Blending competition
The 41st Blaauwklippen Blending Competition drew 78 entries from wine clubs across South Africa, celebrating the craft of creating a winning blend. This year, top honours went to the Dorstige Dertigs Wyn Klub from the Western Cape.
Finalists
For this year’s challenge, participants were tasked with producing a Bordeaux-style blend from four allocated wines: Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Each blend had to include all four cultivars, with at least 5% of each, and no more than 65% of any single variety.
The winning blend showcased 45% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, 9% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. It impressed with floral cassis aromas, layered notes of fruitcake, plum and dark chocolate, and well-structured tannins leading to a plush finish. Balanced and elegant, the blend can be enjoyed now or cellared for 15–20 years.
The judging panel was chaired by Blaauwklippen winemaker Narina Cloete, alongside respected industry figures Clive Torr, Guy MacDonald, Helena Melis and Alastair Rimmer.
Anyone can enter by purchasing a Blending Case and Kit for R600. Entries open 1 April 2025 and close 30 April 2025. Kits will be dispatched on 14 May.
Use your kit to explore the art of wine blending and create your champion recipe. Share your journey online with #blendingcomp2025 #BBC42 @Blaauwklippen.
Send your recipe to nanette@blaauwklippen.com by 31 July 2025. Each recipe will be recreated in the Blaauwklippen Cellar and assessed blind by an expert judging panel, including winemaker Narina Cloete.
For the 42nd Blaauwklippen Blending Competition, entrants must create a Classic Cape Bordeaux style blend using the standout 2024 vintage. Each Blending Kit contains four varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. All four must feature in the final blend.
A maximum of 60% per cultivar is permitted, with at least 5% of each included. This ensures balance, structure and longevity. The challenge is to design a wine that not only reflects the excellence of the vintage but also has the depth to age gracefully.
Participants can share their blending journey on social media using the hashtags: #blendcomp2025 #BBC42 @blaauwklippen
The winning blend will carry recognition on a limited-edition magnum release, offering the victor a lasting place in Blaauwklippen’s history.
The winning blend will be bottled as a limited-edition magnum and carry the champion’s name into Blaauwklippen’s history.
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