THE SOMMELIERS SELECTION 2019 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

… and a chance to taste some of the best South African food wines

The Sommeliers Selection is the only South African wine competition judged solely by a panel of South Africa’s top sommeliers, in categories fashioned around the perfect varietals for both a restaurant wine menu and to accompany food.

This year more than 400 wines from the country’s top wine estates were entered into the contest. Winning wines, beer and gin come from more than 60 farms.

The panel of sommeliers blind taste individually, before discussing the wines and deciding if they fulfill the criteria of being placed on the Sommeliers Selection ‘ultimate’ wine list. With categories such as Fresh & Crunchy White or Voluptuous & Rich Red, wines of different varieties, blends and pricing, but stylistically similar, can stand alongside each other and restaurant patrons can choose a wine that suits their palate and their pocket.

The panel of judges included 9 experienced and acclaimed, practicing sommeliers.

The Sommeliers Selection 2019 Winners, include among others:

De Grendel Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2019 in FRESH & CRUNCHY – WHITES

Perdeberg Cellar The Dry Land Collection Rossouw’s Heritage 2017 in VOLUPTUOUS & RICH – WHITES

Vrede en Lust Jess Rosé 2019 in PINKS

Quoin Rock Wines Namysto Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Quoin Rock Wines Shiraz 2015, Quoin Rock Wines Red Blend 2015, Vrede en Lust Lady J Syrah 2016 & La Motte Pierneef Syrah Viognier 2017 in ELEGANT & CLASSY – REDS

De Grendel Wines Amandelboord Pinotage 2017 in VOLUPTUOUS & RICH – REDS

La Motte Méthode Cap Classique Brut 2016 in VINTAGE FIZZ

Wines are available on the different estates’ websites and in their tasting rooms.

The Sommeliers Selection tastings take place in October at:

             Venue:  Roca Restaurant, Dieu Donne wine estate, Franschhoek

             Date:        Wednesday, 9 October

             Times:      11:00-13:00 – trade only

11:30 – public admitted

13:00 – doors close

             Tickets:  R100pp or R175 for two (no persons under 18 permitted) at Webtickets.

The other two tastings take place in Tsogo Sun Hyde Park, Johannesburg on 16 October and at The Beverly Hills Hotel, uMhlanga, outside Durban on 31 October.