The finest palates of international and local judges will evaluate this year’s entries for the Veritas Awards – for many years seen as a highly important week of South African wine and brandy judging in the oldest and most respected show for these market-ready products since its inception in 1991. Overseas Judges The regular use of accomplished overseas judges by Veritas has been made possible thanks to a partnership with Dry Ice International, which has agreed to bring the group of highly respected judges to South Africa. Dry Ice International, led by CEO Deon Roux, is the largest supplier and manufacturer of dry ice in South Africa. He emphasises the crucial importance of reliability and speedy deliveries of dry ice for the wine industry, particularly during the harvesting season. With almost 30 years of experience in manufacturing and distributing dry ice across South Africa and neighbouring countries, the company boasts multiple manufacturing plants and an extensive in-house delivery network. Their expansion into the Western Cape aims to support local wine farmers by ensuring 24/7 availability of dry ice and robust infrastructure to withstand power and water shortages, backed by generators, CO₂ storage tanks, and reliable transport to ensure wine farmers receive dry ice when they need it. Says Deon Roux, “Dry Ice International, transforming cool grapes into fine wines, is a proud sponsor for Veritas 2023. The chairperson of Veritas, Christo Pienaar, says, “We are delighted to have Dry Ice International on board as a partner, an important supplier whose commitment to Veritas and the international judges confirms their loyalty to the wine industry.” The international judges are Christine Austin, UK wine writer and author; Jonas Röjerman MW, Swedish wine trader and sommelier; Joe Wadsack, British wine buyer and TV presenter; and Jo Wessels, a well-awarded South African sommelier based in Germany. Altogether 14 experienced judging panels are meeting at the Johann Graue Hall at Nederburg in Paarl to identify the best entries for the sought-after Veritas medals and name the Vertex Award winner as the top wine overall. This award was named the Duimpie Bayly Vertex Award in 2021 in honour of the late Mr Bayly, a legend and champion of the industry. The wines and brandies are being tasted over five days until Friday 15 September. The seven most keenly contested categories in terms of entries received are: Red Blends (170), Sauvignon Blanc (141), Cabernet Sauvignon (109), Chardonnay (105), Shiraz (102), Chenin Blanc (97) and Pinotage (83). Local Judges The local team of judges comprises various winemakers, researchers, academics, Cape Wine Masters, wine buyers, wine writers and consultants. The Cape Wine Masters continue to play an important role as independent judges at Veritas, with no less than 20 CWMs judging over the five days.