The search is on for SA’s best new wine writer

14 October 2021

Entries are open for the 2021 SA Wine Writer of the Year – for writers 35 years old or younger. The competition of the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) has been revamped in its ninth year and aims to launch smart new voices in the wine industry.

In addition to the name change from Young Wine Writer of the Year, the SANWSA – which also runs SA Young Wine Show, Veritas and the Terroir Awards – has decided to add a new category for Instagram posts. Thus, the competition now comprises three categories: wine articles, blogs and Instagram posts. The winner of each category will receive prize money of R2 500, while the overall winner will pocket R15 000.

“We’ve made these changes in a rapidly changing environment and in consultation with role players. The ‘Young Wine Writer’ title has served its purpose. The emphasis today is not on age, but on new insights and opinions,” the organisation’s chairperson, Christo Pienaar, said.

“We believe this competition creates a new avenue for writers and bloggers to express themselves and inspire others to join in sharing their views on wine-related matters in the digital era, characterised by a multitude of platforms and media for sharing information.

“As a stakeholder in the wine industry, we have a responsibility to help shape the discussion surrounding South African wine, and to encourage a culture of wine interest and knowledge among wine consumers,” added Pienaar.

Wanda Augustyn, editor at WineLand Media, the media partner of the competition, has announced they will include more material from the winners. “We will provide the winners of the top three articles, blogs and Instagram posts more exposure on our media channels with the guidance of WineLand’s editorial staff”

Entrants are to complete at least two of the following three assignments:

  • Magazine print article – ‘Working with the elements [fire, air, water, soil] in the wine world’ – 1 000 words in Afrikaans or English.
  • Blog web article – In the lead-up to CapeWine 2022 with its focus on sustainability, a 600-word blog in English on the three pillars of sustainability – place, people and prosperity – in SA wine.
  • Social media – entrants are to repurpose their choice (ie. either the web or print article) in a series of posts for Instagram. Alternatively, they can submit a creative announcement of WineLand’s #SADOGSOFWINE and/or #MYTROSISMYTROTS competitions for Instagram.

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

The entries will be judged by a panel of experienced and distinguished South African wine writers. The winner of 2020, Kristen Duff, has been invited to join the judging panel as a junior judge.

Participants are to present their entries in MS Word format to: info@veritas.co.za, along with a completed entry form and short CV, stating specific details of possible previous wine-writing activities.

The closing date for entries is 15 November 2021 and the provisional date for the announcement is 7 December 2021. Requests for entry forms or any enquiries may be directed to SANWSA at the e-mail address below.

For more information, contact the SANWSA/Veritas office at 021 863 1599, info@veritas.co.za or visit www.veritas.co.za.

Stay in touch via social media
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/VeritasAwards
Twitter https:  //twitter.com/veritasawards
Instagram: veritas_awards
#Veritas

ENDS 

Issued by SANWSA
Contact Bennie Howard, Vice-chairperson, or Elsabé Ferreira, GM.

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