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Monday, July 15, 2013

CALLING ALL YOUNG WINE WRITERS





South Africa’s largest and most established wine institution, the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) has announced a venture which aims to enhance the art and importance of high quality wine journalism. The new Young Wine Writers Competition invites wine writers between the ages of 18 and 35 to enter an article and blog post in order to be eligible for the first prize of R15 000 or second prize of R7 500.

“Media and the technology related to its generation and distribution are constantly evolving. The wine industry must keep up with this tempo, ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of readers and consumers,” says Charles Hopkins, Chairman of SANWSA.  “Whether we are in the business of making, retailing, writing about or even ‘branding’ wine – we ought to share one main objective: to encourage readers and consumers to enjoy great and well-made wines, visit the places where they originate and continue to be inspired by this creative spirit.”

The competition encourages the next generation of writers to hone their knowledge and understanding of wine and the industry, and particular their wine writing skills, in order to expand the responsible enjoyment of wine and to keep the well informed dialogue about wine in South Africa dynamic.

Interested parties must submit an 800 word article in any of South Africa’s 11 official languages on one of the following subjects

-          the role of wine in everyday life, OR
-          describe the difference between wines to be enjoyed as 'quaffers' and wines that do justice to certain cuisine

A blog post of 300 words about the most unusual wine the writer has ever tasted must also accompany the entry.

Entries will be judged by a panel of experienced and recognised South African wine writers. No persons in full-time employment as wine writers are permitted to enter. Entries must be accompanied by a short CV with specific details of previous wine writing activities.  The closing date for entries is Friday 20 September 2013 and the winners will be announced on Wednesday 30 October 2013.  An entry form and full details are available from the Veritas office on admin@veritas.co.za  or tel 021 863 1599.