WeeklySA_AdminCONSISTENCY: SPAR’s Olive Brook Chardonnay has earned its first international accolade after being named “Best Product of the Year in the Wine” category at the Netherlands’ leading consumer awards—boosting the South African brand’s growing reputation for quality and value.
By Len Maseko
Olive Brook Chardonnay has been crowned “Best Product of the Year” in the wine category)at the Best Product of the Year Awards in the Netherlands, one of Europe’s prominent consumer-driven product competitions.
The win marks Olive Brook Chardonnay’s first international award and is being hailed as a major milestone for the South African wine brand, which is exclusively available at retail chain’s selected stores. The “Best Product of the Year Awards” recognise products based on consumer feedback across key measures such as value for money, presentation, user experience, repeat purchase intention, and overall satisfaction. Spar said the recognition reflects its continued focus on delivering high-quality offerings while helping elevate South Africa’s winemaking heritage onto a global stage.
For its part, the tasting notes describe the wine’s nose as showing hints of peach, lemons and orange blossom backed up by a touch of oak; and the palate as fresh and creamy. A perfect summer wine, it is complemented by pairings with seafood or a selection of tasty finger food.
“This award is a testament to the passion and perseverance behind SPAR’s commitment to supporting and promoting entrepreneurship. We are proud to see partnerships that truly work, it takes courage and consistency to compete and win at this level,” said Thami Silwana, The SPAR Group National Liquor Executive.
According to the retailer, the Olive Brook portfolio was developed in collaboration with leading local winemakers with a goal of combining dependable quality with everyday accessibility. The award, SPAR said, further strengthens the brand’s appeal to shoppers seeking well-made wines with distinct South African character at competitive prices.
The Olive Brook wine range was released as a new, exclusive own-label brand for Spar, with its initial release featuring the 2008 Chardonnay and 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. The range was developed to offer specific, consumer-driven, tailor-made wines, with early success noted around late 2008.
By 2010, the range included other varieties, such as the Olive Brook Quintette (a red blend). The brand was designed with a specific, eye-catching, and branded logo and was available across Spar and Tops at Spar outlets.
While the brand has a strong presence in the South African retail market, it has established an, award-winning reputation that has reached Europe.
Among a string of awards it has garnered since inception include Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards for the Gold Medal: Olive Brook Chenin Blanc 2017 (gold medal) Olive Brook Merlot 2016 (gold medal).
It has also scooped a couple other accolades at Veritas Awards for Olive Brook Pinnacle Collection Chardonnay 2013 Vintage (gold) and Olive Brook Pinnacle Collection Chardonnay 2010 (silver).
Another highlight was the Olive Brook Pinnacle Collection Chardonnay 2008 gaining recognition at the International Wine Challenge and awarded a bronze medal. Beyond the product win, SPAR positioned the recognition as a reflection of its broader commitment to supporting local enterprise through sustainable partnerships that enable home-grown brands to compete beyond South Africa’s borders.
With consumer demand for quality, value-driven wines continuing to grow, SPAR believes the award boosts Olive Brook’s standing in the retail wine market, reinforcing the brand as a strong contender for everyday occasions and food-friendly enjoyment.
Olive Brook is a South African wine brand, exclusively available at TOPS at SPAR – a range known for its accessible, fruit-forward wines like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blends, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Moscato, sourced from estates like Kleine Zalze and De Wetshof, focusing on everyday enjoyment with food pairings.
Olive Brook Chardonnay (750ml) is generally priced around R49.99 to R50.00 per bottle in South Africa.
EVENTS
Montreux Jazz Franschhoek
The inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA) will take place over three days from March 27 to 29 in the Cape Winelands, marking the first African edition of the legendary Swiss music festival. The three-day event features international artists, local talent, and intimate performances in the Franschhoek Valley, blending world-class jazz, blues, and soul with local wine and food experiences.
Over one magical weekend in March, music, art, food and wine will converge to transform the picturesque valley into an intimate stage for global voices.
Following in the footsteps of the legendary festival on Lake Geneva, we will celebrate music in all its forms - jazz-inspired, multi-genre, and deeply connected to the people and place that host it.
The festival is expected to feature a diverse line-up, connecting international acts with South African artists. It will include chef-led dining, wine pairings, and artist workshops. It partners with the Uncorked Music Academy to foster local talent. This event brings the prestigious 50-year-old Swiss festival tradition to South Africa, aiming to build a sustainable cultural platform.
Ticket information and updates are available via the official website mjfsa.com and social media, such as Instagram.
Sundaze at Durbanville Hills
Durbanville Hills’ Sundaze sessions, a summer music series taking place on Sundays, will feature DJ Stefanos on January 25.
Sundaze Summer Sessions unwind from 13h00 to 17h00 with award-winning wines, cocktails, craft beer, and delicious eats available for revellers who attend.
DJs will play cool tunes ranging from Deep House, RnB to HipHop as guests relax on the lawns overlooking Table Bay and Table Mountain with food served from the Olive Grove Bistro.
Other dates for the forthcoming sessions are February 8; (DJ Tiny T); March 8 (Dags on Decks) and March 29 (DJ Tiny T).
Bring your picnic blanket, your besties, and your summer spirit. Durbanville Hills Winery, M13 Tygerberg Valley Road. Entry fee is R100. Sessions start at 14h00.
Cape Wine Auction
The 2026 Cape Wine Auction will be hosted at the historic Nederburg Farm in Paarl on February 7, promising a day of elegance, philanthropy and premium wine experiences.
The programme will follow its established format, with the morning dedicated to the prestigious barrel auction, featuring rare wines from leading South African producers. This will be followed by the “Experience Auction & Luncheon”, where guests can bid on exclusive lots while enjoying a curated culinary offering.
New for 2026 is “The Celebration”, an open-access event designed for guests who want to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere without participating in formal bidding. It will feature gourmet food stations, curated wine stands, live entertainment and interactive experiences. Tickets cost R650 and R3 150 per person available via Webtickets.
SA Wine Harvest Gala
The historic Groot Constantia Wine Estate will host the SA Wine Harvest Commemorative Event on February 5, bringing together wine lovers and industry leaders for a black-tie gala dinner celebrating the origins and legacy of South African wine.
Held in the Constantia Wine Valley in Cape Town, the annual event honours the country’s unique wine heritage, which can be traced to an exact recorded date — 2 February 2 1659.
Initiated by the Board of Groot Constantia, the gala also recognises achievements across the sector and those inspiring new levels of excellence in the wine industry.Bookings and ticket enquiries can be directed to event@sawineharvest.co.za
Van Ryn’s Jazzy Sessions
Van Ryn’s Distillery will host a night of rhythm, soul and infectious grooves with Don Vino in Stellenbosch on January 30.
Van Ryn and Brandy Cellar’s Jazzy Sundowner Sessions are presented in collaboration with the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Hailing from Elsies River, Vino has built a career spanning over two decades, performing locally with artists like Jonathan Butler and internationally in places like Europe and the USA.
Fans can expect smooth sax melodies, vibrant energy and Don Vino’s much-loved ‘SaxyVibes’ sound. His blend of jazz, gospel, and R&B influences creates the perfect feel-good sunset atmosphere. The event starts at 6pm and lasts until 9pm.
A ticket costing R275 includes entry, live music, and a picnic per person. Beverages will be on sale, and the venue is fully cashless.
The address is Van Ryn’s Distillery, Van Ryn Road. .. – Compiled by Len Maseko
