Benguela Cove Wines Celebrates National Recognition at the 2023 SA Terroir Awards

Benguela Cove Triumphs at the 2023 Terroir Wine Awards 

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is celebrating a double victory at the prestigious 2023 Terroir Wine Awards in South Africa. The estate has been named the National Winner in two wine classes, Semillon and Noble Late Harvest, for its Benguela Cove Catalina Semillon 2020 and Benguela Cove Noble Late Harvest 2020 vintages. 

An Overview of the Novare South African Terroir Awards

The Terroir Awards recognize the unique origins of South African wines. They focus on wines representing South Africa’s diverse "terroir", highlighting the Cape Winelands wine regions. Only wines certified as single-vineyard wines, estate-produced, or wine from a ward or district not divided into more than one ward, can participate. A panel of experts, familiar with wines from various districts, undertakes the judging.

Estate owner Penny Streeter says:

"This is a remarkable achievement that highlights the pedigree and consistent quality of the wine. Our last three vintages of Catalina - 2018, 2019, 2020 - have all been National Winners. The 2019 vintage was also the highest-scoring single vineyard wine on show." 

Previous National Winners of the Terroir Awards for Benguela Cove were:

  • Catalina Semillon 2018 (2020)

  • Cap Classique 2017 (2021)

  • Estate Malbec 2019 (2021)

  • Catalina 2019 (2022) Also Trophy: highest scoring single vineyard wine

  • Catalina 2020 (2023)

  • Noble Late Harvest 2020 (2023)

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate 

Benguela Cove, located in the scenic Walker Bay wine region of Hermanus, South Africa, recently won the Cellar Door Experience of the Year in the Tim Atkin, MW, 2022 South Africa Wine Special Report. It is also in the Top 100 World’s Best Vineyards 2023. 

Owned by the Streeter family since 2013, the estate is situated on a lagoon, separated by a narrow sandbar from the Atlantic Ocean, making it ideal for cultivating a variety of grape cultivars to produce cool climate wines. 

Under the guidance of Johann Fourie and his team, Benguela Cove produces 350,000 bottles per year, featuring diverse wine styles such as the Lighthouse Collection, Estate Range, Vinography, and Catalina collections.  

Fourie prioritises site-specific wines that showcase Benguela Cove's unique terroir and the wine style it delivers. The diversity of slopes and soils and exposure to prevailing winds bring out the best in each varietal, while the estate's special location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean produces a distinctive character. 

The estate uses only grapes from its own vineyard, which are processed in its 400-ton winery, featuring crystal chandeliers, advanced technology, and a blend of traditional and modern fermentation vessels. 

For more information about Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate and its award-winning wines, please visit www.benguelacove.co.za