The wine competition that showcases South Africa's unique selling point.


The Absa Top 10 Pinotage competition was launched in 1997 by the Pinotage Association through a generous sponsorship of the banking group Absa. The objective of the competition is not only to serve as a vehicle towards the general upliftment of the quality of Pinotage wines, but also to increase the public awareness of this uniquely South African wine.

A top panel of seven judges with extensive local and international experience will be officiating. They will have the enviable task of sniffing, swirling and tasting hundreds of the best quality Pinotages South Africa can offer in order to isolate the ABSA Top 10 Pinotages of 2010.

Meet the Panel

Download Competition Rules (Eng) (pdf)
Download Competition Rules (Afr) (pdf)

Download Competition Entry Form (Eng & Afr) (pdf)
Download Competition Entry Form (Eng & Afr) (MS Word)

The objectives of the ABSA Top 10 Pinotage competition can be summarised as follows:

• To establish criteria for the development of distinctively styled South African Pinotage wines which would ensure their uniqueness in the international wine world.
• To contribute towards the international recognition of Pinotage as a premium red wine cultivar.
• To ensure that South Africa will remain the leader on all aspects regarding the cultivation and vinification of Pinotage.
• To give suitable recognition to the producers of the winning wines for their dedication to produce wines of outstanding quality.