CAPE TOWN – A Constantia Valley winery has claimed gold and the title of Merlot of the Year at one of the international wine industry’s most commercially focused competitions.

Steenberg Vineyards’ 2022 Merlot won both accolades at the 2026 International London Wine Competition, which judges entries not only on taste but also on value for money and packaging appeal.

The competition, now in its ninth year, evaluates wines using three weighted criteria: quality, value and packaging. This approach is designed to reflect how wines perform in real-world retail environments rather than solely in tasting rooms.

Entries are first blind-tasted by trade professionals including wine buyers, Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine, before price and packaging are factored into the final score.

“Winning a medal here means your wine performs across taste, value and shelf appeal, making it a strong contender in both domestic and international markets,” said Sid Patel, CEO of the London Wine Competition.

The award-winning Merlot is described as a cool-climate expression offering soft dark fruit with notes of plum, mulberry, liquorice, cedar and lavender. The wine was crafted from low-yield vineyards, fermented on skins for 10 to 14 days and matured for 24 months in third-fill and older French oak barrels.

Carryn Wiltshire, marketing manager at Steenberg Vineyards, said the competition’s commercial lens made the recognition particularly meaningful. “It’s a strong validation of the wine’s balance, craftsmanship and ability to stand out on the shelf as well as in the glass,” she said.

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Steenberg, founded in 1682, is South Africa’s first registered wine estate. The property is located in the Constantia Valley about 30 minutes from Cape Town.

The estate is led by cellarmaster Elunda Basson, who chairs Sauvignon Blanc SA and serves as vice chair of the Cap Classique Producers Association.

The London Wine Competition is organised by Beverage Trade Network and brings together industry professionals to identify wines with commercial potential.

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