The 2021 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year winners announced Posted on 23 November 2021 The winners of the 2021 Diners Club Winemaker and Young Winemaker of the Year awards have been announced. The announcement was made at a black-tie gala dinner at La Cotte in Franschhoek on Thursday, 18th November, with Justin van Wyk (Constantia Glen) and Herman du Preez (Stellenrust Wines) claiming top honours respectively. Left to Right: 2021 Diners Club Young Winemaker and Winemaker of the Year – Herman du Preez (Stellenrust Wines) & Justin van Wyk (Constantia Glen) The Winemaker and Young Winemaker awards, focusing on quality and recognition of excellence, are regarded as the country’s most prestigious and well-respected wine industry competition. Celebrating the skills and talent of the vintners, these awards are open to all in the South African wine industry at no cost, thus affording all winemakers an equal opportunity. The Winemaker of the Year is in its 41st year, while the Young Winemaker has been running for 21 years. The awards are presented to the winemakers who produce a wine that the judging panel considers the best in a specified class. The categories for 2021 were Bordeaux Style Red Blends for Winemaker of the Year, and White Wines of any varietal or blend for Young Winemaker of the Year. The field was narrowed down to eleven finalists through rigorous judging by a panel of wine experts: with six winemakers shortlisted for the prestigious Winemaker of the Year award, and five for the Young Winemaker of the Year title. This year’s Diners Club Winemaker of the Year (Bordeaux Style Red Blends category), Justin Van Wyk, delighted the judges with his 2017 Constantia Glen Five. The 2021 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year, Herman Du Preez, received his award (White Wines category) for the 2020 The Apprentice White Cinsault. The winning Winemaker receives R50 000 while the Young Winemaker, R25 000 and a trip to an exciting wine producing destination. The 2021 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Judges -Thierry Haberer – International judge -Carrie Adams -Dr Winnie Bowman -Nomonde Kubheka -Billet Magara Picture: Supplied ALSO READ Cape wines bring home local and international awards Spier wines now available for tasting in Joburg Related Posts 7 delectable brunch spots around Cape Town 1 August 2022 The work-from-home trend has offered us many luxuries, including enjoying a late breakfast at our... read more Spier offers five fun tastings this winter 6 July 2022 This winter, Spier invites visitors from near and far to cosy up to a range... read more Bonnievale Wines to host a dining experience with tales from the region 6 July 2022 Bonnievale Wines have created the inaugural 24 Chairs Dining Experience, where guests can learn about... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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