Kanonkop, Beyerskloof, Altydgedacht… The world must be so happy that South Africa gave them Pinotage.

And as with all great wines, comes great competitions. Case in point is the annual Absa Top 10 Pinotage Competition – with the objective of increasing public awareness and general quality of this uniquely South African wine.

Last year the competition attracted 139 entries, including three from New Zealand. With the hopes of attracting more contestants this year, entries have opened to all wine makers who believe that they have what it takes to create a winning wine.

Judging will take place from 11 to 13 August at the Longridge Winery, and will be done by a panel of seven – including David Molyneaux-Berry, Gert Boerssen and Dave Hughes. Entries close on 15 July 2010.