Southern Sun Hosts the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards

Southern Sun once again proudly hosted the 27th edition of the prestigious Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards at a glittering event at the Cape Sun.

The Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, Africa’s most celebrated wine and spirits competition, renowned for assembling an outstanding panel comprising 18 international judges from 15 countries and six accomplished South African wine judges. The Michelangelo Awards employ the universally acknowledged 100-point OIV judging system, with judges conducting their assessments ‘blind’, guaranteeing impartiality. The final judging process was held from 24 to 28 July at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.

Medals at the Michelangelo Awards are awarded in tiers, with the Grand Prix Award: Recognising the top-scoring wine and spirits across all categories and the Trophy Awards: Honouring the highest-scoring product within its respective category. These are then followed by: 

• Platinum: Acknowledging products that have achieved an outstanding score of 96 points or higher.
• Double Gold: Celebrating excellence with scores ranging from 93 to 95.99 points.
• Gold: Recognising exceptional quality with scores ranging from 89 to 92.99 points.
• Silver: Acknowledging noteworthy products with scores ranging from 86 to 88.99 points.

Only the top one-third of total entries are eligible for medals, determined by the judges’ expert assessments.

Since 2018, Southern Sun has been the proud hospitality partner of the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. Building on this partnership, Southern Sun is excited to host a number of exceptional wine tasting events to showcase these award-winning wines. These events present a unique opportunity for wine and spirits enthusiasts to taste the wines and meet the winemakers and producers who created them.

Marcel von Aulock, Chief Executive of Southern Sun, commented on the hotel group’s enduring partnership with the Michelangelo Awards, saying, “Our association with these awards provides us with a platform to showcase some of South Africa’s most celebrated winemakers and support an industry closely tied to our own. We are delighted to be hosting the Michelangelo Wine Tasting Events and look forward to welcoming wine enthusiasts in the months ahead.”

The first Michelangelo Wine Tasting Event is scheduled at the Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa in the Overberg on the weekend of 6 and 7 October. This will be followed by an event at Southern Sun Rosebank on the weekend of 10 and 11 November. Guests can anticipate a sensational journey through an extensive selection of premium South African wine and spirits brands.

The distinguished wineries and distilleries will not only showcase their award-winning products, but will also unveil their extended portfolios, promising guests an opportunity to sample over 100 wines and spirits.

Mynard Slabbert, co-owner of the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, emphasised the significance of the Wine Tasting Events, stating, “These events serve as a splendid showcase for the 2023 Michelangelo winners. These tasting events bring together the wines, winemakers, and producers, offering local wine enthusiasts, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and merchants an exclusive opportunity to engage with them and savour their award-winning creations firsthand.”

Tickets for the Michelangelo Wine Tasting Events hosted by Arabella Hotel Golf & Spa, as well as Southern Sun Rosebank, can be purchased online at Computicket for R350 per person. Each ticket provides, bottomless wine tasting, and a light meal.

Wine lovers are invited to make a weekend of it and take advantage of Southern Sun’s special packages for event ticket holders. Experience the best in luxury at Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa, and indulge in an overnight or weekend stay for two which includes event tickets, a fine dining wine pairing menu, breakfast and substantial discounts on spa treatments and golf rounds. Visit Arabella Wine Experience to book your ultimate staycation.