Diners Club Winelist Awards 2013 06 August 2013 by Diners Club SA Diners Club announces South Africa’s best restaurant wine lists in 2013 Winelist Awards Outstanding wine lists have been recognised this past week at the Diners Club Winelist Awards, awarding some of South Africa’s top restaurants at ceremonies in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. The highly converted overall Best Diamond Award went to Restaurant Mosaic at the Orient in Johannesburg for their exceptionally unique list. The picturesque Simola Hotel based in Knysna achieved Best Platinum, while Best Gold and Best Silver were awarded to Lacuna Bistro in Johannesburg and Makaranga in KwaZulu-Natal respectively. For the second year running Ewan McKenzie, of the award-winning La Colombe, won Best Wine Steward. Overall national results consisted of 74 Diamond, 62 Platinum, 65 Gold and 7 Silvers being awarded. 38 restaurants in the Western Cape were awarded a Diamond Award, putting the Western Cape in the regional lead once again this year. Commenting on the accolades, Ebrahim Matthews MD of Diners Club International said, “We congratulate all the establishments awarded in this year’s Diners Club Winelist Awards. Diners Club has a long and proud history of supporting the South African wine industry and the Winelist Awards have become an established benchmark for excellence.” Chaired by veteran wine critic and author Dave Hughes, this year’s judging panel of wine experts included Benny Masekwameng, Masterchef South Africa judge and Executive Chef of the Monde Vino restaurant. They were also joined by the author of independent restaurant guide – Rossouw’s Restaurants, JP Rossouw; leading wine critics, Christine Rudman and Fiona McDonald; co-owner of Winestyle.biz, Nikki Dumas and the head of the Cape Wine Academy, Marilyn Cooper. Wine lists were judged on the basis of their wine selection (35%), how well balanced the selection was (30%), the presentation of the wine list (25%) and the suitability in terms of cuisine offered (10%). Wine lists offering numerous wines at high prices are not what the judges are looking for. Instead, creativity and choice are credited for the enhanced experience they are more likely to provide to patrons. A Silver Award represents a score of between 60% and 70%, a Gold Award between 71% and 80%, a Platinum Award 81% and 90%, and a Diamond Award over 91%. “This year’s Diners Club Winelist Awards entrants have been truly impressive, it’s encouraging to see the exceptional rise in standards year on year,” commented David Hughes. The judges also noted the importance of wine lists that offer wine by the glass, enabling patrons to try a variety of great wines instead of limiting them to just one. Started more than two decades ago, the Diners Club Winelist Awards are a sought after symbol of excellence and achievement among restaurateurs. Patrons also now rely on the Winelist Awards as a symbol of an establishment offering a good selection of wines that are both original and in harmony with the menu. The complete list of 2013 Diners Club Winelist Awards is available on the Diners Club website at dinersclub.co.za as well as the hub, connoisseurs.dinersclub.co.za/restaurants
Posted on: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:02:59 +0000
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