It’s time for all Shiraz producers to gear up and submit their proposals for the 2026 round of the Bellingham Bernard Podlashuk Shiraz Trophy and Prize.
The criteria for this competition have remained the same over the past four years and according to the panel there has been a significant increase, not only in the number of entries but also in the level of quality of the presentations presented since the inception of this challenge.
Producers with a focus on sustainability, excellence, innovation, creativity and social responsibility, are once again invited to put forward their strategies and practices for evaluation.
Apart from a magnificent trophy that will take price of place in your tasting room, an enticing cash prize of R30 000 is also up for grabs.
The competition, named after Bernard Podlashuk, widely regarded as the father of South African Shiraz, produced winners such as Saronsberg, Creation and Jordan Wines with Journey’s End walking away with the honours in 2025.
The seasoned panel of judges is chaired by Francois Haasbroek, member of Shiraz SA’s management team and joined by Dr Etienne Terblanche of Vinpro, Prof Jako Volschenk of Stellenbosch University business school and Gerard Martin, executive manager: Research Development and Innovation at South Africa Wine.
There is no fee to participate, and the questionnaire can be completed online at www.ShirazSA.co.za. The deadline for entries is Friday 3 July 2026 and the three finalists will be announced on Monday 27 July 2026. The winner will be revealed at the Shiraz Challenge awards function on Thursday 6 August 2026.