This year’s challenge
Dear 2025 Blending Competition Contestants
For the 42nd Blaauwklippen blending competition, the challenge is to conceptualise a Classic Cape Bordeaux style blend.
Vintage 2024 was a superb harvest for Stellenbosch reds. Blenders will receive 4 samples (1 x Cabernet franc, 1 x Cabernet Sauvignon, 1 x Merlot, 1 x Petit Verdot) and all 4 components must be used in the final blend. They must use these wines and create a blend that must be able to withstand the test of time and take this great vintage to even greater heights.
A maximum 60 % of each Cultivar may be used and a minimum of 5% of each component must be included in the blend. I wish you the best of luck and thank you for accepting the challenge!
Each team can post blending pictures on Facebook and use the following tags:
1. #blendcomp2025
2. #theirteamname
Yours in wine, & happy blending!
The 42nd Blaauwklippen Blending Competition
Are you an aspiring wine blending champion? The time has come for wine enthusiasts and clubs to once again battle it out in the annual Blaauwklippen Blending Competition.
The top four scores of all entries will determine the semi-finalists. The four semi-finalists will then be invited to Blaauwklippen, where the winner will be announced at an award ceremony attended by selected guests and media.
In addition to the trophy, the winner also earns recognition on the label of a limited-edition magnum release of their blend bottled and sold by Blaauwklippen.
How to Enter?
Step 1: Buy your Blending Case and Kit
Anyone can enter! Purchase your first Blending Case and Kit for only R600 to enter. Entries open on 1 April 2025, and will close on 30 April 2025.
Step 2: Have fun whilst you blend
Blending Cases and kits will be dispatched on the 14th of May.
Once you have your kit, try your hand at the art of wine blending and perfect your recipe for a champion wine. Share your experience on Social media. Tag us #blendingcomp2025 #BBC42 @Blaauwklippen
Step 3: Submit your recipe
All recipes must be submitted via e-mail to nanette@blaauwklippen.com
All recipes must please be submitted by 31 July 2024.
Your recipe will then be made up in the Blaauwklippen Cellar according to your individual or team’s formula and tasted blind by the judging panel which consists of some of the nation’s most astute wine personalities, as well as Blaauwklippen winemaker, Narina Cloete.
THE 2024 BBC WINNERS ARE
DORSTIGE DERTIGS
The other finalists to make it to the awards ceremony in order of rank were:
Second place: Sophie’s Choice (Western Cape)
Third place: VATS (Gauteng)
Fourth place: Fae-Bulous Wine Club (Gauteng)
Dorstige Dertigs Win 41st Blaauwklippen Blending Competition
A total of 78 entries were received for this year’s annual Blaauwklippen Blending Competition. Celebrating 41 year of the art of wine blending wine clubs from all over the country submitted their blends, but it was The Dorstige Dertigs Wyn Klub from the Western Cape who took home top honours.
Open to all aspiring winemakers this competition is there to encourage wine enthusiasts to create a winning blend.
For this year’s competition, the brief was to create a serious Bordeaux style blend with components from a very challenging 2023 vintage. Blenders received four wines (1 x Cabernet franc, 1 x Malbec, 1 x Merlot, 1 x Petit Verdot) and all four components had to be used in the final blend. A maximum 65 % of each Cultivar, with a minimum of 5% of each component had to be included in the blend.
The winning blend comprised 45% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, 9% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. This blend was masterfully blended with floral cassis notes, supported by nuances of fruitcake, plum and dark chocolate. Fresh textured tannins give way to a juicy mid palate and a plush aromatic finish. Enjoy with friends now, or cellar for 15 to 20 years.
The judging panel was chaired by Blaauwklippen winemaker, Narina Cloete, who was joined by Clive Torr, Guy MacDonald, Helena Melis and Alastair Rimmer.
Share your experience!
Each team can post blending pictures on social media and use the following tags:
#blendcomp2025
#BBC42
@blaauwklippen