Four South African producers clinched trophies at the 2019 International Wine Challenge (IWC) at the ceremony dinner in London on Wednesday (08 May 2019).

Now in its 36th year, the IWC is widely held as the world’s finest and most meticulously judged wine competition.

Paul Cluver’s 2017 Noble Late Harvest won the South African Sweet Trophy. Bon Courage’s Jacques Bruére Brut Reserve 2011 won the South African Sparkling Trophy. Constantia Glen’s 2018 Sauvignon Blanc won the South African White Trophy AND South African Sauvignon Blanc Trophy. Lothian Vineyards’ 2017 Chardonnay won the Elgin Chardonnay Trophy.

“This was a particularly cool vintage with a very long ripening period for our Sauvignon Blanc vines. This allowed for good concentration of flavour and phenomenal acidity in the grapes, resulting in a punchy, zesty and vibrant wine despite the severe drought that Cape Town suffered during the 2018 season,” said winemaker Justin van Wyk from Constantia Glen.

The IWC is widely accepted as one of the world’s finest and most meticulously judged wine competition which assesses every wine blind and judges each for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage. Throughout the rigorous judging processes, each medal-winning wine is tasted on three separate occasions by at least 12 different judges and awards include medals (Trophy, Gold, Silver, Bronze) and Commended and Great Value awards.