South Africa Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2025 is in the bag!
The 2025 South Africa Selection by CMB was concluded this week in Somerset West, with a panel of influential local and international retailers, buyers and journalists selecting the best of this year’s entries over three days.
The judging panel included Katie Bailie, (WCellar Category Manager, Woolworths Wines, Beers and Spirits), Martin Lemaire (Editor of Figaro Vin in France), Thierry Cowez (Wines and spirits buyer at Cinoco, in Belgium and Luxembourg), Helena Melis CWM, marketing manager and wine and spirits buyer at Big Five Duty Free Shops, Marlene Bester (Master distiller, Heineken Beverages), Sauvignon Blanc specialist, consultant and researcher Dr Carien Coetzee CWM, and Master Mixologist Kurt Schlechter of Cause&Effect Cocktail Kitchen and Bars, Carrie Adams (wine retailer, distributor, writer and broadcaster) and Jamie Baxter (UK) – Distiller and distilling consultant, Lauren Behrens – Technical Sales manager and consultant at Anchor Oenology and Natalie van Rooyen CWM, Coastal Wine Export, South Africa’s largest wine broker.
During the week of judging the group was hosted by several producers, where our judges were able to taste a selection of South African varietals and styles across all South African styles and varietals. This including a Pinotage tasting at Beyerskloof and recapping the story of 100 Years of Pinotage, presented by Beyers Truter. At the Spier Wine Estate WOSA Marketing director, Maryna Calow gave the international visitors insights into the challenges and milestones of the South African industry with cellarmaster Johan Jordaan presenting an insightful tasting of Spier’s wines. On Tuesday the group was treated to true South African hospitality as they were hosted for a tour, a cooperage demonstration and a brandy tasting by Master distiller, Marlene Bester at Van Ryn Distillery cellar, and tastings and scrumptious meals at Quoin Rock and Koelenhof Kelders.
“True to the vision of CMB, namely creating platforms for the producers and information networks for consumers, a number of exciting retail and new marketing opportunities will soon be revealed for our 2025 medal winners”, says South Africa Selection Director, Lorraine Immelman. “This competition truly works for the producer, opening various possibilities to promote their awarded wines and spirits – it is so much more than just another sticker on the bottle!”
“It is also important to remember that every products which has been tasted, is analysed and a full flavour profile and Aroma Wheel presented to the producer, whether a medal has been awarded or not. So, every entrant gets at least something back for their money”
- You can find pictures of the competition on flickr.com/photos/concoursmondial/albums/72177720328482999/
- The results will be announced in September – more information will be available soon.
Press contact: lorraine.immelman@vinopres.com
