SANWSA Invites Young Writers to Enter 13th Annual New Wine Writer of the Year Competition

The 2025 SA New Wine Writer of the Year Competition for writers 35 years old or younger, is now open to entries. The organisers have decided to hold this competition earlier in the year, instead of towards the end of the year. The closing date is Monday 8 September 2025.

This competition, run by the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA), which also runs the Veritas Awards among others, is in its 13th year and aims to identify smart new voices in the wine industry.

This year’s competition comprises two categories, one for wine-related articles and one for blogs. The winners will receive prize money of R15 000 for the winning article, R7 500 for the runner-up position and R3 000 for the best blog.

“We are excited that the competition continues to find new wine writing talent every year to spread the good news about the wine industry,” says the organisation’s chairperson, Christo Pienaar.

“This competition provides a new avenue for writers and bloggers to express their wine-related ideas and inspire others to join the conversation in this dynamic field. As an industry stakeholder we strive to cultivate wine interest and knowledge among wine consumers,” adds Pienaar.

WineLand Media, the competition’s media partner, will publish the winning articles and blogs. Veritas will also continue collaborating with the Departments of Journalism at the University of Stellenbosch, University of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula University of Technology to encourage their students to writing about wine.

Says WineLand Media editor, Wanda Augustyn, “At WineLand, we believe in the power of young voices to shape the future of our industry. Fresh ideas, honest stories, and a new way of thinking keep us moving forward. As a thought leader in wine communications, WineLand is the perfect platform for these voices to be heard. We’re proud to support the Young Writer of the Year award because tomorrow’s wine industry needs new storytellers, and we’re here to help them rise.”

Entrants are to complete one or both of the following assignments:

• Magazine Print Article –1 000 words in English or Afrikaans
• Blog Web Article – 600 words in English or Afrikaans

The topics cover a wide range of topics for both the magazine article and the Blog article. See full details below.

The competition is open to all South African citizens or residents aged 18 – 35. No full-time, established wine writers or previous wine writer winners are eligible to enter.

The entries will be judged by a panel of experienced and distinguished South African wine writers. Participants are to present their theses in MS Word format to [email protected], along with a completed entry form and short CV stating details of possible previous wine-writing activities.

The closing date for entries is Monday 8 September 2025. The winners will be announced on Friday 26 September 2025. Requests for entry forms or any enquiries may be directed to the SANWSA at the e-mail address below.

For more information, contact the SANWSA/Veritas office at tel 021 863 1599, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.veritas.co.za.

Topics for Veritas Wine Writer of the Year 2025

A. Write a Magazine Article in the third person of 1 000 words in Afrikaans/English on one of the topics below within the context of the wine industry. The article can be a profile, investigation, lifestyle, technology or current affairs treatment of the topic. Include perspectives of at least three credible sources in the wine value chain.

B. Write a Blog Web Article of 600 words on any of the topics below for a blog. The article can be a profile, investigation, lifestyle, technology or current affairs treatment of the topic.

The list of topics to choose from for a magazine article and for a blog web article. It cannot be the same topic:

1. Are there too many wine competitions in the country and does this water down the value?

2. What are significant changes and trends in cultivar and style developments in South Africa.

3. Pinotage is celebrating 100 years of success since the crossing by Professor Perold in 1925. How has Pinotage changed the landscape of the red wines in South Africa and what is the contribution of the cultivar to the SA wine industry.

4. Do type of bottles e g Bordeaux and Burgundy have importance in SA and do the shape of drinking vessels/glassed play a role in your wine enjoyment?

5. What do you think of ice in wine and chilled red wine in a hot country like ours.