Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show public tastings

The public tastings follow the release of the results on Wednesday 28 May when the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show Most Successful Producer 2014 will be announced. Wines to look out for include the Best White and Best Red Wine of Show, the trophy winners in several variety and class categories, the winner of the International Judges' Trophy and the best value gold medallist, winner of the coveted Discovery of the Show.

Judges

The judging panel comprises three international and six local judges and has been chaired by leading wine authority Michael Fridjhon since the inception of the show in 2002.

The international judges for 2014 are:

• Gerard Basset MW (UK Master Sommelier, World's Best Sommelier 2010)
  
• Véronique Drouhin-Boss (winemaker, Maison Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy)
  
• Fongyee Walker (wine educator in China, international wine judge and contributor to Hong Kong Tatler).

The local judges are:

• Trizanne Barnard (winemaker, Trizanne Signature Wine)
  
• Christian Eedes (wine writer and blogger, founder of www.whatidranklastnight.co.za)
  
• James Pietersen (head sommelier, Belthazar and Balducci restaurants)
  
• JD Pretorius (winemaker, Steenberg Vineyards)
  
• François Rautenbach (head, Premier Wine Programme, Singita Lodges)
  
• Cathy van Zyl MW (Institute of Wine Masters education committee chair, lecturer and international judge).

The participation of a team of associate judges, drawn from the pool of rising South African winemaking and judging talent, is included in a supportive capacity. All wines are judged blind.

Tickets on sale

Wines can be ordered at show prices at the Makro desk at the show. Light meals are for sale at the tastings. Ticket cost R150 each and are available from www.computicket.com, call +27 (0)861 915 8000 or in limited numbers at the door. Ticket includes tasting glass, unlimited tastings and a take-home copy of Icons, the show's comprehensive review of all the successful wines of the year. No entry allowed for under-18, babies or prams.

For more information, go to www.trophywineshow.co.za.