Wellington became a region on its own in 2012, splitting from Paarl, and these awards were started soon after that to recognise excellence and encourage better wine-making in the area. This year Higgo Jacobs convened the judging alongside his SASA (Sommelier Association of SA) colleagues. It was really bucketing down and freezing yesterday as we attended the awards lunch at the beautiful Au’ de Hex Boutique Hotel and Dave Hughes gave us an amusing account of his first experience of Wellington in his youth, playing rugby in the rain! Diemersfontein and Wellington Wines fared very well at the awards, with Bosman, Welvanpas, Dunstone doing well. I must say the food was really outstanding - the grilled duck breast on chinese broccoli with sweet potato & turnip dauphenois were a fabulous combination. The slightly tangy turnip was a great surprise and delight! According to Higgo, he sees Wellington as a great Chenin producing region, with much promise, as well as seeing Shiraz offering the most potential in the area.