The 2024 Absa Top 10 Pinotage Competition once again spotlighted the best of South African winemaking, underscoring the resilience, diversity, and excellence of our wine industry. The South African wine industry is a crown, and all the varietals we have in South Africa are its gems – Pinotage striving to be the shiniest of them all. Despite the challenges faced by the industry, wine competitions still see a remarkable number of entries, showcasing the depth and richness of our South African viticultural heritage. With 112 entries from 65 distinguished brands, this year's competition was a celebration of Pinotage, a cultivar that stands as a cornerstone of South African winemaking. The entries spanned 29 unique Wine of Origin areas, reflecting the profound variety that our wine regions have to offer. Leading the entries was the Stellenbosch region, contributing 57 wines, followed by Paarl with 21 wines. Other notable regions included Robertson, Swartland, and Breedekloof/Worcester, ensuring a broad representation of South Africa’s wine-growing skills. The diversity of vintages entered into the competition added a layer of intrigue, with wines ranging from youthful one-year-olds to a venerable twelve-year-old entry. The array of 7one-year-old wines, 49 two-year-old wines, and 37 three-year-old wines, among others, provided a fascinating tasting journey that highlights the unique characteristics and stories behind each bottle.