#MakeMerlotMatter on National Merlot Day:
Where Flavour and Festivity Unite on 8th September.
Share your Merlot pics, tag @hallomerlot and include the hashtags #MerlotSA #MakeMerlotMatter #NationalMerlotDay in your social media posts before or on 8 September.
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.
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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.
2026 TARANSAUD MERLOT TOP 10
The Taransaud Top 10 Merlot competition, hosted by Merlot SA, celebrating the excellence of South African Merlot with two exciting new categories for Merlot blends and Merlot Rosé. Blends must be Merlot dominant, ensuring the varietal remains the star while showcasing its ability to harmonize with other cultivars.
Complete the form below and email it to merlot@hallomerlot.co.za
Important Dates
Closing date for entries: 17:00, 01 May 2026.
Delivery dates for entries: 17:00 11 May 2026.
Judging: 13 & 14 May 2025.
Announcement of Results: TBC
Selecting the best Merlot is our judging panel.
Renier van Deventer, Panel Chairman
Danielle le Roux
Morne Kemp
Dawie Botha
Janine van Zyl
2026 Taransaud Top 10 Winners
Bein Private Cellar
Merlot Reserve 2022
Origin: Stellenbosch
Dornier
Merlot 2022
Origin: Stellenbosch
L'Avenir
Provenance Merlot 2024
Origin: Stellenbosch
Villera
Monro Merlot 2023
Origin: Stellenbosch
Carmen Stevens Wines
Merlot 2023
Origin: Paarl
Glenelly
Glass Collection Merlot
Origin: Stellenbosch
Rainbow's End
Merlot 2023
Origin: Stellenbosch
Delaire Graff
Banghoek Reserve 2023
Origin: Stellenbosch
Holden Manz
Merlot Reserve 2023
Origin: Franshoek
Stellenbosch Reserve
Kweekskool Merlot 2023
Origin: Stellenbosch
COMMITTEE
MATTHEW COPELAND
ALL THINGS WINE
CHENE
IDIOM WINES
KELSEY FARM
NILBERG WINERY
SURE CORK
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
#MERLOTSA BENEFITS?
Merlot SA 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 @merlotSA for updates or mail us at merlot@merlotforum.co.za
