double Gold and 182 Gold medals handed over to tremendous applause at the gala dinner.

The major highlight of the event, like in the past seven years, was the presentation of the Duimpie Bayly Veritas Vertex Award – named after this legendary industry role player – for the overall champion wine entered.

The hand-crafted glass trophy was won by KWV cellarmaster Justin Corrans and his winemaking team for their KWV The Mentors Perold 2022, a Cape Blend of Pinotage/Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec. It is the third time that KWV has clinched the Vertex Award – the first time being in 2020 with their The Mentors Orchestra 2018 (Bordeaux blend) and last year the 2020 vintage of the Mentors Perold. It was the fourth time that a Red Blend clinches this top award since its introduction.

The entries were adjudicated by 88 authoritative international and local judges during five days’ blind tasting sessions. The judging panels comprised five members each. The international judges were Adero Achola (Kenya), Christine Austin (UK), Treve Ring (Canada), Bernard Stramwasser (Canada), Yoshiko Takahashi (Japan) and Joe Wadsack (UK).

Christo Pienaar, chairperson of the SA National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) and Veritas, said the organisation was overwhelmed with the support. “We are thankful to our Veritas financial partners for their commitment and continued support to be part of the wine industry’s most renowned wine awards.” 

See the breakdown of medals for the top wines and brandies below. 

Financial boost for international judges and Vertex Award

The Veritas Awards enjoy ongoing support from its financial partners:

• Deloitte as sponsor of the countrywide public wine tastings of DG and G winner wines
• SA Litho for their development of the VinoVeritas Shop Window and website for online entries
• ontbytSAKE TV on KykNet as media partner
• Dry Ice International as sponsor of the international judges
• Porex which presents the tasting of the Vertex and Double Gold winners in London, while also flying the winner of the Duimpie Bayly Vertex Award to the UK
• Nashua, Unitrans and Agrimark as sponsors of the awards function 

Online sales app on a roll

The use of the VinoVeritas shop window for wine lovers to easily purchase awarded wines online, is in full swing. Veritas vice-chairperson Bennie Howard said he was delighted with the phenomenal success of the VinoVeritas by CTP platform “We introduced the App in 2020 so consumers can order the awarded wines directly online for delivery to their doorstep by our partner, GetWine. It has now been upgraded by SA Litho for wine lovers for easy use at the public tastings while tasting one’s favourite wines or at home to order them.”

This means that the wine and brandy buying public can download the link for direct access to the results to order any of the 270 products that won Double Gold or Gold at the 2025 Veritas Awards. Click at https://vinoveritasbyctp.co.za to shop.

Dawrian Salies, General Manager of SA Litho says, “For years, the Veritas Awards has been the benchmark for excellence in wine, and SA Litho label printers the standard for precision in label printing. Our partnership celebrates a shared commitment to craftmanship and the highest possible quality standards”

Public wine tastings countrywide

Good news for consumers is that the regular public wine tastings presented under the Deloitte banner, will be held in the main centres. Ruwayda Redfearn, Deloitte Africa’s CEO, said,” We look forward to share the fantastic selection of top South African wines crowned at the Veritas Awards at the tastings with our clients, the trade and consumers.”

The public tastings will be held on 23 October in Cape Town, 28 October in Durban and 5 November in Johannesburg – all taking place at the Deloitte premises in these cities. Further information is available at www.veritas.co.za 

Three living legends honoured

The Veritas tradition since 2009 to honour industry leaders, is being continued. Thereby, three eminent personalities received the 2025 Living Legend Scroll of Honour for their dedication to and enthusiasm for the local wine and brandy industries, namely Charles Back (owner Fairview Wine & Cheese), Michael Back (former owner Backsberg Estate) and Johan Malan (owner and former head winemaker Simonsig Estate). 

A word from our financial partners 

• Louis Mclaren – owner and executive producer ontbytSAKE:
  ontbytSAKE’s goal is to promote businesses across all industries in South Africa, including the wine industry. Veritas showcases the best of the best. These winemakers, distillers, researchers, academics and merchants are our people, our pride! 

• Deon Roux – CEO Dry Ice International:
  Having expanded our presence in the Western Cape, especially to the benefit of the wine farmers, we at Dry Ice International are confident that it can make a significant contribution to the success of our local wine industry. We are proud to be partnering with Veritas 2025, celebrating our wine industry excellence. 

• Lionel Dickens – CEO Porex:
  Being part of Veritas as a sponsor is a great honour for us at Porex SA. Adding to the value of sponsoring the top wine in the country each year and then showing it to the international market are critical exercises. This is our small part of giving back to the wine industry. Thanks a lot to all wineries that supported Porex SA over the last years. We are looking forward to join the winners for the tasting in the UK and showing the best wines for 2025 to the international media and trade.

• Barry Venter – CEO Nashua:
  Nashua is honoured to partner with Veritas in support of the South African wine industry. As a proudly South African company, we recognise the significant value of this sector to our country’s agricultural landscape and economy. We are committed to supporting the industry with leading technology solutions that prioritise our customers by helping them save time and money.

• Edwin Hewitt – Unitrans CEO:
  At Unitrans, we believe that excellence—whether in logistics or winemaking—starts with a commitment to quality, credibility and growth. Sponsoring the Veritas Awards reflects our drive to deliver tailored, high-impact solutions that help our customers grow. We’re proud to stand alongside South Africa’s finest, celebrating those who, like us, are continuously focused on operational excellence and meaningful progress.

• Arno Abeln – Managing Director, Agrimark Operations
  Agrimark’s partnership with the Veritas Awards reflects our commitment to our customer base of nearly 1 000 wine farms and cellars through essential inputs, packaging, mechanisation and financial services. We believe in investing where it matters most – in the people, the land, and the craft. By partnering to celebrate excellence and the stories behind every vintage, we are proud to support initiatives that uplift the entire value chain.

Veritas medals strictly monitored 

Consumers can acquire the Veritas medal winners with confidence, as all the entries are monitored by SA Wine Industry Information and Systems (Sawis) to comply with the competition’s strict rules. This includes verification of the relevant documentation.

MEDALS BREAKDOWN
WINE
KWV – 8 Double Gold (and 13 Gold):
Laborie Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs 2017
KVW The Mentors Pinotage/Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec Perold 2022
KWV The Mentors Perold Pinotage/Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec 2021
KWV Roodeberg Dr Charles Niehaus Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Malbec/Durif 2022
KWV Roodeberg Reserve 2022
KWV The Mentors Canvas Shiraz/Durif/Mourvèdre/Tempranillo/Carignan 2021
KWV The Mentors Canvas Shiraz/Durif/Tempranillo/Mourvèdre/Carignan 2022
KWV The Mentors Petit Verdot 2022

Graham Bech Wines – 4 Double Gold (and 1 Gold)
Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique 2019
Graham Beck Cuvée Clive Cap Classique 2019
Graham Beck Ultra Brut Cap Classique 2018
Graham Beck Pinot Noir Rosé Cap Classique 2019

Cederberg Wines – 4 Double Gold (and 1 Gold)
Ghost Corner The Bowline 2024
Ghost Corner Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Ghost Corner Sémillon 2024

Spier – 3 Double Gold (and 4 Gold):
Spier Private Collection Chenin Blanc (WW) 2024
Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2023
Spier Creative Block 3 2021

Perdeberg – 3 Double Gold (and 3 Gold):
Perdeberg Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2023
Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Courageous Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2024
Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Rossouw’s Heritage 2022

Nederburg Wines – 3 Double Gold (and 1 Gold)
Nederburg Private Bin Edelkeur 2011
Nederburg Private Bin Sémillon NLH 2000
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon Private Bin R163 2015

Diemersdal Estate – 2 Double Gold (and 11 Gold)
Diemersdal The Journal Pinotage 2023
Diemersdal The Journal Pinotage 2022

Van Loveren Family Vineyards – 2 Double Gold (and 4 Gold)
Van Loveren Chenin Blanc No.5 2025
Van Loveren Daydream Chardonnay/Pinot Noir 2025

Beyerskloof – 2 Double Gold (and 3 Gold)
Beyerskloof Faith Cape Blend 2022
Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage 2021

Flagstone – 2 Double Gold (and 3 Gold)
Flagstone Time Manner Place Pinotage 2022
Flagstone Writer’s Block Pinotage 2022

Kleine Zalze – 2 Double Gold (and 2 Gold)
Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut Cap Classique 2019
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Bellingham – 2 Double Gold (and 1 Gold)
Bellingham Homestead Old Orchid Chenin Blanc 2025
Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024

Recast Wines – 2 Double Gold
Rudmatis Chenin Blanc 2023
Rudmatis Chenin Blanc 2022

BRANDY

KWV excelled among brandies with two Double Gold and six Gold. Backsberg was second with two Double Gold.

KWV – 2 Double Gold (and six Gold)
KWV 12 year Potstill Brandy
KWV 15 year Alambic Blend Potstill Blend

Backsberg – 2 Double Gold:
Sydney Back Limited Release Potstill Brandy 25 year
Sydney Back Special Release Potstill Brandy 15 year

Heineken Beverages – 1 Double Gold (and 3 Gold)
Van Ryn’s Single Potstill Brandy Aged 20 Years

Simonsig Family Vineyards – 1 Double Gold
Simonac Cape Brandy XXO

FORTIFIED WINE

Boplaas Cellar won two Double Gold: Boplaas Cape Tawny NV and Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2009 (and 5 Gold)
Nuy Cellar received two Double Gold: Nuy Inspiration White Muscadel 2023 and Nuy Legacy Barbieri Idro Red Muscadel 2017.

BEST ACHIEVER CLASSES

The Best Achiever in the class for ten wines or less was Graham Beck wines, while KWV was the Best Achiever with more than 11 wines entered. Fortified Wines, Museum and Brandy class medals are excluded for these calculations. 

Category winners 

The Veritas Awards this year had 1 205 medal contenders and altogether 1 141 medals were awarded – 88 Double Gold and 182 Gold awards were handed out this year, together with 249 Silver Outstanding, 434 Silver and 188 Bronze.

The seven most keenly contested categories in terms of entries received were: Red Blends (149), Sauvignon Blanc (130), Chenin Blanc (113), Chardonnay (104), Pinotage (100), Cabernet Sauvignon (98) and Shiraz (84).

Top scorers in the Double Gold medal stakes for Wine were Chenin Blanc (12), Red Blends (11) and Pinotage (9). Shiraz and Cap Classique with 6 medals each, Sauvignon Blanc (4), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with 3 medals each. Rosé, White Blends, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Museum White and Museum NLH with 2 medals each.

A Double Gold medal each was awarded to Cap Classique Rosé, Chardonnay, Other White Cultivar, Museum Cap Classique, Museum Red, Sémillon and Viognier. 

Double golds for Fortified wines were awarded to Cape Style (4), Red Muscadel (2) with 1 medal each Dessert Wine, White Muscadel and Museum Cape Style.

Potstill Brandy excelled with 6 Double Gold awards.

In the Gold medal stakes, Red Blends (23) was tops, followed by Pinotage (17), Sauvignon Blanc (15), Cap Classique and Chardonnay 12 medals each. Museum Red and Potstill Brandies each was awarded 9 medals. Cabernet Sauvignon (8), Certified Heritage Wines and Chenin Blanc with 7 medals each. Cape Style, Museum White and Shiraz 6 medals each. Merlot (5), White Blends (4) Cap Classique Rosé and Red Muscadel (3) medals each. Two medals each were awarded to Dessert Wine, Malbec, Museum Cap Classique, Museum White Dessert, Museum NLH, Pinot Noir, Rosé and Straw Wine.

One medal each was awarded to Cabernet Franc, Colombar, Other Red Cultivars, Other White Cultivars, Grenache Blanc, Low Alcohol Wine, White Muscadel, Museum Cape Style, Museum Red Dessert, Natural Sweet Wine, NLH, Petit Verdot, Standard Brandy and White/Red Blend.

Ends

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These extraordinary wine tasting opportunities sponsored by Deloitte offer no less than 270 of South Africa’s finest wines and brandies to experience under one roof and bookings have opened at Quicket (see details below).

Wine lovers will also be able to use the VinoVeritas by CTP app, the updated official shop window for Veritas Awards winners – making South Africa’s most celebrated wines and brandies easy to explore and order in the form of the double gold and gold medal winners as they taste during the evening. This for delivery by Getwine on their own doorstep. Click https://vinoveritasbyctp.co.za to shop from 12 October 2025.

The awards will be announced at the Awards’ gala dinner, known as the Oscars of the industry, at the CTICC on Saturday 11 October 2025.

CAPE TOWN – PUBLIC TASTING
Date:            Thursday 23 October 2025
Venue:         Deloitte office, The Ridge, 6 Marina Rd, Portswood District, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Time:           17:30 – 20:30
Cost:            R290,00
Tickets:       Quicket – https://qkt.io/25CT

DURBAN – PUBLIC TASTING
Date:            Tuesday 28 October 2025
Venue:         Deloitte office, 1st floor, The Skye, 2 Vuna Close, Umhlanga Ridge
Time:           17:30 – 20:30
Cost:            R240,00
Tickets:       Quicket – https://qkt.io/25DRB

JOHANNESBURG – PUBLIC TASTING
Date:            Wednesday 5 November 2025
Venue:         Deloitte office, 5 Magwa Crescent, Waterfall City, Johannesburg
Time:           17:30 – 20:30
Cost:            R290,00
Tickets         Quicket – https://qkt.io/25JHB

Ends

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Issued by the Veritas Awards
Contact Bennie Howard, Vice-chairperson, or Elsabé Ferreira, General Manager.

Mr Kgatlhane was also recently selected by Veritas Awards media partner WineLand Media as a “30 Under 30” 2025 award winner, an annual awards competition that recognises promising young movers and shakers in the wine scene.

He submitted the overall winning article, while the runner-up is Jaco Snyman from Worcester, a skilled chef and culinary expert. He was formerly a Junior Sous Chef at Creation Wine in Hermanus and a Sous Chef at Opstal Estate, Breedekloof, and he also excelled by winning the Blog Division of the Competition.

It is the 13th year of this competition, and the results were announced during a function at the organisers’ office, the SA National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) at the Simonsvlei Wines Business Hub outside Paarl.

Kgatlhane received R15 000 for his winning article, Snyman R7 500 as runner-up, and R3 000 for the best blog entered. These gentlemen are poised to join the established, more senior, 84-strong wine and wine industry writing and blog-influencing corps in South Africa. The idea is to add their young new voices to this dynamic and diversified field, as listed in the latest edition of Wineland Media’s SA Wine Industry Directory.

The New SA Wine Writer of the Year competition is open to writers 35 years old or younger and presented by SANWSA, a fully representative industry organisation, which runs the Veritas Awards, SA Young Wine Show and SA Terroir Competition, aiming to identify new word-wise talent in the wine industry.

The competition was judged in two categories, one for wine-related magazine print articles and one for web blogs, dealing with one of five prescribed subjects.

The overall winning entry by Rethabile Kgatlhane dealt with the topic “Are There Too Many Wine Competitions in the Country and Does This Water Down the Value?” From Tzaneen Village in Kuruman in the Northern Cape, although totally ignorant of the world of wine, he was bitten by the vinous bug at 18 and started a winery with two friends.

Today his winning entry stated, “If we can commit to building competitions that honour quality, uplift the underdogs, and speak with a voice the whole country can trust, then the future of our wine, and those who dare to make it, will be in the right hands … Honestly, not every bottle needs a sticker to be worthy, and not every award needs to exist to prove excellence. Because when everything is special, nothing truly is.”

From the Pitso Jantjie High School, Kgatlhane is a former Manganese Sampler at Kudumane Manganese Resources. Today, he describes himself as an opinion-former focused on culturally based community development in the English and Setswana languages. “Passionate about viticulture, cellar work, and the science behind winemaking. Seeking mentorship and real-world experience that will allow me to grow into a future winemaker and advocate for inclusive wine education in underrepresented communities.”

This is as a member of the Kgatlhane Legacy Group, a diversified company committed to excellence in publishing, business consulting, agriculture, cosmetics, and the beverage industry. 

Meanwhile, as runner-up, Jaco Snyman dealt with the subject of the country’s indigenous grape, Pinotage – celebrating 100 years of success and its contribution to the local wine industry. Under his heading “A Century of Pinotage: The Rebel Grape That Became a South African Icon,” he concluded, “The next chapter isn’t about defending Pinotage. It’s about exploring it. And maybe just maybe the best is still coming”.

His winning blog dealt with the contentious practice of chilling red wine, under the heading “Ice in Wine? Chilled Reds? Making Sense of It in a Hot Country Like Ours” His bottom line was, “Wine is about pleasure, after all. And sometimes, that means breaking a rule or two to suit the moment. South African style.”

The 2025 judging panel comprised seasoned wine journalists Wanda Augustyn, Cassie du Plessis, Joanne Gibson, Danie Keet, Neil Pendock and Maryke Roberts, who agreed that the 2025 entries showed the love and interest of younger people in articles and blogs on wine and wine events. It was good to see that, after 13 years of the competition, new voices enter every year from diverse backgrounds, for whom it should be gratifying to see the winning entries published in WineLand Media, which has been the media partner from the onset.

Wanda Augustyn, editor of Wineland Media, said, “Congratulations to this year’s winner, also a 2025 30 Under 30 honouree of ours. Your work showcases fresh perspectives that are rewriting our industry’s narrative. As an emerging voice, you inspire the next generation of wine enthusiasts and challenge how we communicate about wine. Your love and innovation represent the future of our industry, and we’re excited to see how you’ll continue to enrich the world of wine.

“The runner-up and blog winner also deserve congratulations for their worthy entries, showing their skill in both the longer and shorter formats.”

SANWSA chairperson Christo Pienaar added, “We are excited to see the enthusiasm in this competition from numerous new writers to relate the many interesting stories and join the debate about our industry. They are the new voices to speak to the next generation of consumers and wine lovers.”

As the competition’s media partner, Wineland Media, will publish the winning articles and blogs. At the same time, Veritas will continue collaborating with the Departments of Journalism at the University of Stellenbosch, University of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula University of Technology to encourage their students to write about wine. 

ENDS 

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This competition, run by the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA), which also runs the Veritas Awards among others, is in its 13th year and aims to identify smart new voices in the wine industry.

This year’s competition comprises two categories, one for wine-related articles and one for blogs. The winners will receive prize money of R15 000 for the winning article, R7 500 for the runner-up position and R3 000 for the best blog.

“We are excited that the competition continues to find new wine writing talent every year to spread the good news about the wine industry,” says the organisation’s chairperson, Christo Pienaar.

“This competition provides a new avenue for writers and bloggers to express their wine-related ideas and inspire others to join the conversation in this dynamic field. As an industry stakeholder we strive to cultivate wine interest and knowledge among wine consumers,” adds Pienaar.

WineLand Media, the competition’s media partner, will publish the winning articles and blogs. Veritas will also continue collaborating with the Departments of Journalism at the University of Stellenbosch, University of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula University of Technology to encourage their students to writing about wine.

Says WineLand Media editor, Wanda Augustyn, “At WineLand, we believe in the power of young voices to shape the future of our industry. Fresh ideas, honest stories, and a new way of thinking keep us moving forward. As a thought leader in wine communications, WineLand is the perfect platform for these voices to be heard. We’re proud to support the Young Writer of the Year award because tomorrow’s wine industry needs new storytellers, and we’re here to help them rise.”

Entrants are to complete one or both of the following assignments:

• Magazine Print Article –1 000 words in English or Afrikaans
• Blog Web Article – 600 words in English or Afrikaans

The topics cover a wide range of topics for both the magazine article and the Blog article. See full details below.

The competition is open to all South African citizens or residents aged 18 – 35. No full-time, established wine writers or previous wine writer winners are eligible to enter.

The entries will be judged by a panel of experienced and distinguished South African wine writers. Participants are to present their theses in MS Word format to info@veritas.co.za, along with a completed entry form and short CV stating details of possible previous wine-writing activities.

The closing date for entries is Monday 8 September 2025. The winners will be announced on Friday 26 September 2025. Requests for entry forms or any enquiries may be directed to the SANWSA at the e-mail address below.

For more information, contact the SANWSA/Veritas office at tel 021 863 1599, e-mail info@veritas.co.za or visit www.veritas.co.za.

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Issued by Veritas Awards
Contact Bennie Howard Vice-chairman or Elsabé Ferreira, GM

TOPICS FOR VERITAS WINE WRITER OF THE YEAR 2025 

A        Write a Magazine Article in the third person of 1 000 words in Afrikaans/English on one of the topics below within the context of the wine industry.                The article can be a profile, investigation, lifestyle, technology or current affairs treatment of the topic. Include perspectives of at least three credible             sources in the wine value chain.

B        Write a Blog Web Article of 600 words on any of the topics below for a blog.
The article can be a profile, investigation, lifestyle, technology or current affairs treatment of the topic.

THE LIST OF TOPICS TO CHOOSE FROM FOR A MAGAZINE ARTICLE AND FOR A BLOG WEB ARTICLE. IT CANNOT BE THE SAME TOPIC:

1. Are there too many wine competitions in the country and does this water down the value?

2. What are significant changes and trends in cultivar and style developments in South Africa.

3. Pinotage is celebrating 100 years of success since the crossing by Professor Perold in 1925. How has Pinotage changed the landscape of the red wines in South Africa and what is the contribution of the cultivar to the SA wine industry.

4. Do type of bottles e g Bordeaux and Burgundy have importance in SA and do the shape of drinking vessels/glassed play a role in your wine enjoyment?

5. What do you think of ice in wine and chilled red wine in a hot country like ours.

Participants in this year’s competition are now encouraged to enter via the on-line platform which is a collaboration between Veritas and the financial partner SA Litho. This makes providing information for the competition so much easier and quicker. The closing date for entries is 1 August, while late entries at an increased fee will be accepted until 15 August 2025.

Veritas prides itself as South Africa’s oldest wine and brandy competition for bottled (market-ready) products and as being the foremost guideline of quality for consumers, restaurants, hotels and the trade for 35 years – ever since 1991. It has grown in importance from a marketing perspective over the years to highlight the quality of South African wines, not only locally, but also in the international markets.

The increased sales of the winning wines and brandies following announcement of the results is clear proof of the Veritas Awards’ significance for the industry. Veritas is the only domestic wine competition run by the industry, for the industry.

The Veritas Awards has since its establishment as an authoritative competition continued to serve as a benchmark for the country’s quality wines and brandies, confirming its important position in the industry and among the consumers. Participants utilise the results and accompanying bottle stickers as an outstanding marketing opportunity.

The Vertex Award for the overall top wine at Veritas – now known as the Duimpie Bayly Vertex Award – was introduced in 2017.

The judging will take place from 1 – 5 September 2025 in the Pavillion at Nederburg in Paarl. As has been customary over the years, specialist judges are appointed in all the panels to ensure that the best expertise is employed to identify the winners.

The regular use of accomplished international judges at Veritas has been an integral part of the success of the competition, adding the experience of these judges to the skilled local judges. Thanks to the Veritas financial partner Dry Ice International, who have agreed to bring a group of foreign judges to South Africa regularly, the international judges will continue to play a vital role on the various panels.

The awards function, known as the Oscars of the wine industry, is to be held on 11 October 2025 at the CTICC in Cape Town. The countrywide wine and brandy tastings will be presented for the public and wine trade again in collaboration with Veritas’s long-standing financial partner, Deloitte. These tastings will take place in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, where all the Double Gold and Gold winners will be presented for tasting.

An upgraded version of the “VinoVeritas by CTP” app which has been specially developed by CTP/SA Litho will give wine lovers the opportunity to order the Double Gold and Gold winning wines immediately following the results for delivery to their doorstep, executed by GetWine wine traders.

Regular sponsor Nashua will be joined by a new sponsor, Unitrans, this year to continue making a valuable contribution to spread Veritas’s image as the country’s leading wine show.

Unitrans has been a multi-disciplinary, services and capabilities provider for major industries operating in Africa for over a century.​ They expertly design and strengthen the supply-chains, value-chains and transportation within industries.​ Says CEO Edwin Hewitt, “Unitrans is your trusted end-to-end solutions partner, seamlessly integrating into your business to ensure your success.”

Christo Pienaar, Chairman of Veritas, says, “We are delighted to have Unitrans, a company with such a long-standing footprint in Africa on board at Veritas. It shows the important role that business plays in promoting our finest South African wines.”

Ends

Contact the Veritas office for more information:
tel 021 863 1599 or e-mail info@veritas.co.za
Stay in touch via social media
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Released by Veritas Awards 

Contact Bennie Howard, vice-chairperson, or Elsabé Ferreira, general manager