Entries open for 2024 Diners Club Winemaker Awards

Source: Kym Ellis via Unsplash

The awards are accessible to all within the South African wine industry at no charge, ensuring equal opportunities for all participants.

Encouraging excellence in winemaking

Diners Club introduced the Winemaker of the Year award to encourage local winemakers to raise the wine standard in South Africa. The Young Winemaker of the Year award was established to encourage winemakers under 30 to develop their skills, express their individuality, and add to the future prestige of South African wines internationally.

The Winemaker and Young Winemaker awards prioritise quality and excellence, standing out as top-tier competitions in South Africa's wine industry. Unlike most awards that highlight winning wines, these awards specifically honour the creators behind the wines, showcasing the skills and talents of vintners.

Celebrating talent and dedication

"The Diners Club Winemaker and Young Winemaker of the Year awards are a celebration of the remarkable talent and dedication within our wine industry. These awards are about honouring the passionate individuals who create them. We are proud to support and showcase the artistry and innovation of our winemakers.

"As we open entries for this year’s competition, we look forward to discovering the exceptional wines and talent that will continue to elevate South Africa’s reputation on the global winemaking stage," says Esh Naidoo, Diners Club managing director.

For the 44th Winemaker of the Year award, Chenin Blanc is the featured category, while Red Wine is highlighted in the 24th Young Winemaker of the Year award. Each year, the judging panel selects wines that exemplify excellence in these categories.

Finalists from both awards will attend a black-tie gala dinner on Saturday, November 23, 2024. During this prestigious event, winners will be announced and presented with their trophies. The Winemaker of the Year and Young Winemaker of the Year recipients will also receive cash prizes and a sponsored trip to a global wine-producing region, subject to sponsor terms and conditions.

For more information and to enter here.