Entries for South Africa’s richest wine writing competition are now officially open. The Du Toitskloof SA Wine Writer Competition, in association with Standard Bank, invites wine writers who have published in print or online to submit entries before or on the closing date of 30 September 2015.
This is the third year the competition is held, with the writer of the winning piece once again pocketing R30 000.
According to Marius Louw, CEO of Du Toitskloof Wines, this year’s theme asks participants to look into the crystal ball and predict what the South African wine industry will look like 20 years from now.
‘One of the features of today’s wine industry which has been written on extensively by local and international commentators, is the vast changes that have taken place in the industry over the past two decades,’ says Louw. ‘With this in mind, for this year’s wine writing competition we would like to see entrants predicting what they deem to be an industry scenario for 2035.Change has characterised the industry over the past 20 years. Exports have increased. The number of wineries and brands have grown beyond belief. Certain grape varieties and wine styles have fallen out of fashion, replaced by the new. Bulk wine has become a major force. Overall, exciting times.
Besides the winner receiving R30 000, the best pieces will be published in various local publications.
This year’s judges are Gabriël Botma, from the University of Stellenbosch’s Department of Journalism, Ian Glenn, former head of UCT’s Media Studies Department, Ingrid Jones, experienced journalist and currently editor of Mango Juice magazine and Joan Hambidge, well-known poet, novelist and literary critic who teaches creative writing at UCT.
Further details can be found at www.dutoitskloof.co.za under the heading Wine Writers Competition.