EPISODE · May 20, 2026 · 27 MIN
Wine in Focus | Inside the judging room: How wines win
from Investec Focus Radio SA · host Investec
Ever wondered what actually happens behind closed doors at a wine competition? How do judges decide what makes a wine exceptional and what separates a gold medal from the rest? In this episode of Wine in Focus, Palesa Mapheelle is joined by local wine doyenne, Michael Fridjhon and Wine Master and international judge, Heidi Makinen. Together, they explain the rigorous judging process of the Investec Trophy Wine Show, what they look for in a winning wine, how to navigate judges’ disagreements and the importance of wine competitions to the local wine industry. KEY MOMENTS: 00:00: Intro 00:38: Recognising the devastating storms suffered by the Western Cape winelands 01:47: Why are competitions necessary? 03:23: Comparing Investec Trophy Wine Show to other international competitions 04:26: Shaping consumer perceptions 05:43: The mechanics of judging 09:09: Judge’s chemistry 10:07: Explaining a flight of wines 10:34: Finding consensus between judges 13:47: Ensuring judge neutrality 15:14: The importance of blind tasting 18:00: What makes a winning wine? 20:20: SA wine industry transformation over 25 years: from bulk to beautiful 23:13: The Investec Trophy wine show “guarantee” 24:33: When wine turns from interest into a passion and a career 27:00: Outro Investec Trophy Wine Show · Investec Focus Radio SA
What this episode covers
Ever wondered what actually happens behind closed doors at a wine competition? How do judges decide what makes a wine exceptional and what separates a gold medal from the rest? In this episode of Wine in Focus, Palesa Mapheelle is joined by local wine doyenne, Michael Fridjhon and Wine Master and international judge, Heidi Makinen. Together, they explain the rigorous judging process of the Investec Trophy Wine Show, what they look for in a winning wine, how to navigate judges’ disagreements and the importance of wine competitions to the local wine industry. KEY MOMENTS: 00:00: Intro 00:38: Recognising the devastating storms suffered by the Western Cape winelands 01:47: Why are competitions necessary? 03:23: Comparing Investec Trophy Wine Show to other international competitions 04:26: Shaping consumer perceptions 05:43: The mechanics of judging 09:09: Judge’s chemistry 10:07: Explaining a flight of wines 10:34: Finding consensus between judges 13:47: Ensuring judge neutrality 15:14: The importance of blind tasting 18:00: What makes a winning wine? 20:20: SA wine industry transformation over 25 years: from bulk to beautiful 23:13: The Investec Trophy wine show “guarantee” 24:33: When wine turns from interest into a passion and a career 27:00: Outro
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Wine in Focus | Inside the judging room: How wines win
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