Hermanus boutique winery triumphs over 1,335 entries to claim South Africa’s most prestigious wine competition honour for second time
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate has triumphed at the 2025 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, winning the prestigious Best Wine of Show trophy for its Vinography Cabernet Sauvignon 2021.
The wine outshone 1,335 entries to secure South Africa’s premier wine competition’s highest honour, marking the second time the estate has achieved this remarkable feat, having previously won in 2021.
- The Vinography Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 was also named the Best Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy winner and received the Southern Sun Wine Grand Prix award, a distinction reserved for only 1 of 23 top entries. These accolades reaffirm the estate’s dedication to crafting world-class wines that are a pure expression of its unique coastal terroir.
“To win Best Wine of Show against such exceptional competition is truly humbling,” said Penny Streeter OBE, owner of Benguela Cove. “Our Vinography Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 represents everything we believe in – expressing our unique Walker Bay terroir while crafting wines of exceptional quality and character. This recognition belongs to our entire team who work tirelessly in both vineyard and cellar.”
In addition to the top trophies, Benguela Cove received a Platinum medal for its Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, a rare accolade achieved by only 24 entries. The estate’s portfolio was further celebrated with a sweep of seven Gold medals, including:
-
Benguela Cove Estate Pinot Noir 2024: A cool-climate Pinot Noir with elegant and refined character
-
Benguela Cove Vinography Malbec 2023: A single-vineyard Malbec that showcases the varietal’s potential in a coastal environment
-
Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Moody Lagoon 2022: A classic red blend with layered complexity and structure
-
Benguela Cove Estate Collage 2022: A seamless blend that highlights the best of the estate’s red varietals
-
Benguela Cove Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2024: A vibrant and crisp Sauvignon Blanc that captures the fresh maritime air of the estate
-
Benguela Cove Catalina – Semillon 2023: An expression of timeless elegance, this wine boasts richness and complexity
The Vinography Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 showcases the distinctive terroir of Benguela Cove’s vineyards in the Walker Bay region, where cool maritime influences and diverse soils create ideal conditions for premium Cabernet Sauvignon production. The wine demonstrates remarkable concentration and elegance, with classic Cabernet characteristics enhanced by the site’s unique coastal location.
“We are absolutely thrilled that our Vinography Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 has been recognised as the best of the best at this year’s Michelangelo International Wine Awards,” said Johann. “Our climate best describe as cool sunshine thanks to coastal breezes of Walker Bay produces world-class classic styled Cabernet Sauvignon, our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon in addition to the Vinography’s Grand Prix Trophy also scooping a Platinum Medal being testimony of how well Cabernet Sauvignon resonates with Benguela Cove’s terroir.
“All of our wines are estate-grown, produced and bottled here. It’s a rarity these days, but it ensures that buyers know they are getting wines that are unique and authentic in style – and for a Benguela Cove Estate wine to be recognised for the 2nd time in 4 years as the highest scoring wine by international judges at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards validates our terroir, methodology, the teams strives for excellence in every step of the winemaking process but also support and backing of the estate owner, Penny Streeter.”
These award-winning wines are available at the Benguela Cove Cellar Door and online at www.benguelacove.co.za. Experience the maritime terroir of Walker Bay through wines that bridge the gap between the science and artistry of winemaking.
