The Trophy Wine Show judging took place at the Grande Roche Hotel, Paarl from 11 – 14 May 2026. The panel comprises three international and at least six local judges covering a broad range of wine tasting experience, expertise and working with a 100-point scoring system for the blind tasting. The panel has been chaired by leading wine authority Michael Fridjhon since the inception of the show in 2002. Looking back at the past few weeks, it has been an absolute whirlwind of preparation, passion, and intense judging. We kicked things off with that incredible Old South African Wine Tasting, braved some moody, rain-soaked tasting days that required ultimate sensory focus, and finally wrapped up under beautiful blue skies with an insightful Judges’ Feedback Session. The blind tastings are officially done, the panels have packed up, and the scores are safely locked away.