Style is a matter of opinion. Quality is the bottom line.

Free thinking wine and spirits lovers Celebrate quality

Gone are the days of green wines and spirits with ingredients that are simply correct – we are celebrating the future through the present.

This wine and spirits event is there to celebrate new thinking

New styles and trends are what keeps the world spinning, and without innovation, life would simply be pedestrian. We aim to celebrate both ingenuity and established quality.

As a value-add we also celebrate value

Wines that are R160 and below, Sparkling wines that are R200 and below, and spirits that are R320 and below qualify for value awards.

The aim is to identify new trends, and ride the waves of innovation

Looking for new styles while celebrating super quality, this is where we invite our open-minded tasters to go. We have thrown out the rules, and celebrate progressive thinking.

Innovative techniques and established quality

The spirits industry is constantly changing, but some styles and established quality just stand out head and shoulders above the rest.

About the event

This event is now in its sixth year, and has been rebranded Vogue Wine and Spirits Awards, from the previous name, Merit Wine and Spirit Challenge. This event is a platform for free thinking generation of wine and spirit lovers to voice their opinion.

The goal is to showcase modern and new styles, while appreciating older styles that are still relevant.

This event is unique in the fact that is makes use of a hybrid system, evaluating the wines and spirits in terms of both quality, and value for money. The main focus is quality, and wine and spirits of entry price category can enter.

Wine and spirits will be awarded Gold and Double Gold awards, while wine at R160.00 and below, sparkling wine at R200.00 and below and Spirits at R320.00 and below will also be evaluated for value for money, and will be able to achieve a value award. Products that win both a gold for quality and value, will be awarded a Double Award.

The focus is primary on quality, but the value section is a valuable add-on.

The Awards

The following awards will be awarded:

  • Gold Award
  • Double Gold award
  • Value Award for value
  • Double award – For products achieving both Gold quality and value awards
Make a note in your diary

Timeline

Entries open: 5 March 2024 – Entries R995.00 excluding VAT each.

Early Bird entry final day: 28 June 2024 – Entry, R1250.00 excluding VAT after this date

Close of entries: 2 August 2024

Stickers will be available at R415.00 excluding VAT per 1000

All the classes you can enter

Yes, there is a class For that

We aim to cater for both niche, and main stream classes.

For Wines
Focus on niche and overlooked classes:
  • Organic Wines
  • Alternative Wine Styles
  • Niche cultivars – like Portuguese cultivars
  • Old Vine wines
  • Shiraz blends
For Spirits
  • More rum and gin classes, like Sloe Gin
  • Flavoured spirits of every kind
  • Whiskies, brandy and Mezcal from any country or type.
Focus on Crowd Pleasers:
  • Sauvignon blanc
  • Chenin blanc
  • Rosé / Blanc de Noir
  • Red Blends
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Shiraz
Mead, Cider and Fruit wines:
  • Non grape wines
  • Honey wine (Mead)
  • Apple wine (Cider)

Scenes from the 2023 event

Previous year's winners

Some of last year's winners

La Vierge Redemption Chardonnay
Gold Award
We Got Spirits - Pink Elephant Gin
Double Gold
Quoin Rock Wines - Simonsberg Blend
Gold Award
Previous year's winners

Some of last year's winners

L'Atelier Distillery
Double Gold
Dieu Donné - Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz
Gold Award
Deep South Distillery - Old Reserve Premium Arack
Gold Award
All the classes you can enter

Classes for all wines and spirits

We aim to cater for both niche, and main stream classes.

wine classes
White Wine Classes

1.Perlé or slightly Sparkling Wine (RS<=10g/L)
2. Perlé or slightly Sparkling Wine (RS>10g/L)
3. Sparkling Fruit Wine
4. Sparkling Mead (Sparkling Honey Wine)
5. Sparkling Flavoured White Wine
6. Sparkling Flavoured Red Wine
7. Sparkling Wine (Not Bottle Fermented) (RS<=15g/L)
8. Sparkling Wine (Not Bottle Fermented) (RS>15g/L)
9. Method Ancestrale
10. Sparkling Wine Bottle Fermented Zero Dossage
11. Sparkling Wine Bottle Fermented (RS<=15g/L)
12. Sparkling Wine Bottle Fermented (RS>15g/L)
13. Low Alcohol White Wine
14. Albarino
15. Bukettraube
16. Cape Riesling (Crouchen blanc)
17. Chardonnay (RS<=10g/L)
18. Chardonnay (RS>10g/L)
19. Chenin blanc (RS<=10g/L)
20. Chenin blanc (RS>10g/L)
21. Clairette Blanche
22. Colombar (RS<=10g/L)
23. Colombar (RS>10g/L)
24. Grenache Blanc
25. Grüner Veltliner
26. Hanepoot
27. Marzanne
28. White Muscadel (RS<=10g/L)
29. White Muscadel (RS>10g/L)
30. Nouvelle
31. Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio)
32. Rousanne
33. Sauvignon blanc (RS<=10g/L)
34. Sauvignon blanc (RS>10g/L)
35. Semillon
36. Verdelho
37. Viognier
38. Weisser Riesling (Rhine Riesling)
39. Other Single White Non-Muscat Cultivar (RS<=10g/L)
40. Other Single White Muscat Cultivar (RS>10g/L)
41. Other Single White Cultivar (RS>10g/L)
42. White Blend (RS<=10g/L)
43. White Blend (RS>10g/L)
44. White wine from a red cultivar
45. Skin-Contact White wine (Orange Wine)
46. Long barrel aged white (white/gris) – 2 or more years in barrel
47. Natural pale (Non – fortified flor aged)
48. Alternative White Wine
49. Sun Wine
50. Blanc de Noir and Rosé (RS<=10g/L)
51. Blanc de Noir and Rosé (RS>10g/L)
52. Flavoured White Wine Still
53. Spirit Coolers

Sweet Wines

95. Natural Sweet Wine (RS>50g/L)
96. Late Harvest (RS>30g/L)
97. Special Late Harvest (RS>50g/L)
98. Noble Late Harvest/ Botrytis wine
99. Icewine
100. Straw Wine
101. Cape White Port
102. Cape Pink Port
103. Cape Ruby Port
104. Cape Tawny Port
105. Cape Vintage Port
106. Cape Late Bottled Vintage Port
107. Port Other
108. White Non-Muscat Jerepigo
109. Red Non-Muscat Jeripigo
110. Hanepoot Jeripigo
111. White Muscadel Jeripigo
112. Red Muscadel Jeripigo
113. Fino Sherry
114. Oloroso Sherry
115. Cream Sherry (Full Crème)

For Spirits

128. Absinthe White (Blanche)
129. Absinthe Green (Verte)
130. Absinthe – Other styles incl. Bohemian
131. Vodka/Eau de Vie unflavoured
132. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Apple Flavoured
133. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Berry Flavoured
134. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Citrus Flavoured
135. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Cucumber Flavoured
136. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Strawberry flavoured
137. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Other Fruit Flavoured
138. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Caramel Flavoured
139. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Chocolate Flavoured
140. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Coconut Flavoured
141. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Herb Flavoured
142. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Nut Flavoured
143. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Spice Flavoured
144. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Vanilla Flavoured
145. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Vegetable Flavoured
146. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Other Flavours
147. Gin – Dutch type /Jenever Young (Jonge)
148. Gin – Dutch type /Jenever Old (Oude)
149. Gin – Dutch type /Jenever (Korenwijn)
150. Gin – London Dry
151. Gin – Old Tom style
152. Gin – Plymouth style
153. Gin – Barrel Aged
154. Gin – Navy Style
155. Gin – Sloe Gin
156. Gin – New style
157. Gin – Flavoured
158. Gin Other
159. Tequila
160. Mezcal
161. Sotol
162. Witblits – Unaged brandy made from grapes
163. Brandy (from grapes) Non-Vintage/ Age not Defined
164. Brandy (from grapes) 3-8 Years
165. Brandy (from grapes) 9-12 years
166. Brandy (from grapes) 13 or more years old
167. Brandy (from grapes) Buchu flavoured
168. Brandy (from grapes) Ginger flavoured
169. Brandy (from grapes) Honeybush flavoured
170. Brandy (from grapes) Other Flavour
171. Grappa / Husk brandy – unflavoured
172. Grappa / Husk Brandy – infused or flavoured
173. Brandy from Fruit – Apple – Unaged
174. Brandy from fruit – Apricot – Unaged
175. Brandy from fruit – Cherries – Unaged
176. Brandy from fruit – Citrus – Unaged
177. Brandy from fruit – Fig – Unaged
178. Brandy from fruit – Maroela – Unaged
179. Brandy from fruit – Peach – Unaged
180. Brandy from fruit – Pear – Unaged
181. Brandy from fruit – Plum – Unaged
182. Brandy from other fruit – Unaged
183. Brandy from fruit – Flavoured
184. Brandy from Fruit Aged 3 years or less
185. Brandy from Fruit Aged 3 years or more
186. Brandy Other
187. Whisky, Scottish Blended
188. Whisky, Scottish Single grain
189. Whisky Scottish Single malt
190. Whiskey Irish Blended
191. Whiskey Irish Single Grain
192. Whiskey Irish Single Malt
193. Whiskey USA Bourbon
194. Whiskey USA Blended
195. Whiskey USA Single Grain
196. Whiskey USA Single Malt
197. Whiskies – Rest of World – Blended
198. Whiskies – Rest of World – Single Grain
199. Whiskies – Rest of World – Single Malt
200. Whiskies -Other
201. Rum – Unaged – not spiced or flavoured
202. Rum – Unaged Spiced
203. Rum – Unaged Flavoured
204. Rum Aged (0-3 years)
205. Rum Aged (3-9 years)
206. Rum Aged (10–14 years)
207. Rum Aged (15 years or older)
208. Rum Aged with Solera Method
209. Spirits Other

liqueurs

210. Aniseed Liqueur
211. Cassis Liqueur
212. Citrus Liqueur
213. Chocolate Liqueur
214. Coconut Liqueur
215. Coffee Liqueur
216. Non-flavoured Cream Liqueur
217. Flavoured Cream Liqueur
218. Elderflower Liqueur
219. Ginger Liqueur
220. Peppermint Liqueur
221. Marula Liqueur
222. Herb Liqueur
223. Egg Liqueur
224. Fruit Liqueur
225. Herbal/Botanical/Spiced Liqueur
226. Nut Liqueur
227. Dairy/Cream Liqueurs
228. Honey Liqueur
229. Whiskey Liqueur
230. Brandy Liqueur
231. Other Liqueur

Red Wine Classes

54. Low Alcohol Red Wine
55. Barbera
56. Cinsaut
57. Cabernet Franc
58. Cabernet Sauvignon
59. Carignan
60. Grenache Noir
61. Nebbiolo
62. Nero (Nero d’Avola)
63. Pinot Noir
64. Pinotage – Non-coffee style
65. Pinotage Coffee Style
66. Primitivo
67. Sangiovese
68. Malbec
69. Mourvedre
70. Nebbiolo
71. Petit Verdot
72. Petit Syrah (Durif)
73. Ruby Cabernet
74. Shiraz (Syrah)
75. Souzao
76. Tannat
77. Tempranillo
78. Tinta Barocca
79. Tinta Roriz
80. Touriga Nacional
81. Touriga Franca
82. Touriga Francesca
83. Other Red Cultivars
84. Bordeaux Styled Red Blend (May only contain the 5 Bdx cultivars)
85. Cape Blend (Must contain at least 30% Pinotage)
86. Rhône Style Blend
87. Shiraz Blend (must contain minimum 30% Shiraz)
88. Red and White Cultivar Blend
89. Other Red Blend
90. Alternative Red Wine
91. Flavoured Red Wine Still
92. Red Vermouth
93. Sweet Red (RS>10g/L)
94. Other Type of Wine

Wines that are not from grapes

3. Sparkling Fruit Wine
4. Sparkling Mead (Sparkling Honey Wine)
94. Other Type of Wine
116. Rice Wine Unflavoured
117. Rice Wine Flavoured
118. Fruit Wine Unfortified
119. Fruit Wine Unfortied and Flavoured
120. Fruit Wine fortified
121. Mead European/American Style
122. Mead African Style
123. Cider Normal
124. Cider – Perry
125. Cider – Wood Aged Cider
126. Cider – Ice Cider
127. Cider Flavoured

See how easy it is to register online, and get your entries ready.

General enquiries and administration

Sanet van Heerden (hello@vogueawards.com) or phone her on 084 446 0412.

Wondering about some detail?

FAQs-
All your questions answered

Download all the FAQs in PDF format here.

General FAQs

This event is now in its sixth year, and has been rebranded Vogue Wine and Spirits Awards, from the previous name, Merit Wine and Spirit Challenge. This event is a platform for free thinking generation of wine and spirit lovers to voice their opinion.

The goal is to showcase modern and new styles, while appreciating older styles that are still relevant.

This event is unique in the fact that is makes use of a hybrid system, evaluating the wines and spirits in terms of both quality, and value for money. The main focus is quality, and wine and spirits of entry price category can enter.

Wine and spirits will be awarded Gold and Double Gold awards, while wine at R160.00 and below, sparkling wine at R200.00 and below and Spirits at R320.00 and below will also be evaluated for value for money, and will be able to achieve a value award. Products that win both a gold for quality and value, will be awarded a Double Award.

The focus is primary on quality, the value section is a valuable add-on.

This vent uses an hybrid system to award both quality and value, but the primary focus is always quality.

The main standout of this event is the wide range of classes covered.

For wine:

Focus on niche and overlooked classes:

  • Organic Wines
  • Alternative Wine Styles
  • Niche cultivars – like Portuguese cultivars
  • Old Vine wines
  • Shiraz blends

Focus on Crowd Pleasers:

  • Sauvignon blanc
  • Chenin blanc
  • Rosé / Blanc de Noir
  • Red Blends
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Shiraz

For Spirits:

More Spirit classes:

  • More rum and gin classes, like Sloe Gin
  • Flavoured spirits of every kind
  • Whiskies, brandy and Mezcal from any country or type.

Mead, Cider and Fruit wines:

  • Non grape wines
  • Honey wine (Mead)
  • Apple wine (Cider)
  • An award shows that your product was evaluated and awarded by independent third-party sommeliers and wine and spirit experts, supporting your claims of superior quality.
  • Awards are a symbol of quality to use in marketing – Artwork can be downloaded for free.
  • You will receive an award certificate. If the same product is marketed under different brand names, you can receive extra certificates for those at no extra cost.
  • An award will serve as content for social media and PR campaigns.
  • An award will highlight the brand’s prestige and standing.
  • An award could just give you that extra edge you needed, making a buying decision so much easier.
  • Stickers will be available at a cost of R415.00 excluding VAT per 1000.

Wine and spirits will be awarded Gold and Double Gold awards, while wine at R160.00 and below, sparkling wine at R200.00 and below and Spirits at R320.00 and below will also be evaluated for value for money, and will be able to achieve a value award. Products that win both a gold for quality and value, will be awarded a Double Award.

Stickers may be purchased from the organisers and may not be printed by any other party.

There will be only one print run, and extra stickers will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Register online and thereby create an account.
  • Read all about the entry process below and enter your products online.
  • Make payment for your entries.
  • Send your samples at the appropriate time for the judges to receive them in time.
  • Judging process
  • Results are released
  • Registration and entries open – 5 March 2024
  • Early bird close – 28 June 2024 (After this the normal entry fee applies)
  • Final Close for entries – 2 August 2024

Delivery of samples to the venue outside Stellenbosch, South Africa – 12 and 13 August 2024 (Monday and Tuesday).

Results released 19 August 2024

Early bird entry fee – R995.00 excluding VAT

Normal entry fee – R1250.00 excluding VAT

Registration FAQs

Products from across the world can enter, but only those sold in South Africa will be eligible for Value awards.

Every year, the details of companies change, or we need additional information. We, therefore, require all companies to register afresh every year. If you have registered for the year, please see the question below.

When you register, you receive an email with your username and password. Please search for this email, and if necessary look in your spam folder.

To avoid missing any emails, or correspondence, it is the responsibility of entrants to add the domain “vogueawards.com” to the safe sender’s list, to avoid missing any correspondence. In Outlook, go to the “Home” Tab, and in the “Delete” group, select the arrow next to “Junk”. Select “Junk Email Options”. In the “Junk Email Options” dialogue box, go to the “Safe Senders” tab. Select Add. Add the domain vogueawards.com and click “OK”. The domain will then appear on the safe sender’s list. Select “OK”.

If you cannot find your login details, please contact us.

Once entries have been completed, the entrant may print the invoice for the entry fees online, after logging into their account.

There are several ways to pay:

  • Bank EFT
  • Payfast online payment – Some credit cards, including Amex not accepted.
  • USD and EUR invoices can also be generated on request, and paid via PayPal.

Once you have paid your entry fee, there are no follow-up fees unless you want to order stickers.

You are responsible for all costs associated with delivering the samples.

Entries that are not fully paid by the cut-off date may be disqualified.

Samples of disqualified products will not be judged or returned.

No refund of entry fees will be done once entries have closed. If the entry is withdrawn, or if the sample does not arrive in time, no refund will be given. It is the responsibility of the entrant to manage entries and delivery, to make sure the correct samples arrive on time, and only samples that have to be judged are entered.

Entering FAQs

White wines

1.Perlé or slightly Sparkling Wine (RS<=10g/L)
2. Perlé or slightly Sparkling Wine (RS>10g/L)
3. Sparkling Fruit Wine
4. Sparkling Mead (Sparkling Honey Wine)
5. Sparkling Flavoured White Wine
6. Sparkling Flavoured Red Wine
7. Sparkling Wine (Not Bottle Fermented) (RS<=15g/L)
8. Sparkling Wine (Not Bottle Fermented) (RS>15g/L)
9. Method Ancestrale
10. Sparkling Wine Bottle Fermented Zero Dossage
11. Sparkling Wine Bottle Fermented (RS<=15g/L)
12. Sparkling Wine Bottle Fermented (RS>15g/L)
13. Low Alcohol White Wine
14. Albarino
15. Bukettraube
16. Cape Riesling (Crouchen blanc)
17. Chardonnay (RS<=10g/L)
18. Chardonnay (RS>10g/L)
19. Chenin blanc (RS<=10g/L)
20. Chenin blanc (RS>10g/L)
21. Clairette Blanche
22. Colombar (RS<=10g/L)
23. Colombar (RS>10g/L)
24. Grenache Blanc
25. Grüner Veltliner
26. Hanepoot
27. Marzanne
28. White Muscadel (RS<=10g/L)
29. White Muscadel (RS>10g/L)
30. Nouvelle
31. Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio)
32. Rousanne
33. Sauvignon blanc (RS<=10g/L)
34. Sauvignon blanc (RS>10g/L)
35. Semillon
36. Verdelho
37. Viognier
38. Weisser Riesling (Rhine Riesling)
39. Other Single White Non-Muscat Cultivar (RS<=10g/L)
40. Other Single White Muscat Cultivar (RS>10g/L)
41. Other Single White Cultivar (RS>10g/L)
42. White Blend (RS<=10g/L)
43. White Blend (RS>10g/L)
44. White wine from a red cultivar
45. Skin-Contact White wine (Orange Wine)
46. Long barrel aged white (white/gris) – 2 or more years in barrel
47. Natural pale (Non – fortified flor aged)
48. Alternative White Wine
49. Sun Wine
50. Blanc de Noir and Rosé (RS<=10g/L)
51. Blanc de Noir and Rosé (RS>10g/L)
52. Flavoured White Wine Still
53. Spirit Coolers

Red Wines

Low Alcohol Red Wine
55. Barbera
56. Cinsaut
57. Cabernet Franc
58. Cabernet Sauvignon
59. Carignan
60. Grenache Noir
61. Nebbiolo
62. Nero (Nero d’Avola)
63. Pinot Noir
64. Pinotage – Non-coffee style
65. Pinotage Coffee Style
66. Primitivo
67. Sangiovese
68. Malbec
69. Mourvedre
70. Nebbiolo
71. Petit Verdot
72. Petit Syrah (Durif)
73. Ruby Cabernet
74. Shiraz (Syrah)
75. Souzao
76. Tannat
77. Tempranillo
78. Tinta Barocca
79. Tinta Roriz
80. Touriga Nacional
81. Touriga Franca
82. Touriga Francesca
83. Other Red Cultivars
84. Bordeaux Styled Red Blend (May only contain the 5 Bdx cultivars)
85. Cape Blend (Must contain at least 30% Pinotage)
86. Rhône Style Blend
87. Shiraz Blend (must contain minimum 30% Shiraz)
88. Red and White Cultivar Blend
89. Other Red Blend
90. Alternative Red Wine
91. Flavoured Red Wine Still
92. Red Vermouth
93. Sweet Red (RS>10g/L)
94. Other Type of Wine

Sweet Wines

  1. Natural Sweet Wine (RS>50g/L)
    96. Late Harvest (RS>30g/L)
    97. Special Late Harvest (RS>50g/L)
    98. Noble Late Harvest/ Botrytis wine
    99. Icewine
    100. Straw Wine
    101. Cape White Port
    102. Cape Pink Port
    103. Cape Ruby Port
    104. Cape Tawny Port
    105. Cape Vintage Port
    106. Cape Late Bottled Vintage Port
    107. Port Other
    108. White Non-Muscat Jerepigo
    109. Red Non-Muscat Jeripigo
    110. Hanepoot Jeripigo
    111. White Muscadel Jeripigo
    112. Red Muscadel Jeripigo
    113. Fino Sherry
    114. Oloroso Sherry
    115. Cream Sherry (Full Crème)

Wines not from grapes

  1. Sparkling Fruit Wine
    4. Sparkling Mead (Sparkling Honey Wine)
    94. Other Type of Wine
    116. Rice Wine Unflavoured
    117. Rice Wine Flavoured
    118. Fruit Wine Unfortified
    119. Fruit Wine Unfortied and Flavoured
    120. Fruit Wine fortified
    121. Mead European/American Style
    122. Mead African Style
    123. Cider Normal
    124. Cider – Perry
    125. Cider – Wood Aged Cider
    126. Cider – Ice Cider
    127. Cider Flavoured

Spirits

  1. Absinthe White (Blanche)
    129. Absinthe Green (Verte)
    130. Absinthe – Other styles incl. Bohemian
    131. Vodka/Eau de Vie unflavoured
    132. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Apple Flavoured
    133. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Berry Flavoured
    134. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Citrus Flavoured
    135. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Cucumber Flavoured
    136. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Strawberry flavoured
    137. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Other Fruit Flavoured
    138. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Caramel Flavoured
    139. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Chocolate Flavoured
    140. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Coconut Flavoured
    141. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Herb Flavoured
    142. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Nut Flavoured
    143. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Spice Flavoured
    144. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Vanilla Flavoured
    145. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Vegetable Flavoured
    146. Vodka/Eau de Vie – Other Flavours
    147. Gin – Dutch type /Jenever Young (Jonge)
    148. Gin – Dutch type /Jenever Old (Oude)
    149. Gin – Dutch type /Jenever (Korenwijn)
    150. Gin – London Dry
    151. Gin – Old Tom style
    152. Gin – Plymouth style
    153. Gin – Barrel Aged
    154. Gin – Navy Style
    155. Gin – Sloe Gin
    156. Gin – New style
    157. Gin – Flavoured
    158. Gin Other
    159. Tequila
    160. Mezcal
    161. Sotol
    162. Witblits – Unaged brandy made from grapes
    163. Brandy (from grapes) Non-Vintage/ Age not Defined
    164. Brandy (from grapes) 3-8 Years
    165. Brandy (from grapes) 9-12 years
    166. Brandy (from grapes) 13 or more years old
    167. Brandy (from grapes) Buchu flavoured
    168. Brandy (from grapes) Ginger flavoured
    169. Brandy (from grapes) Honeybush flavoured
    170. Brandy (from grapes) Other Flavour
    171. Grappa / Husk brandy – unflavoured
    172. Grappa / Husk Brandy – infused or flavoured
    173. Brandy from Fruit – Apple – Unaged
    174. Brandy from fruit – Apricot – Unaged
    175. Brandy from fruit – Cherries – Unaged
    176. Brandy from fruit – Citrus – Unaged
    177. Brandy from fruit – Fig – Unaged
    178. Brandy from fruit – Maroela – Unaged
    179. Brandy from fruit – Peach – Unaged
    180. Brandy from fruit – Pear – Unaged
    181. Brandy from fruit – Plum – Unaged
    182. Brandy from other fruit – Unaged
    183. Brandy from fruit – Flavoured
    184. Brandy from Fruit Aged 3 years or less
    185. Brandy from Fruit Aged 3 years or more
    186. Brandy Other
    187. Whisky, Scottish Blended
    188. Whisky, Scottish Single grain
    189. Whisky Scottish Single malt
    190. Whiskey Irish Blended
    191. Whiskey Irish Single Grain
    192. Whiskey Irish Single Malt
    193. Whiskey USA Bourbon
    194. Whiskey USA Blended
    195. Whiskey USA Single Grain
    196. Whiskey USA Single Malt
    197. Whiskies – Rest of World – Blended
    198. Whiskies – Rest of World – Single Grain
    199. Whiskies – Rest of World – Single Malt
    200. Whiskies -Other
    201. Rum – Unaged – not spiced or flavoured
    202. Rum – Unaged Spiced
    203. Rum – Unaged Flavoured
    204. Rum Aged (0-3 years)
    205. Rum Aged (3-9 years)
    206. Rum Aged (10–14 years)
    207. Rum Aged (15 years or older)
    208. Rum Aged with Solera Method
    209. Spirits Other

Liqueurs

  1. Aniseed Liqueur
    211. Cassis Liqueur
    212. Citrus Liqueur
    213. Chocolate Liqueur
    214. Coconut Liqueur
    215. Coffee Liqueur
    216. Non-flavoured Cream Liqueur
    217. Flavoured Cream Liqueur
    218. Elderflower Liqueur
    219. Ginger Liqueur
    220. Peppermint Liqueur
    221. Marula Liqueur
    222. Herb Liqueur
    223. Egg Liqueur
    224. Fruit Liqueur
    225. Herbal/Botanical/Spiced Liqueur
    226. Nut Liqueur
    227. Dairy/Cream Liqueurs
    228. Honey Liqueur
    229. Whiskey Liqueur
    230. Brandy Liqueur
    231. Other Liqueur

For certified wines:

For certified wines, one entry consist of a wine from a particular application number. The same wine with different application numbers will be considered as different wines.

An uncertified wine does not constitute a wine that will be certified at a later stage. Wine that will be certified in future, may not be entered, until it has an application number and has been provisionally certified after being tasted by the wine and spirits board.

Other products that will not be certified:

If the same product that is chemically, and taste-wise identical, come in different forms of packaging (for example glass and plastic refills) or in different sizes (250 ml, 500 ml etc.), they only have to be entered once in whichever size presented. We will provide additional personalised certificates to all the packaging sizes if necessary, but the certificate is normally made out to the product, and not the particular packaging format.

If the same product (that is chemically and flavour-wise identical), is available under different brand names, the product may only be entered once, and we will provide additional personalised certificates to all the brand names if the product is awarded.

The same product cannot be entered twice. The same product may not be entered by different parties or people.

  • A product may only be entered into one category per year.
  • Please include the flavour or any other distinguishing details of your products after the name of your product, to be able to identify every product afterwards.
  • Products that are entered must be sensorially and chemically identical to commercial products they represent in every practical way.
  • Companies may enter as many products as they want.
  • You are welcome to choose your own category or contact us.
  • The organisers may change the category of the product to a category more suitable for judging at its own discretion.

When you enter, you are asked to upload photos of the products that can later be used in social media to promote the winners. It is highly advised to upload an image to make use of the opportunity, but it is not compulsory.

 

The photo/graphic should have the following characteristics.

  • Square image with product in the centre with a white or see-through background.
  • The product featured should be the exact product entered.
  • The photo must feature the product alone without any decoration, accompaniments, or text.
  • Besides the product in its own packaging, the photo should not show any other company or product logos.
  • Photos that do not adhere to these criteria might not be used.
  • The image should measure 1080 x 1080 pixels or more.

There are several ways to pay:

    • Bank EFT
    • Walletdoc – All credit cards including Amex accepted (please email us for a link)
    • Payfast online payment – Some credit cards, including Amex not accepted.
    • Upon request, we can send you a EURO or USD invoice for payment via PayPal.

Once you have paid your entry fee, there are no follow-up fees unless you want to order stickers.

You are responsible for all costs associated with delivering the samples.

Entries that are not fully paid by the cut-off date may be disqualified.

Samples of disqualified products will not be judged or returned.

No refund of entry fees will be done once entries have closed. If the entry is withdrawn, or if the sample does not arrive in time, no refund will be given. It is the responsibility of the entrant to manage entries and delivery, to make sure the correct samples arrive on time, and only samples that have to be judged are entered.

  • Registration and entries open – 5 March 2024
  • Early bird close – 28 June 2024 (After this the normal entry fee applies)
  • Final Close for entries – 2 August 2024

Delivery of samples to the venue outside Stellenbosch, South Africa – 12th and 13th August 2024 (Monday and Tuesday).

Results released 19 August 2024

Early bird entry fee – R995.00 excluding VAT

Normal entry fee – R1250.00 excluding VAT

Sending Samples

DHL is our preferred logistics partner. You may use any courier you choose, but DHL is our preferred partner, especially for samples that come from overseas. They have intimate knowledge of local conditions, and when there are problems, we have a direct line of communication with them, whereas other couriers may not jump to the task. It is up to you.


When making use of DHL, please contact:
Marijke Douglas by email at Marijke.Douglas@dhl.com or phone her on +27 (0)21 872 4717 for more details.

Samples must be delivered between 09:00 and 16:00 on the 12th and 13th of August 2024 (Monday and Tuesday).

Participants may use any courier, but please ensure that samples are delivered to:

Vogue Wine and Spirits Awards
C/o Michelle Grimbeek
Nietvoorbij Experimental Cellar
Nietvoorbij,
Klapmuts Road (R44),
Stellenbosch
South Africa

The person receiving the samples:

Michelle Grimbeek

Email:michelle@ttpromotions.co.za

Tel: 082 773 0738

Samples must be delivered between 9:00 and 16:00 on the two days allocated.

For wine, you only need 3 x 750 ml bottles or the volumetric equivalent for samples.
For spirits and all other products, 2 x 750ml (or 700ml) samples, or the volumetric equivalent, are needed as samples.

Judging FAQs

We make use of the best sommeliers, Cape Wine Masters, and wine and spirits experts.

During judging, products are always evaluated double-blind, meaning that the tasters have no idea of who produced the products, or the name of the products, except the type of product evaluated, and the needs and expectations that the product is supposed to fulfil.
The judges each make up their own minds as to the quality of the product, without conferring with each other to reach a consensus. The judges’ score is not subject to their own taste, instead, they evaluate products from the viewpoint of consumers who loves products in that category.

Stickers and Awards FAQs

The award may only be used for the particular product that was entered, but if the exact same product (that is organoleptically and chemically identical) is marketed under a different brand name, the award may be used on that product as well. An additional award certificate will be granted at no extra cost to the other identical products.  For wine, the award may only be used on wine with the particular application number that entered.

The stickers will be available approximately two weeks after the results have been confirmed.
The stickers will be available for collection at an address in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa, for the account of the entrant. It is the responsibility of the entrant to arrange payment for the stickers, and arrange for the pick-up of the stickers.

  • Stickers come in multiples of 1 000.
  • Stickers are 25 mm in diameter. Double award stickers measure 25 x 47mm.
  • The stickers are printed with bright, cold foil.
  • The stickers come on rolls that have a 41 mm core diameter, and are wound leading edge left.
  • Different core sizes, or winding techniques if needed, must be specified when the final sticker count is confirmed.

Stickers will be available to be used with winning products at R415.00 excluding VAT.

  • There are no licensing costs, and the entrants are free to use the award artwork as they see fit for a period of three years.
  • Stickers may only be printed by the Vogue Wine and Spirits Awards.
  • Sticker and award artwork may be incorporated into the labels of products at no extra cost.
  • Artwork may only be used in association with the product that won the award, for a period of three years.
  • Award artwork may be used on the awarded producer’s website, or email signature to show that they won an award, but must be associated with the specific products that won the award.
  • Award artwork may not be used in any way where it is implied that other products that did not win awards, won awards.
  • If the product changes significantly chemically, or sensorially, the award cannot be used in association with the product anymore.

Miscellaneous FAQs

Products from countries outside South Africa are welcome to enter, and do not need any certification. Only products sold witin South Afria will be eligible for value awards though.

For spirits or other uncertified products, no WSR certificates are needed.

Only certified wine from South Africa need WSR certificates.

  • Unlabelled samples must be representative of the final product, and must be in their final bottled state.
  • Tank samples are not allowed.
  • Unlabelled samples must have a sticker on the bottle with all the relevant entry details.
  • Certified wines can be entered as long as the wine has a current tasting date and was approved by SAWIS.

The tasting procedure will be audited by a reputable auditing firm to ensure the judges are not influenced and the tasting is done blind and conforms to international standards.

An electronic certificate will be sent by email to the winners. If the same product is available under different product names, additional certificates can be requested at no extra cost.

Contact us

For general enquiries and administration:

Sanet van Heerden (hello@vogueawards.com) or phone her on 084 446 0412.

Contact form

General Rules

  1. Submission of samples and/or payment of entry fees constitutes acceptance of all the rules.
  2. Tank samples will not be accepted as entries into the event.
  3. All certified wines must be accompanied by a SAWIS (South African Wine Industry Information & Systems – www.sawis.co.za) application number, and the stickers awarded may only be applied to the wine attached to the application number. If a certain wine has more than one application number, the wines must be entered separately.
  4. Uncertified wines may be entered, as long as the award is only applied to the exact batch that won the award, or a batch that is chemically, and organoleptically identical.
  5. Each non-flavoured wine has to have a current WSR2 or WSR4 certificate showing that the wine was approved on the strength of taste and analysis by SAWIS, or a Department of Agriculture Wine-on-Line screen capture printout to show the wine has a current tasting date. This certificate must be current (i.e. the wine must have been tasted and approved by the board no more than one year before the first day of delivery in the case of a white wine and 18 months in the case of a red wine. A sample will not be accepted without this certificate. No refunds will be paid if the WSR2 or WSR4 certificate is not current.
  6. Each category will be determined by the product information on the label.
  7. There is no minimum quantity needed to enter a product.
  8. There is no limit to the number of entries per producer. However, each wine, flavoured wine or spirit may only be entered once into the event (even if it is under a different label), and any participant may enter more than one wine, flavoured wine or spirit in a class. Examples are wineries that produce several wines of the same varietal type, but with different vineyard designations or vintages.
  9. A wine that has not been certified as a cultivar wine, although it may be one, may be entered into a blended category.
  10. A product that received an award in a previous year’s event may be entered again.
  11. Entries and registration will be accepted online from the start of entries up to midnight on close of entries. Proof of payment must be emailed to hello@vogueawards.com before midnight on the closing date for entries to be accepted.
  12. Invoices for entries must be printed online by the participant, and paid before the final close of entries.
  13. Small categories may be put together at the discretion of the organisers if there are too few entries in certain categories.
  14. A wine sample must comprise three 750ml bottles, or the volumetric equivalent thereof, and a spirit sample must comprise two 750ml bottles, or the volumetric equivalent thereof.
  15. The samples must be delivered to the drop-off point between 9am and 4pm on the two days allocated to be accepted into the event.
  16. Winners will be notified by email, and stickers will be available for collection about two weeks later. Proof of payment for both the entries and stickers is needed before stickers can be collected. Stickers generally come in multiples of 1000 and 2000.
  17. Quantities of stickers ordered that are not multiples of 1000 will be rounded up and invoiced as such.
  18. By entering the event, the entrant commits to paying for the number of stickers indicated before the required deadline for the products that receive awards.
  19. The producer may only use the stickers awarded on the particular product that was entered and won the award. Stickers may not be put onto another batch of product similar to the one entered, that did not win an award in this year’s event. Participants may only market their winning products in conjunction with the year of the event the product won the award.
  20. The event logo or stickers may not be displayed on their own for purposes of marketing, but must be accompanied by the details of the particular product that won, or they may be photographed on the product that won the award.
  21. Any samples remaining at the conclusion of the judging become the property of the event.
  22. The judging process will be entirely confidential, and no details will be released concerning the judging process and reasoning. No feedback of any nature will be given.
  23. The decision of the judges is final, and no changes will be made to awards after the judging process is complete. In the event of a dispute, the event management’s decision will be final.
  24. No refund of entry fees will be made.
  25. By entering the event, the entrant states that the information provided is factually and legally correct.
  26. If a participant does not follow all the rules of the event or legal requirements as required by SAWIS, the event has the right to disqualify the particular entry concerned or the entire year’s entries, or ban the producer from the event.
  27. Tank Town Promotions (Pty) Ltd will not make a list available of all the producers that took part in the event, or reveal the scores assigned to any product, or make available the details of products that were not awarded. It remains the prerogative of Tank Town Promotions (Pty) Ltd to publish results of awarded products as they see fit.
  28. Entries will only be accepted in English.
  29. Entries must be completed in full, and entries that were not completed in full could be declared void.
  30. Employees of the event and their immediate family are not allowed to enter the event.
  31. If an entrant does not comply with the event rules, their entries may be cancelled.
  32. The producer whose product is entered must be fully aware of their submission, and must grant the person entering the event the right to enter the product and order stickers. If this is not found to be the case, the person entering the event will be liable for any financial commitment made.
  33. In the event that for any reason possible the judging of the wine cannot take place, or entrants cannot be given results, half of the entrants’ fees will be refunded. No other damages will be awarded by the event, or any of the companies involved.
  34. For any claim to be made against Tank Town Promotions (Pty) Ltd for defective stickers, the stickers must be returned to Postnet in Stellenbosch within 7 days after the date of delivery to Postnet. Tank Town Promotions (Pty) Ltd will within its discretion either replace or pass a credit for defective stickers so proven, but shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, or any other loss, including loss to third parties and legal expenses, arising out of errors in carrying out providing stickers, or by delay in delivery, or by unsuitability of goods for use intended.
  35. Event management cannot be held liable for any damage incurred to stickers once labels have been accepted by a client or by a third party transportation company.
  36. Event management may change the event rules without notice, and publish them on the website without giving notice to entrants. If an entrant does not want to comply with the new event rules, they can cancel their entries up to the date entries close. After this time, entrants have to comply with the event rules.