Pre-Award Tastings, Johannesburg and Durban

THE MICHELANGELO wine tastings at Southern Sun’s Rosebank Hotel (JHB) and Garden Court uMhlanga (DBN) in April/May are appealing. Although the timing is rather unusual… Now into its 27th year since the inaugural Michelangelo Awards in 1997, the judging at the biggest competition of its kind in South Africa tends to take place around July/August, with the results announced in September/October. You’d expect the top award winners to be showcased to wine lovers a.s.a.p. thereafter, however, having not done so following the awards presentation in 2022, the Michelangelo organisers and hospitality partner Southern Sun opted instead to hold public events leading up to the 2023 awards.

The top-scoring Grand Prix Trophy winners at Michelangelo 2022, Kleinhoekkloof of Ashton and Klein Welmoed of Stellenbosch, are not on the list of wineries participating at the tastings. In fact only four of the 2022 trophy and platinum laureates will be strutting their stuff: Durbanville Hills, Holden Manz, Lourensford and Nederburg. Nevertheless, the producers who will be pouring not only their Michelangelo award-winners but also some of their other delights, include some respected outfits, and in total, “over 100” wines and spirits will be available for tasting on the night(s).

WINE EXHIBITORS

Aslina – Somerset West

Babylonstoren – Simonsberg-Paarl
SA Wine Classification: Babel (Red Blend), Chardonnay, Nebukadnesar (Red Blend), Shiraz, Sprankel Cap Classique Sparkling

Bon Courage – Robertson
SA Wine Classification: André’s Fame Colombard, Inkará Shiraz, Jacques Bruére Cap Classique Sparkling Wines, Noble Late Harvest

Durbanville Hills
SA Wine Classification: Rhinofields Sauvignon Blanc, Tangram (White Blend)

Holden Manz – Franschhoek
SA Wine Classification: Big G (Red Blend), Cabernet Franc Reserve, Syrah Reserve

Hoopenburg – Stellenbosch

Le Pommier – Banghoek-Stellenbosch

Lourensford – Somerset West
SA Wine Classification: Limited Release Chardonnay, Limited Release Viognier

Mountain Ridge – Wolseley-Breedekloof

Nederburg – Paarl
SA Wine Classification: Edelkeur Chenin Blanc Noble Late Harvest, Eminence Noble Late Harvest Muscadel, Anchorman Chenin Blanc, Brew Master (Red Blend), Motorcycle Marvel (Red Blend), Young Airhawk Sauvignon Blanc, Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon, R163 Cabernet Sauvignon, Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon, Winemasters Noble Late Harvest

Niel Joubert – Simonsberg-Paarl

Nitida – Durbanville
SA Wine Classification: Coronata Integration (White Blend), Wild Child Sauvignon Blanc

Simonsig – Stellenbosch
SA Wine Classification: Cap Classique Sparkling Wines Cuvée Royale and Kaapse Vonkel, Chenin Blanc, Chenin Avec Chêne, Frans Malan (Red Blend), Merindol Syrah, Redhill Pinotage, Tiara (Red Blend)

Thor Vintners – Durbanville

Vondeling – Voor Paardeberg, Paarl
SA Wine Classification: Babiana (White Blend), Bowwood Pinotage

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