Food and wine for the connoisseur
Foodies and wine enthusiasts are in for a treat when they join the Winemakers Table on 6 November in Durban.  In the wake of the announcement of the 2012 Veritas awards, Durbanites will have a chance to enjoy a variety of double gold and gold Veritas medallists perfectly paired with mouth watering cuisine prepared by Xanthos Giannakopoulos, the executive chef of the Riviera Restaurant at the SunCoast Towers. 

Veritas victors reveal secrets to success
Two giants on the South African winescape dominated the medal harvest during this year’s Veritas Awards

Second consecutive Gold for Boland cellar reserve Merlot
The 2009 Boland Cellar Reserve Merlot received a gold medal at the annual Veritas Awards for the second year running, but the path to success started many years before when a single vineyard was planted in the perfect spot.

Veterans and newcomers highlight brandy vitality at Veritas 2012
South African brandies put on a sterling display again at this year’s Veritas wine and brandy awards held on October 6 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, including two distillers who entered for the first time.

Desiderius Pongrácz wins IWSC Trophy in the U.K.
Desiderius Pongrácz 2003, the signature Pongrácz Méthode Cap Classique, has wowed international judges at the 2012 International Wine & Spirit Competition in the United Kingdom, bringing home the Trophy for the best bottle fermented sparkling wine.

Gold for Lanzerac at Veritas Awards
Following in its recent success at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards, the Lanzerac Le Général 2009 was honoured at yet another prestigious event when it was awarded Gold at the 2012 Veritas Awards, which took place on 6 October in Cape Town.

Six Wine and Brandy giants get honoured
The vibrant and economically important South African wine and brandy industry is built on the shoulders of men and women who have, through the ages, dedicated their time and efforts on the promotion of the fruit of the vine. 

KWV claims overall victory at Veritas awards for the second year running.
There was nothing that could contain the joyful outbursts at the table occupied by KWV’s wine and brandy team in the final moments of the Veritas Awards, held on Saturday, 6 October.

De Wetshof lands Veritas gold for Chardonnay and Cap Classique
De Wetshof Estate in Robertson confirmed its status as one of South Africa’s Chardonnay pioneers by winning three Gold medals at this year’s Veritas Wine Awards. The lauded wines were the Estate’s Finesse 2010, The Site 2011 and the Woolworths Limestone Hill 2011, three wines representing the diverse spectrum of De Wetshof’s Chardonnay offerings.

KWV and Nederburg share in Veritas glory
Two well-known wine cellars, with a combined winemaking history of some 170 years, shared the limelight on Saturday 6 October 2012 at the Veritas Awards ceremony, sponsored by Agri-Expo.

International Veritas judges share their views
For five days from 3-7 September, more than 100 researchers, academics, Cape Wine Masters, wine writers and consultants sipped, savoured and subjected 1 744 wines and brandies to the strictest judging process according to internationally accepted rules and standards. Six veritable international experts joined forces with the more than 100 local judges to determine the 2012 Veritas medallists.

Veritas winners: a unique chance to taste first and then buy
The results of the annual Veritas Awards have become a trustworthy barometer of quality for wine and brandy lovers and especially the double gold and gold medal stickers that adorn the winning wine bottles regularly influence buying behaviour.

Heavyweight judges on Veritas tasting panel
Six esteemed international judges have joined forces with the highly qualified Veritas group of almost a hundred local judges for a marathon tasting of 1 744 market ready wines and brandies.

Veritas entries now due
Cellars wishing to enter their finest market ready wines and brandies for this year's Veritas Awards - SA's most highly respected industry competition - should not hesitate, for the closing date is 8 August.

New Leadership - new era for wine industry
The election of Charles Hopkins as chairperson of the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) during the recent Annual General Meeting of the Association heralds a new era not only for this extensive industry body, but also for the country's two biggest and most influential wine competitions, the SA Young Wine Show and Veritas Awards. Hopkins takes over from Duimpie Bayly, a veritable industry veteran, who has stepped down after eight years as chairperson.

Veritas High Fliers share their secrets
During the recent 21st Veritas Awards 42 double gold and 158 gold medals were granted to outstanding wines and brandies from South Africa's top cellars. Ten of these cellars performed exceptionally well securing more than half of the total number of double gold medals.

Gold rush for Boland Cellar
Boland Cellar cemented its reputation as one of the top wine producers in the Paarl region when it received four Gold, eight Silver and seven Bronze medals at the prestigious 2011 Veritas Awards. This came on top of the cellar being awarded three Class winners, including a Gold medal for their 2008 Shiraz, at the International Wine Challenge held earlier this month in London.

There must be something in the water? - Calitzdorp winemaker’s enjoy success at Veritas 2011
Calitzdorp the sleepy little hamlet in the heart of the Klein Karoo might be famous for its luscious apricots, Karoo hospitality, abundance of rare fauna and flora and as the "Port Capital" of South Africa, but it could just as well be described as the hotbed of local winemaking talent, if the results of Veritas 2011 are anything to go by.

13 Medals for Raka at Veritas
This year it was time for the Raka Figurehead to shine at the annual Veritas Awards.

Weltevrede's Philip Jonker brut the ring sparkles with gold at Veritas
Weltevrede Estate, the Jonker family's historic wine estate in the Robertson Wine Valley, well-known for its Philip Jonker Brut Collection, added another accolade to an already impressive list of bubbly awards, scooping a Gold medal for the Philip Jonker Brut The Ring at the 2011 Veritas Awards.

Zonnebloem's new team shines at 2011 Veritas
Zonnebloem's micro-management of its grapes in the vineyards and cellar is yielding excellent results, says global marketing manager for the brand, Deidre Samson.

Organic wine wins gold at Veritas
Waverley Hills was proud to be the only certified organic producer to win gold at the 2011 Veritas Awards .

Veritas lauds seven wine and brandy legends
Veritas annually honours a number of wine and brandy personalities for dedicating their lives to the highly enjoyable juice of the vine - for having done notably more than just plant vines and make wine or brandy. A Veritas Legend is no less than an icon - an individual who has shaped the industry through his/her wine making or viticultural abilities, or writing, research or promotional contribution. Seven of these individuals received their specially designed scrolls of honour at the 2011 Veritas Awards ceremony.

Sweet success for Monis sherries at Veritas
South Africa's oldest producer of fortified wines received three awards for its sherries at this year's SA National Wine Show with the Monis Full Cream Sherry receiving gold and the Monis Medium Cream and Pale Dry both silver.

Rustenberg honoured with two Gold Awards at Veritas 2011
Rustenberg Wines is delighted to have received two Gold Awards at Veritas 2011! The Rustenberg Five Soldiers 2009 and the Rustenberg Straw Wine 2009 were both honoured at this year's competition.

Kumkani Wines Scoop Six Veritas Medals
Kumkani, the 'king' of South African wines, showed its royal pedigree this weekend after scooping up six medals at the 21st annual Veritas Awards ceremony, including a gold, two silvers and three bronze.

Two Veritas Gold medals for Hartenberg wines
Hartenberg, one of the leading wine estates in Stellenbosch, has won two Gold medals for Weisser Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2011 Veritas Wine Awards, South Africa's biggest and most prestigious wine competition.

Nebbiolo is King at Du Toitskloof wines
The 2009 Du Toitskloof Dimension Nebbiolo, recently awarded gold at MUNDUSvini in Germany and silver at the 2011 Veritas Wine Awards, is an extremely food-friendly wine that favours meaty dishes such as fillet steak, pork neck and barbequed meat. The wine's rich, fruity bouquet also pairs well with a selection of strongly flavoured cheeses and rich pasta dishes.

Golden reception for Nederburg at 2011 Veritas
Nederburg was showered in gold at the 2011 SA National Wine Show, winning two double gold and nine gold medals across the multi-tiered range to maintain its status as the country's most awarded winery.

Golden glory for Simonsig reds at 21st Veritas Awards
Reputable Stellenbosch Pinotage producer, Simonsig, showed its mettle when it comes to South Africa's signature variety, by striking gold for both its Cape Blend, Frans Malan Reserve 2008 and Redhill Pinotage 2008 at the 21st annual Veritas Awards 2011.

Cape Legends scores at Veritas with double gold and gold
Cape Legends, which undertakes the marketing of a number of leading estates and wineries, came away from the SA National Wine Show with a double gold and three gold Veritas medals.

Fine brandy triumphs at Veritas
A masterful achievement of two Veritas double gold and six golds at this year's SA National Wine Show has reaffirmed the unassailable quality reputation established by the specialty brandies now housed in the connoisseur portfolio of FINE BRANDY. BY DESIGN™. The collection represents some of South Africa's best-of-best brandies and highlights the world-class skills developed in producing local brandies that are now increasingly ranked with the finest examples produced worldwide.

Could this be the Best Vintage Cap Classique in the Country this year?
Legions of local and international judges, masters and industry experts certainly seem to think so! Boschendal Grande Cuvée Brut 2007 continues its blaze of glory on the competition circuit, most recently bagging a Veritas Double Gold medal. This is another feather for Boschendal's Cap Classique that is raising the bar as one of Cap Classiques most awarded cuvées this year.

Veritas Gold for Bilton Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Renowned for superb red wines, Bilton Wines - situated on the verdant slopes of the Helderberg - has struck Veritas Gold with its statuesque Cabernet Sauvignon 2007.

Jordan Wine Estate Strikes Gold at 2011 Veritas Wine Awards
More good news!
Veritas is our biggest and oldest National Wine Show in South Africa.
Jordan Wine Estate received great awards!

Welmoed Wines Shine with a trio of Veritas Silver Awards
Welmoed, the South African wine known for its centuries of handcrafted tradition with a modern twist, simply shined this weekend after scooping up three silver medals at the 21st annual Veritas Awards ceremony.

KWV makes history at Veritas Wine and Brandy Awards
KWV has made history by seizing the most double gold and gold medals ever won by a single producer at the Veritas Awards, South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious wine competition.

Arniston Bay Wines get serious at the 2011 Veritas Awards
Arniston Bay, the easy-drinking lifestyle wine inspired by the relaxed spirit synonymous with the fishing village of Arniston, showed its serious side this weekend after being awarded a bronze medal at the 21st annual Veritas Awards ceremony.

Boplaas savours sweet success at Veritas 2011
Boplaas Family Vineyards from the quaint Klein Karoo hamlet of Calitzdorp, have once again proved that they are amongst the Cape’s finest producers by garnering three double gold, one gold medal and two silver medals from their six entries entered at Veritas 2011.

Muraties Pinot Noir heritage gets golden award at Veritas wine awards
Muratie, the first wine farm in South Africa to plant Pinot Noir vineyards, was the only winery to win a Gold Medal for a wine made from this grape variety at this year's Veritas Wine Awards, South Africa's premier wine awards show.

Three Veritas awards for Du Toitskloof Wines
At the 2011 South African National Wine Show, Du Toitskloof Wines took three silvers for its 2011 Chenin Blanc, 2010 Dimension Nebbiolo and 2008 Cape Ruby Port. According to the organizers, 1739 wines were tasted by the various panels of judges which included a number of tasters from overseas.

Reds from Durbanville Hills wines charm judges at Veritas
Reds from Durbanville Hills Wines garnered the judges' favour at this year's South African National Wine Show. Nine red wines received awards, of which three took gold. Its white wines received a further five medals.

Gold, Gold & Gold... for Simonsvlei
The dynamic winemaking duo at Simonsvlei has been responsible for a significant boost to the company's trophy cabinet this year with numerous medals. The dream team of Francois Van Zyl and Ryan Puttickalso walked off with a gold medal for the 2011 Hercules Paragon Sauvignon Blanc at the prestigious Veritas Awards this weekend.

Three golds for De Krans at Veritas
De Krans Wine Cellar, 2011 Champion Wine Cellar at this year's Southern Cape Bottled Wine Show, once again proved to be a force to be reckoned with, scooping three gold medals at the 2011 Veritas Awards. Gold medals were awarded to the Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2009, Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2001 (Museum Class) and the White Muscadel Jerepigo 2011, the latter awarded the SA Champion Muscadel at the 2011 SA Young Wine Show.

Knorhoek bags Veritas Gold for Chenin Blanc 2010
Knorhoek Estate, the time-honoured Stellenbosch estate recognised for intensely fruity Chenin blanc wines with a fuller taste appeal, has clinched a 2011 Veritas Gold medal for the latest vintage of this versatile white variety.

Pongrácz comes of age with two gold medals at 21st Veritas Awards
Pongrácz, South Africa's much loved Méthode Cap Classique which celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, received a princely birthday gift of two Gold medals at the 2011 Veritas Awards. This year also marks the 21st birthday of these authoritative awards, South Africa's biggest wine competition and most highly esteemed indicator of quality market ready wines.

Fleur du Cap strikes Gold and Double Gold at Veritas with two Unfiltered wines
Fleur du Cap's elegant Unfiltered wines excelled at the 2011 Veritas Awards, the Oscars of South Africa's wine competitions, with a Double Gold medal for the ultra-elegant 2010 Chardonnay and a Gold medal, the second this year, for the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Veritas battle of the brandies rakes in cache of Doubles and Golds
Hailed as rich, fruity, individualistic and exotic South Africa's internationally acclaimed brandies stepped into the local limelight at the Veritas Awards 2011, receiving well-earned kudos for the superiority of the industry's spirited offerings. The gala event was held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Saturday, October 8th.

KWV is 2011's Veritas Crown Prince
KWV has been crowned as the king of Veritas 2011. Last night (Saturday 8 October), this almost century old wine and brandy company with its headquarters in Paarl, received a remarkable five double gold and nine gold medals at the 2011 Veritas Award ceremony - the most double gold and gold medals ever won by one cellar. The event took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and was sponsored by Agri-Expo.

From sips to stats
Duimpie Bayly, SA National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) chairman, explains some of the facts behind the figures generated by Veritas - SA's biggest wine competition for market ready wines.

International impressions of Veritas wines and brandies revealed
Tasting 1 739 wines and brandies is no mean feat. From 5 to 12 September nine revered international wine judges, together with more than a 100 local wine gurus, sipped, tasted, contemplated, discussed and reached consensus during the official tasting of this year's Veritas competition.

Q&A with Dave Hughes, Chairman of Veritas brandy judging panel
Last year the 2010 Veritas Awards welcomed brandy into its fold - the first time in the Awards' 20 year history. It was important for Veritas to provide the South African brandy industry - which up to now had to compete mostly in international competitions - with a major local platform to show its mettle.

Veritas Brandy judging
Judging of South African brandies took place at the Nederburg auction complex in Paarl on 12 September. The results will be announced at a gala banquet on October 8th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Veritas Q&A
Ever wondered how exactly a wine judge makes it onto one of the veritable Veritas judging panels? South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) chairman Duimpie Bayly reveals all: how the system works, how the panels operate, and how his organisation cope with intricacies behind the scenes.

Be the first to taste the 2011 Veritas winners
To wine and brandy lovers the Veritas Awards is one of the most trustworthy barometers in terms of quality and excellence.

International experts join forces for Veritas judging
Nine esteemed international judges has joined the ranks of the highly qualified Veritas judging team who will evaluate close to 1740 market ready wines and brandies from 5 to 12 September at the Nederburg Auction Complex.

Duimpie Bayly responds to some FAQ's on the Veritas Awards
Perfume, talking and smoking - see anything in common? All of them are a big no-no during a Veritas judging session, of course.

Enter now for the 2011 Veritas Awards
More than two decades of first-class judging has seen the Veritas Awards become the country's most prominent competition for market ready wines and brandies with awards coveted by all cellar masters. The closing date for entries for this year's competition is 10 August. Late entries will be accepted until 18 August at an increased fee.