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#MakeMerlotMatter on National Merlot Day:
Where Flavour and Festivity Unite on 8 September 2023. 
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Share your Merlot pics, tag @hallomerlot and include the hashtags #MerlotSA #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.

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However, numerous examples exist worldwide of full-bodied wines with good colour, balanced tannins and the ability to age well.

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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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Wine Toasting

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.

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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.

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The Merlot Forum also focuses on Merlot marketing, awareness and identifying valuable research that can contribute to making Merlot matter to more South Africans.

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COMMITTEE

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DAWIE BOTHA

ALL THINGS WINE

IDIOM WINES

KELSEY FARM

NILBERG WINERY

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2025 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, 2 May 2025.
Delivery dates for entries:    17:00 12 May 2025.
Judging:    14 & 16 May 2025.
Announcement of Results:    18 June 2024.

Selecting the best Merlot is our judging panel.

 

Matthew Copeland, Panel Chairman
Co-Chairman Merlot SA, Senior Winemaker Vondeling Wines

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Danielle le Roux
Renier van Deventer
Jean-Marie de Villiers
Wayve Kolevsohn
Rudger van Wyk

2024 Taransaud Top 10 Winners 

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Bein Private Cellar

Little Merlot 2021

Origin: Stellenbosch

 

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Dornier

Merlot 2021

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Origin: Stellenbosch

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Hidden Valley

Merlot 2023​

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Origin: Stellenbosch

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Wellington Wines

Duke Merlot 2023

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Origin: Wellington

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Carmen Stevens Wines

Merlot 2022

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Origin: Paarl

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Fleur du Cap

Unfiltered Merlot 2022

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Origin: Coastal

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Rainbow's End

Merlot 2022

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Origin: Stellenbosch

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Delaire Graff

Banghoek Reserve 2022

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Origin: Stellenbosch

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Groote Post

Merlot 2022

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Orgin: Darling

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Vondeling

Barrel Selection Merlot 2022

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Origin: Paarl

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NEWS

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Fluer du Cap named Judges Choice at the Taransaud Top 10 Merlot Awards

19 June 2025

 

With a strong showing from the Stellenbosch region, it was Fleur du Cap and its Coastal region Unfiltered Merlot 2022 that was awarded the judges choice at the Taransaud Top 10 Merlot Competition.

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

MERLOT SA SPONSORS

A Warm Thank You to Our Sponsors who Help Maintain this Project

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GET IN TOUCH

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©2025 by Merlot SA. 

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