2014 Decanter Awards rewards CWG members for excellence

Frans Smit

Top CWG contender was Frans Smit of Spier Wines who won the international trophy for the Best Rhone Varietal Under £15 for the 2011 Creative Block 3, as well as two regional trophies. His regional trophy winners were Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2012 as Best South African Chenin Blanc over £15, and Spier 21 Gables Pinotage 2011, the Best South African Single-Varietal Red over £15.

The other Guild members to win international trophies were Carl Schultz of Hartenberg Wine Estate, Gary Jordan of Jordan Wine Estate and Andries Burger of Paul Cluver Wines.

The trophy for the Best Bordeaux Varietals under £15 went to Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, the Best Chardonnay over £15 was the Jordan Chardonnay 2013 and the Best Sauvignon Blanc under £15 was the Paul Cluver Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2013.

Gary Jordan

Carl Schultz

David Nieuwoudt

The Guild members who won the remaining regional trophies were David Nieuwoudt of Cederberg Private Cellar and Miles Mossop of Tokara. The trophy for the Best South African Red Rhône Varietal over £15 went to the Cederberg Shiraz 2011 and the Best South African Sauvignon Blanc over £15 was the Tokara Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2013.

Judging process

The London based Decanter World Wine Awards are considered the biggest and one of the most prestigious global wine competitions. The judging process involved 224 specialist tasters from around the world, including 66 Masters of Wine and 18 Master Sommeliers.

There were 623 South African wines awarded in this year's tasting - to view all the winners, go to www.decanter.com.