Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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.com/en_za/sponsorships/trophy-wine-show.html) · Investec Focus Radio SA (investec.com/en_za/focus/investec-focus-radio-podcasts.html)
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.com/en_za/sponsorships/trophy-wine-show.html) · Investec Focus Radio SA (investec.com/en_za/focus/investec-focus-radio-podcasts.html)
