It is non-stop awards season, and the TOP 10 Sauvignon Blanc awards celebration was held on Wed 15th Oct at the most glorious Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West.

The gardens, architecture and surrounds are just magnificent and I could not imagine a more beautiful spot to celebrate with the top Sauvignon Blanc producers, sponsored by FNB.

Delicious bubbly from Vergelegen of course on arrival was accompanied by stunning canapés, which were enjoyed in the historial octagonal gardens. We then ambled down to the river, in front of the glass house, where a simple and effective garden celebration was awaiting us.

Our hosts were consummate professionals; radio personalitites Success Lakebe and Ryan O'Connor. They kept the pace and energy high for the afternoon's activities of predicting the Top10, alongside snippets of songs which were representing each of the 10 winners. Each table was challenged to predict the Top10 - trying to link the songs to a wine - lots of fun!

We were then surprised to have the winners announced by top celebrities; Tom Cruise, Arnie Shwarzenneger, Leo de Caprio, Gordon Ramsay, Miley Sirus, Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga, Donald Trump (not pleased to have him present), Elon Musk and George Clooney. 

A great use of AI - well done to the organisers, Vergelegen and FNB for a fresh approach to awards ceremonies.

Congrats to the TOP10 Winners:

• Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Cape South Coast)
• Cederberg Wines Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (wooded) (Elim, Cape Agulhas)
• Delaire Graff Coastal Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Coastal Region)
• Groote Post Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Darling)
• Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (wooded) (Western Cape)
• Maastricht Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Durbanville)
• Merwida Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Breedekloof)
• Rietvallei John B Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Robertson)
• Steenberg Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (wooded) (Constantia)
• Vrede en Lust Artisan Range Blanc Fumé 2021 (wooded) (Elgin)