Stellenbosch terroir shines at 2023 Veritas Awards

The “Oscars” of South African Wine took place in Cape Town this past week. As has become tradition, wineries and wines from across South Africa were honoured at this prestigious event. It was also a re-affirmation of Stellenbosch terroir quality.

Almost one third of 81 Double Gold medals awarded at the show went to wines and wineries of Stellenbosch. The region also claimed some 45 Gold medals in a field of 1 247 entries, as well as excellence in the Silver Outstanding, Silver and Bronze categories.

It must be noted that Stellenbosch fruit would have been responsible for even more accolades given that many wineries outside the region purchase grapes from local vineyards too, but choose not to declare their sources.

Veritas is the longest-running and arguably the most prestigious wine and brandy competition in South Africa. The emblems of its accolades are also among the most recognisable. Its panel of 70 judges – four of which were guest specialists from overseas – made their evaluations over five days.

Among the highlights for Stellenbosch was that it won the only Double Gold awarded to a Merlot this year. As for the Gold category, Stellenbosch took five of the 12 medals for Cabernet Sauvignon; all the medals for Merlot; five of the seven medals for Pinotage; and, four of the seven for Cap Classiques.

Producers singled out by the judges among this year’s top achievers that excelled with multiple medals were Van Ryn’s, Spier, Zonnebloem, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch Vineyards, Tokara Wines and Welgevallen Cellar.