Benguela Cove Sweeps Platter’s with Top Honours
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate has continued its remarkable success by achieving two 5-star awards and eleven 4.5-star awards in the 2024 Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide. This boutique Hermanus winery near Cape Town shone in the 44th edition of the authoritative guide featuring over 900 producers and 8,000 locally produced wines. An impressive accomplishment that highlights the WWF Conservation Champion winery's commitment to producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of Walker Bay, South Africa.
A passion for winemaking
Cellar master and winemaker, Johann Fourie, expressed his pride in the winery's achievements, stating;
"Receiving 4.5 stars or more for all 13 of our entries is a major accomplishment for a family-owned, boutique vineyard in just six years since building our own winery. In 2016, we decided to take full control over quality, so all the grapes used are now grown, vinified, and bottled exclusively on the estate."
Fourie also emphasized the importance of terroir, noting;
"We prioritise site-specific wines that showcase Benguela Cove's unique terroir and the distinctive wine style it produces. The diversity of slopes, soils, and exposure to the prevailing winds bring out the best in each varietal, while Benguela Cove's special location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean lends a distinctive character to our wines."
Exceptional Quality
The Catalina Semillon 2021 and Vinography Petit Verdot 2021 were each awarded the coveted top rating of 5 stars. These wines epitomize Benguela Cove's passion for crafting premium wines that reflect the estate's unique character.
Benguela Cove Catalina Semillon 2021
This single-vineyard wine celebrates exceptional quality while honouring the history of Benguela Cove. It is named after the Catalina flying boats that operated from the Bot River Lagoon during World War II.
Pale yellow colour
Fragrant nose with aromas of sweet peas, lemongrass, pear, orange blossom, and fynbos
Pure fruit flavours with a fresh acidity and a salty, oyster-like note
Pairs well with poached fish and delicate meat dishes
Ethereal quality with incredible ageing potential
Benguela Cove Vinography Petit Verdot 2021
An elegant addition to the wines of Walker Bay, this estate produced wine is part of the Vinography range.
Deep purple in colour
Nose shows aromas of violets, ripe plum, and subtle oak spice
Full-bodied with flavours of blackberry, dark chocolate, and black pepper
Well-integrated tannins and a long finish complete the wine's structure
Pairs well with grilled meats, stews, and aged cheeses
Explore these 4.5 star wines, featured in the 2024 edition of the Platter’s by Diners Club Wine Guide
A String of Recent Successes
These Platter's accolades follow a string of recent successes for Benguela Cove in 2023. The estate has garnered numerous prestigious gold and double gold medals, trophies for best wines, top scores from critics, value awards, and global recognition.
Key Wins for Benguela Cove in 2023
Double Gold & Duimpie Bayly Vertex Trophy for Best Wine - Benguela Cove Joie de Vivre Cap Classique 2019 at Veritas Wine Awards
Double Gold - Benguela Cove Vinography Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 at Veritas Wine Awards
Double Gold - Benguela Cove Vinography Sauvignon Blanc 2022 at Veritas Wine Awards
Gold - Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Rosé 2023 at Rosé Rocks
Gold - Benguela Cove Joie de Vivre 2019 Brut Méthode Cap Classique at Amorim Cap Classique Challenge
Top scorer with 95 points - Benguela Cove Catalina Semillon 2021 by Tim Atkin MW
Excellent Value Gold - Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2023 at Gold Wine Awards
Excellent Value Gold - Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Rosé 2023 at Gold Wine Awards
National Winner - Benguela Cove Catalina Semillon 2020 at Novare SA Terroir Awards
National Winner - Benguela Cove Noble Late Harvest 2020 at Novare SA Terroir Awards
Ranked in Top 53 of World's Best Vineyards 2023
Gold 97/100 - Benguela Cove Chardonnay 2022 at Trophy Wine Show
Sustainable Practices
With a philosophy embracing harmony with nature, Benguela Cove follows sustainable practices as a WWF Conservation Champion located within the Kogelberg Biosphere nature reserve. These Platter's awards recognize the estate's success in capturing the essence of this rare coastal terroir while making meaningful contributions as part of the local community.
A Must-Visit Destination
Benguela Cove is a must-visit destination for any oenophile. The estate offers a variety of wine tasting and pairing experiences, as well as gourmet restaurants, art gallery, and waterfront villa accommodation.
Benguela Cove's impressive performance in so many noteworthy wine awards is a testament to the estate's dedication to producing exceptional wines that capture the essence of Walker Bay. With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, Benguela Cove is poised to continue its success in the years to come.
