Benguela Cove was awarded both the Best Producer and Vertex Trophy for Best Wine awards.
Benguela Cove Triumphs at 2023 Veritas Wine Awards
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate has won top accolades at the prestigious Veritas Wine Awards 2023, South Africa’s leading wine competition. The estate took home the Duimpie Bayly Veritas Vertex Award for the overall champion wine, along with the Best Achiever award and an impressive haul of Double Gold and Gold medals.
The pinnacle Duimpie Bayly Veritas Vertex Award went to Benguela Cove’s cellarmaster Johann Fourie and his team for the 2019 Benguela Cove Joie de Vivre Cap Classique. This marks only the second time a Cap Classique has won the competition's highest honour since the award's inception.
In addition to the Vertex trophy, Benguela Cove took home the Best Achiever title in the class for ten wines or fewer. The estate earned three Double Gold medals and two Gold for the Joie de Vivre Cap Classique and the 2020 and 2022 Benguela Cove Vinography Cabernet Sauvignon.
"We are absolutely thrilled that our Joie de Vivre Cap Classique has been recognised as the best of the best at this year's Veritas Awards," said Fourie. "The cool climate and coastal breezes of Walker Bay produce world-class sparkling, and our dedicated team strives for excellence in every step of the winemaking process. This award is a testament to our terroir and methodology, and the support and backing of the estate owner, Penny Streeter."
Find Out More About Veritas Awards:
The prestigious Veritas Awards, known as the ‘Oscars’ of the South African wine industry, saw over 1,200 entries evaluated blind by a panel of experts. The 33rd annual awards ceremony was held in October at a gala dinner in Cape Town.
Situated on the scenic Bot River Lagoon near Hermanus, Benguela Cove combines an idyllic location with a dedication to premium cool climate wines. The oceanside estate benefits from maritime breezes directly off the Atlantic Ocean.
In the cellar, Fourie blends traditional and modern winemaking techniques to produce around 350,000 bottles per year across diverse ranges. The estate exclusively uses grapes from its sustainably farmed vines. The grapes are processed on-site in a state-of-the-art 400-ton winery.
Cellarmaster Johann Fourie crafts wines that showcase Benguela Cove's unique terroir. The estate's diversity of slopes, soils and exposure to ocean winds allow Fourie to produce the best expression from each grape variety.
“We are tremendously proud of our winemaking team and the exceptional wines they have crafted to earn this esteemed recognition,” said Penny Streeter, owner of Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate. “Our estate pairs our premier wines with the natural beauty of our location. These awards validate our uncompromising commitment to quality at every stage - from vine to bottle.”
Experience Benguela Cove in Hermanus
Beyond its award-winning wines, Benguela Cove offers visitors a luxury escape. The estate's well-appointed accommodation features en-suite bedrooms, private pools, crackling log fires and WiFi access.
Guests can enjoy guided vineyard and cellar tours as well as helicopter whale-watching tours and pontoon eco-cruises along the tranquil lagoon, providing stunning views.
Dining options overlook the lagoon, from the Moody Lagoon Restaurant to the casual seafood and oyster bar. The estate also hosts an art gallery, tea terrace, pirate-themed adventure golf and regular live music events.
