Trophy Double for Vilafonté

Trophy Double for Vilafonté

Premium South African wine producer was awarded not one, but two trophies at the IWSC awards dinner, which was held at the Roundhouse, London, on Tuesday 12th November.

Vilafonté’s owner and Managing Director, Mike Ratcliffe was present at the event to receive the Outstanding Wine Producer Trophy as well as the Red Wine Producer Trophy of the year.

Receiving the awards, a delighted Mike Ratcliffe said ‘I am thrilled that Vilafonté has been presented with these awards.  They are a testimony to the work that has been undertaken over the years by the Vilafonté winemaking team and further strengthen the brand’s reputation as one of the world’s leading fine wines’

The IWSC judges were also effusive in their praise for Vilafonté – ‘Vilafonté has consistently demonstrated its commitment to producing wines that embody excellence and integrity. In 2024, the team at Vilafonté achieved an exceptional vintage, a testament to their unwavering pursuit of winemaking brilliance. Their multi-faceted approach to sustainability sets them apart from their competitors.

Vilafonté, which was founded in 1996 by owner, Mike Ratcliffe,  Zelma Long and Dr. Phil Freese, was the world’s first American and South African joint wine-making venture, and is now considered one of the most pioneering wineries in South Africa.

It was born out of an uncompromising determination to produce wines which stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the great wines of the world. Nothing less. The 42 hectare estate sits on the bench of the Simonsberg Mountains with its unique Vilafonté’s soils. It is from these unique soils – which are between 750,000 and 1.5 million years old – that the winery derives its name. The first vineyards, which were planted in 1998, were followed by a smaller section in 1999. Vilafonté’s wines are exclusively produced from grapes grown on its own property, where the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec grapes predominate.