South African Wine Awards for Fine Wines
The 2024 Fine Wine Awards, proudly sponsored by American Express, have unveiled their inaugural winners at a grand ceremony held at Cavalli Estate in Stellenbosch. The awards aim to establish themselves as the premier listing of blind-tasted wines in South Africa, offering a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts of South African wines.
Top Honours for Hout Bay and Spier
Two wines stood out in this year's competition, receiving the highest accolades: Hout Bay Vineyards Klasiek 2020 in the Cap Classique category and Spier Frans K. Smit White 2018 in the Dry White category, both scoring an impressive 96/100 rating. These wines exemplify the exceptional quality that South African vineyards bring to the global stage.
Trophy Winners Across 12 Categories
A total of 12 Trophy Awards were presented to the highest-ranking wines in their respective categories, showcasing the diversity and excellence of South African winemaking:
Cap Classique: Hout Bay Vineyards Klasiek 2020 – 96/100
Sauvignon Blanc: The Drift Berrio Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – 95/100
Dry White: Spier Frans K. Smit White 2018 – 96/100
Chardonnay: Kershaw Deconstructed Lake District Bokkeveld Shale CY96 2020 – 95/100
Chenin Blanc: Knorhoek Chenin Blanc 2022 – 95/100
Unusual White: The Hub White Verdelho 2022 – 95/100
Bordeaux-style Blend: Reyneke Cornerstone 2021 – 95/100
Pinotage: Survivor Reserve 2022 – 95/100
Shiraz: Stellenbosch Reserve 2021 – 95/100
Cabernet Sauvignon: Simonsig Labyrinth 2020 – 95/100
Sweet White: Tierhoek Straw Wine NV – 95/100
Fortified: De Krans Cape Vintage 2019 – 95/100
These winning wines will be prominently featured with Fine Wine Awards stickers and listed on the official Fine Wine Awards website.
Celebrating South African Wine Excellence
Malu Lambert, Chairperson of the Fine Wine Awards, praised the high calibre of entries: “The quality of the entries was incredibly high, making our job as judges very tough. I am delighted at the outcome. The winning wines are a true reflection of South Africa’s unflinching commitment to quality in the fine wine sector; these wines can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best.”
American Express Sponsorship
Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA, commented on the results: “In partnership with Nedbank, American Express is delighted to sponsor the first edition of the Fine Wine Awards. We are proud to highlight the talented and vibrant winemaker community in South Africa to our Card Members and the broader community.” American Express is operated in South Africa through its licensee Nedbank.
Judging Process and Panel
The 2024 South African Wine Awards saw 900 entries across 18 categories, encompassing a variety of styles from Cap Classique to sweet white wines. Judging took place over four days, with the top five wines from each category undergoing blind tasting on the final day to determine the Trophy winners. The judging panel, led by award-winning wine writer Malu Lambert, included fine wine buyers, sommeliers, journalists, wine educators, and winemakers.
The Fine Wine Awards also play a crucial mentorship role, fostering the next generation of tasting talents by offering them opportunities to learn from seasoned judges.
For more details on the winning wines and the full report by Malu Lambert, visit the Fine Wine Awards website.
About American Express
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, offering customers products, insights, and experiences that enhance lives and drive business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
American Express in Africa
For over 50 years, American Express has been present in Africa, expanding its reach through a joint venture with American Express Middle East (AEME) and license agreements with financial institutions. Committed to enhancing daily spending, business, and tourism, American Express continues to grow its presence in the region.
Explore the world of South African wines through the 2024 Fine Wine Awards and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our local vineyards. Cheers to the excellence of South African wines!
