Benguela Cove Wins National Recognition 2023

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate has once again emerged triumphant, basking in the glow of dual victories at the esteemed 2023 SA Terroir Awards.

The estate, perched along the tranquil Benguela Cove Lagoon, clinched the coveted title of National Winner in not one, but two prestigious wine categories—Semillon and Noble Late Harvest.

The spotlight shone brightly on Benguela Cove’s exceptional craftsmanship, with their Benguela Cove Catalina Semillon 2020 and Benguela Cove Noble Late Harvest 2020 vintages stealing the show. These wines, like liquid poetry, artfully narrate the story of the terroir from which they originate.

Founded in 2004, the Terroir Wine Awards stand as a beacon for wines that authentically capture the essence of their birthplace. This annual celebration of oenological excellence places a magnifying glass on terroir, recognizing wines that serve as eloquent ambassadors of the natural surroundings in which their grapes are nurtured. Only wines bearing the prestigious certification of Wine of Origin (WO), hailing from a Single Vineyard, Estate, Ward, or District, are deemed eligible to partake in this prestigious competition.

For Benguela Cove, the journey to this dual triumph is not just about winning accolades; it’s a testament to their unwavering commitment to crafting wines that encapsulate the very spirit of their terroir. Winemaker Johann Fourie eloquently articulates this sentiment, stating, “The Terroir Awards put a spotlight on singleorigin wines, aligning seamlessly with Benguela Cove’s steadfast philosophy of 100% estategrown grapes. These awards are a resounding affirmation of our dedication to producing sitespecific wines that authentically showcase our terroir.”

The roster of previous National Winners from Benguela Cove:

“At the Terroir Awards reads like a symphony of excellence…”

Catalina Semillon 2018 (2020)
Cap Classique 2017 (2021)
Estate Malbec 2019 (2021)
Catalina 2019 (2022), a wine that not only earned acclaim but also secured the Trophy for the highestscoring single vineyard wine
Catalina 2020 (2023)
Noble Late Harvest 2020 (2023)

Each accolade is a testament to Benguela Cove’s unwavering pursuit of perfection and an affirmation of their position at the zenith of South Africa’s winemaking landscape. The canvas of recognition continues to expand, painting a vivid portrait of Benguela Cove as a true maestro of terroirdriven excellence.

Cellar-master Johann Fourie’s Insight:
This is a significant accomplishment for our family-owned vineyard in just six years since building our winery. We prioritize site-specific wines showcasing Benguela Cove’s unique terroir and distinctive wine style. Our diverse slopes, soils, and exposure to prevailing winds bring out the best in each varietal, while our special location on the Atlantic Ocean edge lends a distinctive character to our wines