It’s official: Japanese women love our wine! South Africa’s performance at the the seventh Sakura Japan Women’s Wine Awards 2020 is considered more than admirable. See the results published last week of what is said to be the largest wine competition in Asia with an all-women judging panel to boot.

An incredible six South African wines were awarded double gold. It includes Neil Ellis Whitehall Chardonnay 2018; Paul Cluver’s Estate Riesling 2018; KWV’s The Mentors Canvas 2016; Noble Hill Wine Estate’s Syrah 2017; KWV/Roodeberg Red 2018 and Lourensford’s River Garden Classique Merlot 2017.

Gold winners were De Wetshof’s Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2019 and Limestone Hill Chardonnay 2019; De Grendel’s Merlot 2017 and Viognier 2019; Kanonkop’s Kadette Pinotage 2017; L’Avenir Wine Estate’s Single Block Chenin 2018; M.A.N Vintners’ Lievland Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 and Syrah 2018; Neil Ellis’ Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2017 and Groenekloof Syrah 2017; Noble Hill Estate’s Estate Reserve 2017; Aslina’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2016; Journey’s End’s Mount Rozier ‘The Flower Garden’ Sauvignon Blanc 2019; KWV’s Cape Vin Rouge, Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2018, Classic Collection Chardonnay 2018, Classic Collection Petit Verdot 2019, Sparkling Rosé Brut N.V., The Mentors Orchestra 2017; and Stellenbosch Hills 1707 Reserve Red 2015.

Congratulations to all the double gold and gold winners, but also to the silver winners. To see the full results, visit http://www.sakuraaward.com/en/result/2020.html