#MakeMerlotMatter on National Merlot Day:
Where Flavour and Festivity Unite on 8 September 2023.
​
Share your Merlot pics, tag @hallomerlot and include the hashtags #HalloMerlot #MakeMerlotMatter #NationalMerlotDay in your social media posts before or on 8 September 2023.
WHY MERLOT?
Merlot is often seen as a perfect blending partner that brings a velvety softness to the final wine.
​
However, numerous examples exist worldwide of full-bodied wines with good colour, balanced tannins and the ability to age well.
​
With careful grape and wine production techniques it is known that Merlot has its place amongst the great wines of the world.
How to go about achieving these outcomes is the primary focus of this website and we aim to achieve this through the sharing of ideas and concepts that have proven to be successful in the field.
​
ABOUT US
We really love Merlot and the prospects it brings to South Africa.
We aim to promote and improve of wine made from the Merlot grape variety and provide a platform for acquiring existing and new knowledge and sharing it with members and producers through workshops and online dialogues.
​
Our hope is that through better knowledge and information sharing we can facilitate the improvement of both the image and quality of South African Merlot and Merlot-based blends.
​
The Merlot Forum also focuses on Merlot marketing, awareness and identifying valuable research that can contribute to making Merlot matter to more South Africans.
​
COMMITTEE
DAWIE BOTHA
ALL THINGS WINE
CHENE
IDIOM WINES
KELSEY FARM
NILBERG WINERY
SURE CORK
2024 TARANSAUD MERLOT TOP 10
Hallo Merlot and Taransaud are pleased to present the 2024 Top 10 Merlot competition to find the best Merlot in South Africa. Complete the form below and email it to marlot@hallomerlot.co.za
Important Dates
Closing date for entries: 17:00, 29 April 2024.
Closing date for late entries: 17:00, 10 May 2024.
Delivery dates for entries: 09:00 - 16:00,16 & 17 May 2024
Judging: 21 & 22 May 2024.
Announcement of Results: 12 June 2024.
Selecting the best Merlot is our judging panel.
Matthew Copeland, Panel Chairman & Host
Co-Chairman Merlot Foru, Senior Winemaker Vondeling Wines
Samarie Smith-Meletiou
Educator & Wine writer
Jenna Higgins
Winemaker Wolvenhoek Vineyards
LeRoi van der Vyver
Head Sommelier Elgr Restaurant
Morné Very
Winemaker Delaire Graff
Shane Mumba
SA Brandy Ambassador
2023 TARANSAUD MERLOT TOP 10
Top 10 Winning Wines
Merlot 2020
Merlot 2021
Merlot 2019
Merlot Reserve 2019
Merlot 2022
Merlot 2018
Merlot 2020Â - rated best performing Merlot
Merlot 2020
Barrel Selection Merlot 2020
Merlot 2020
NEWS
RAINBOW’S END TAKES 1ST PLACE IN 2023 TARANSAUD MERLOT TOP 10
21 June 2023
Stellenbosch winery Rainbow’s End took pride of place in this year’s Hallo Merlot Top 10 Competition as the highest scoring wine in the second running of this event aiming to annually discover South Africa’s ten best Merlot wines.
FAQS
You Ask, We Answer
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BECOME A MEMBER?
An annual fee of R600 per entity (not individual) is required. This amount is charged every financial year, starting in February. If you decide to join us any other time of the year, a pro rata membership fee will be applicable.
WHAT ARE THE #HALLOMERLOT BENEFITS?
Hallo Merlot members include like-minded wine academics, estates and wineries, corporates and wine enthusiasts who believe in the prosperity of Merlot production in South Africa. Members receive VIP invitations to networking events, marketing exposure and the opportunity to participate in national conversations about Merlot development.
CAN I BECOME A MEMBER IF I DO NOT REPRESENT A WINE ENTITY?
We're working on it! For now, we are working to build our community of wine professionals and gain the support we need to sustain our not-for-profit platform. Follow us at @hallomerlot for updates or mail us at merlot@merlotforum.co.za
