The 24th 2020 Absa Top 10 Pinotage competition attracted 149 entries from all the wine regions of South Africa. Despite the challenges imposed by a temporary alcohol ban and mandatory lockdown, it’s encouraging to see the continued interest and support for this uniquely South African varietal and the sought-after accolade which the competition awards.

In a special, hybrid offline/online, interactive award ceremony, the Pinotage Association vice-chairman De Wet Viljoen from Neethlingshof says it’s been a difficult year for everyone, but particularly for the wine industry. “We’ve had to comply with stringent regulations. But that’s the wine industry for you: You can throw anything at it, and we’ll make it a success. That’s the beauty of the wine industry.”

2020 Absa Top 10 Pinotage competition winners:

WINDMEUL’S The Legend Collection Pinotage 2018 | Abraham van Heerden (senior winemaker)

ANURA’s Signature Pinotage 2017 | Stander Maas (winemaker)

CONRADIE’s Family Vineyard Pinotage 2019 | CP Conradie (winemaker & owner)

KAAPZICHT’s Pinotage 2018 | Danie Steytler (cellar master)

DIEMERSDAL’s The Journal Pinotage 2018 | Juandre Bruwer (winemaker)

PULPIT ROCK’s Brink Family Vineyard Pinotage 2018 | Dewald Huisamen (winemaker)

AAN DE DOORNS’s Pinotage 2018 | Chris Geldenhuys (winemaker)

DELHEIM’s Vera Cruz Pinotage 2016 | Roelof Lotriet (winemaker)

DURBANVILLE HILLS’ Collectors Reserve Pinotage 2017 | Martin Moore (cellarmaster)

BEYERSKLOOF’s Diesel Pinotage 2017 | Anri Truter (winemaker)