Laborie Cap Classique Wins 2026 Veritas Champion Title
The Laborie Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs secured the top honour at the non-profit wine competition.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Wine
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The Laborie Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs has been named the 2026 Veritas champion after a rigorous blind-tasting evaluation. This prestigious accolade highlights exceptional craftsmanship in a competition overseen by more than 80 judges.
Why it matters
Winning the Veritas champion title provides significant industry recognition for South African winemakers, showcasing their dedication to selecting specific vineyard blocks to achieve distinct grape character. The competition serves as a benchmark for quality across the national wine sector.
The award-winning Laborie Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs currently retails for R190. Judging for the competition involved over 80 experts evaluating entries through blind-tasting sessions held over five days.
The players
Laborie
This wine producer is responsible for the Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs that claimed the top title at the 2026 Veritas competition.
KWV
A prominent South African wine and spirits producer that earned multiple double gold awards across their reserve and brandy categories.
Spier
This well-known winery achieved substantial recognition at the competition with eight double gold and 12 gold awards.
Bennie Howard
A wine expert who will lead an upcoming guided tasting event featuring 18 wines at the Garden Court Kings Beach.
Flagstone
A winery that demonstrated excellence at the Veritas competition by taking home four double gold and four gold awards.
The details
In addition to the top honour, several producers received significant recognition, including Spier, which secured eight double gold and 12 gold awards, and Flagstone, which earned four double gold and four gold medals. KWV also achieved multiple double gold awards for their various reserves, collections, and brandies.
Timeline
The grapes for the winning Laborie Cap Classique were harvested in 2020.
The article was published on 16 October 2026.
A guided wine tasting session will be held in November 2026.
Bennie Howard will present a wine tasting at the Garden Court Kings Beach on 16 November 2026.
Culture Shift
The prominence of the Veritas non-profit wine competition reflects a broader consumer move toward verified quality and expert-led curation in the South African wine market. This trend encourages wineries to refine their production processes to meet rigorous standards that are now highly valued by enthusiasts.
Consumers can now identify award-winning products at local retailers, helping them select high-quality options for their own collections or events. Those interested in experiencing the winning vintages firsthand can attend the upcoming guided tasting session in November.
The takeaway
Recognising competition winners allows wine enthusiasts to navigate the vast local market with greater confidence and precision. Exploring these top-rated selections provides a reliable way to discover high-quality South African produce for personal enjoyment.
What happens next
Bennie Howard will host a guided wine tasting session featuring 18 different wines at the Garden Court Kings Beach on 16 November 2026, with tickets priced at R250.
Further reading
Discover more about the local industry at South Africa Wine.
More information
Browse the full list of medal winners and purchase selections through the online wine shop for medal winners.
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