LELETHU ZONDANI | 041WINE
The South African wine industry is a deeply rewarding and increasingly inclusive space, especially in today’s evolving cultural landscape. Unlike in more established wine-producing countries, wine culture here hasn’t always received the same level of celebration or visibility, but that’s rapidly changing. A new generation of passionate individuals is forging careers around wine: from sommeliers, wine event planners, bloggers, buyers, brand ambassadors, and club founders. The momentum is real, and the possibilities feel endless.
What makes the South African wine space so compelling is its commitment to tradition, even amid modernity. Innovation is welcomed, but not at the expense of the artistry and beauty of what came before. In that spirit, opportunities that invite newcomers to participate and grow are critical, especially those that give voice to emerging perspectives in wine.
Wine writing competitions are a staple in almost every wine-producing country. Historically, these contests tend to favour seasoned writers with established credentials. Yet, writing about wine is not an exclusive or elite skill; it’s about observation, vocabulary, emotion, and experience. Wine is intuitive, and describing it demands detail and personality more than formal expertise. But therein lies the dilemma: if wine is a personal experience, how do we objectively judge someone else’s interpretation of it?
Enter the Veritas Wine Writing Competition, hosted by the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA), now in its 13th year. What I admire about this competition is its openness; it offers a platform for anyone passionate about wine to be recognised, not just industry veterans. This kind of initiative is vital in a country still shaping its wine identity, especially as younger people and people of colour increasingly engage with wine differently than past generations. For many, wine isn’t a status symbol; it’s a curiosity, a conversation starter and a lifestyle choice. So how do we encourage these emerging voices to participate? Offer a cash prize.
This year’s competition includes two categories: wine-related articles and blog entries. Prizes include R15,000 for the best article, R7,500 for the runner-up, and R3,000 for the best blog post. The topics are always timely and thought-provoking, including:
- Are there too many wine competitions in South Africa, and does this dilute their value?
- What significant changes and trends are we seeing in cultivar and style development?
- Pinotage turns 100: How has this cultivar shaped the red wine landscape and what has it contributed to South African wine?
- Do bottle shapes (e.g., Bordeaux vs. Burgundy) and drinking vessels matter in South African wine enjoyment?
- What are your thoughts on putting ice in wine or chilling red wine in our hot climate?
Entries are judged by a panel of experienced local wine writers, and the winning pieces will be published in the WineLand magazine. It’s a fantastic initiative in theory, but from my personal experience, having spent eight years as a freelance writer in this space, I’ve learned how difficult it is to build a stable career in wine writing in South Africa. A one-time cash prize is helpfu,l but it’s not sustainable.
With youth unemployment remaining alarmingly high, especially among those eligible to enter such competitions, perhaps it’s time we asked a more uncomfortable question: Is a cash prize really enough? Should competitions like these also offer mentorship, publishing opportunities, or even job placements in media, marketing, or wine communications?
In a country where consistent income and career stability are scarce luxuries, recognition should go hand in hand with opportunity. A byline is beautiful, but a contract is better.
Cheers!
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