Wines and Brandies awaited for country’s leading competitions
June 18, 2012Veritas entries now due
July 22, 2012New leadership – New era for wine industry
Hopkins takes over from Duimpie Bayly, a veritable industry veteran, who has stepped down after eight years as chairperson.
“I really appreciate the confidence that my peers in the wine industry have expressed by electing me to this position,” says Hopkins. “This appointment will allow me to contribute significantly in an industry that I’m passionate about. I would like to see the profile of Veritas and the SA Young Wine Awards enhanced and the valuable input from all role-players responded to.”
Hopkins, who has been cellar master at De Grendel in Durbanville since 2005, is one of the most esteemed winemakers in South Africa. He is regarded as the country’s most experienced Sauvignon Blanc judge and regularly tastes at leading competitions such as the SA Young Wine Show, Top 10 Pinotage and the International Wine and Spirit Competition. He also acts as mentor for winemaking students from Elsenburg and the University of Stellenbosch and is involved in various technical wine and viticulture discussion groups.
Hopkins follows in the formidable footsteps of several greats in the wine industry that served as chairperson of the SANWSA over the past 35 years, namely Duimpie Bayly (2004-2012), Danie de Wet (1995-2004), Lourens Jonker (1988 – 1995) and NC Krone (1977-1988).
The closing date for wines from the 2012 vintage that wish to enter for the SA Young Wine Show is Thursday 21 June. Winemakers with an eye on the coveted double gold, gold, silver and bronze Veritas medals, have until 8 August to enter their finest market ready wines.
Visit www.youngwineshow.co.za and www.veritas.co.za for further information regarding these two competitions or contact Elsabe Ferreira at 021 863 1599 or via email to information@veritas.co.za.
ENDS
Issued by Marlene Truter Communications
Tel 021 426 5247
On behalf of SANWSA
Tel 021 863 1599
