Entries for the 2026 Veritas Awards, which will be presented for the 36th time this year, are now open.

The results will be made known on Saturday, 10 October, at a gala dinner at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Client tasting

Producers put their faith in the judging process of South Africa’s oldest and most prominent wine contest, says a spokesperson for the Veritas management.

“The Veritas competition started in 1991 and is South Africa’s longest-running and most prestigious wine competition. It has earned the recognition as the most trusted competition for market-ready wines and brandies,” he said.

Judges

“The annual inclusion of internationally respected and experienced tasters contributes to the favourable reputation of this wine competition. International judges will be invited again, if it is possible.”

To taste wines at the Veritas competition, a recognised judging accreditation is essential. In addition, overseas judges must have international experience.

“The local team of judges consists of a variety of winemakers, researchers, academics, Cape Wine Masters, wine buyers, sommeliers, wine writers and consultants,” he said.

“Veritas strives to enhance the quality and professional execution of the judging to continue further growth for this reputable competition. While the inclusion of younger tasters, sommeliers and specialists with commercial backgrounds on the tasting panels will continue to receive attention, the expertise and experience of senior judges will be continuously harnessed,” he said.

Five judges serve on each panel, while the 100-point tasting scale is used for evaluation, in line with international standards.

Yardstick

“Consumers increasingly take note of the results and use the Veritas Awards as a yardstick when selecting wines for their enjoyment. A double gold, gold, silver outstanding, silver and bronze Veritas sticker on a bottle is indeed a great motivator to buy the country’s best wines,” according to the spokesperson.

The double gold and gold-winning wines can be purchased on the VinoVeritas by CTP online shop that was launched in 2020. The wine tastings of double gold and gold winners will be presented countrywide in all the major cities.

VinoVeritas

The launch of the VinoVeritas by CTP online shop in 2020 to enable the public to buy Veritas award-winning wines directly and have them delivered to their doorstep with Getwine, has been met with great enthusiasm from consumers and participants.

The cooperation of participants to deliver the double gold and gold-awarded wines as soon as possible after the results are announced, is extremely important to ensure a highly efficient service to the public, according to the spokesperson.

The closing date for entries is Friday 7 August at 16:00, and for late entries Wednesday 19 August at 16:00. Judging takes place from 7 to 11 September at the Nederburg Pavilion at Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl.

. Visit https://veritas-entries.foneworx.co.za/ to enter. Contact Leilanie Zietsman on 021 863 1599 or email info@veritas.co.za with enquiries.