Enter Competition

Judging

The judging system for Veritas has been described as one of the most thorough in the industry. Judging panels are representative of the entire wine industry and include winemakers, distillers, researchers, academics and merchants and are compiled in collaboration with the relevant cultivar work groups.

All the judges are required to have a wine judging certificate from the University of Stellenbosch, a Cape Wine Masters Diploma or a similar accreditation.

International judges with vast experience in judging are invited to join the panels and to share their knowledge to award the best wines and brandies.

Wines and brandies are tasted blind by panels that consist of five experts judging 10 wines at a time and scores are awarded according to the international 100-point scale with no discussion during the first round. Thereafter Silver Outstanding and Gold wines are re-tasted and thoroughly discussed with new scores if necessary and with consensus.
Double Gold – concensus 93 – 100. No re-taste.
Gold 90 – 92; Silver Outstanding 86 – 89; Silver 80 – 85; Bronze 75 – 79

The integrity of Veritas’ judges is indisputable and the whole judging process is audited through independent auditors.

2025

  • International Judges

    Adero Achola, Kenya
    Christine Austin, UK
    Yoshiko Takahashi, Japan
    Treve Ring, Canada
    Bernard Stramwasser, Canada
    Joe Wadsack, UK

     

  • Dry White Wine Panel

    Christo Pienaar Convenor
    Johan Dippenaar
    Tertius Jonck
    William Stacey
    Adero Achola

  • Chenin Blanc

    Albertus Louw Convenor
    Jacques Erasmus
    Isabel Teubes
    Riaan van der Spuy
    Bernard Stramwasser

  • Chardonnay

    Sjaak Nelson Convenor
    Anneke du Plessis
    Jacques Lombard
    Yvonne Lester
    Treve Ring

  • Sauvignon Blanc

    Pieter-Niel Rossouw Convenor
    Elunda Basson
    Dr Carien Coetzee
    Morgan Steyn
    Yoshi Talahashi

  • Cap Classique & Sparkling Wine

    Johan Malan Convenor
    Rene Groenewald
    Jeanne-Marie de Villiers
    Pierre de Klerk
    Christine Austin

  • Dry Red Blends

    Hattingh de Villiers Convenor
    Klaas Stofberg
    Tinnie Momberg
    Paul Burger
    Bernard Stramwasser

  • Bordeaux Blends

    Danielle le Roux Convenor
    Wim Truter
    Susan Erasmus
    Wilhelm Pienaar
    Yoshi Takahashi

  • Rhone Blends/Pinot Noir Certified heritage wines

    Charles Hopkins Convenor
    Ricardo Cloete
    Bertus Basson
    Yolande van Staden
    Kelsey Shunking

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

    Bertho v d Westhuizen Convenor
    Morney Vrey
    Christo Pienaar
    Jacques Steyn
    Treve Ring

  • Merlot

    Karlin Nel Convenor
    Marlee Malan
    Renier van Deventer
    Morné Kemp
    Christine Austin

  • Pinotage & Cape Blends

    Beyers Truter Convenor
    Andries Blake
    Francois van Niekerk
    Samarie Smith-Meletiou
    Joe Wadsack

     

  • Shiraz

    Riaan Moller Convenor
    JD Rossouw
    Juandre Bruwer
    Elzette du Preez
    Adero Achola

  • Other Red Varietals

    Anton Swarts Convenor
    Arthur Basson
    Michiel Visser
    James Osche
    Joe Wadsack

  • Port Style & Sweet wines

    Colin Frith Convenor
    Margaux Nel
    Adre Scriven
    De Wet Viljoen
    Anton Swarts

  • Dessert Wines

    Hermias Vollgraaff Convenor
    Henri Swiegers
    Melissa Rhode
    Andre Scriven
    Chris Crafford

  • Museum Class

    Bennie Howard Convenor
    Cathy van Zyl
    Junel van der Merwe
    Catherine Brewer
    Christine Austin

  • Brandy

    Winnie Bowman Convenor
    Fiona McDonald
    Mary-Lou Nash
    Lizette Tolken
    Nina-Mari Bruwer

  • Vertex Award Panel

    Adero Achola
    Christine Austin
    Yoshiko Takahashi
    Treve Ring
    Joe Wadsack
    Christo Pienaar
    Bennie Howard
    De Wet Viljoen
    Cathy van Zyl
    Dr Erna Blacquart