Last year saw the introduction of a new format with nine categories, which may change from year-to-year. The categories for 2019 are Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, other white cultivars, white blends, Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, other red cultivars and red blends.
Any vintage may be entered, but a wine may only be entered in one class.
The top 12 overall winning wines will be based on points scored and not classes. These winning wines will be marketed as Paarl Wine Challenge Top Twelve by means of Paarl Wine Challenge Top 12 stickers sponsored by MCC Labels. A panel of industry experts and wine media will judge the entries on Thursday, 22 August followed by feedback from the panel of wine makers and awards function where the Top Red Wine and Top White Wine will receive floating trophies.
Annelize Stroebel, general manager of the Drakenstein Local Tourism Association, which incorporates the Paarl Wine Route, says they were pleased with the significant increase in the number of entries last year. "The positive feedback received from the panel of judges in 2018 makes us very excited about the quality of wine produced under the Wine of Origin Paarl appellation."
Last year Babylonstoren and Boland Cellar walked off with the trophies for top red and top white respectively.
Only Wines of Origin Paarl, including its wards that have been vinified within the boundaries of the WO region may be entered. Wines entered must be available for sale in retail or cellar door, finally certified and labelled. At least 300 bottles must still be available for sale at the time of judging.
A total of nine bottles of wine are required for judging and the awards ceremony. No tank samples will be allowed.
Entry forms can be obtained via e-mail from az.oc.atld@etuoreniwlraap and only online entries with proof of payment will be considered. The entry fee for members is R500 per entry and R700 for non-members. Entry forms and proof of payments should be mailed to az.oc.atld@stnuocca.
Wines entered after 26 July 2019 will be deemed as late entries and will be charged an additional R150 per wine with the final cut-off for entries 2 August.
