Simonsig, Glen Carlou win top spots at 2020 Diners Club, Young Winemaker of the Year

From left to right: Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year winner, Phillip Theron (Glen Carlou) with his 2018 Tannat and Diners Club Winemaker of the Year winner, Johan Malan (Simonsig) with his 2015 Kaapse Vonkel Brut.

The Winemaker of the Year competition is in its 40th year, while the Young Winemaker contest has been running for 20 years.

Regarded as one of the country’s most prestigious and well-respected wine industry competition, the awards celebrate the skills and talent of the vintners.

Diners Club Winemaker and Young Winemaker of the Year 2020 finalists announced

4 Nov 2020

The categories for 2020 were Cap Classique for Winemaker of the Year, and Red Wines of any varietal or blend for Young Winemaker of the Year.

The field was narrowed down to ten finalists through rigorous judging by a panel of wine experts: with five winemakers shortlisted for the prestigious Winemaker of the Year award, and five for the Young Winemaker of the Year title.

This year’s Diners Club Winemaker of the Year (Cap Classique category), Johan Malan, delighted the judges with the 2015 Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut, while Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year, Philip Theron, received his award (Red Wines category) for the 2018 Glen Carlou Collection Tannat.

The awards are open to all in the South African wine industry at no cost, thus affording all winemakers an equal opportunity.