Steenberg Vineyards’ Merlot has claimed a Gold medal at the 2026 International London Wine Competition, and also “Merlot Of The Year” Award. The win marks a strong endorsement from one of the industry’s most commercially-minded judging panels, which evaluates wines not just on taste, but on value for money and shelf appeal, factors that actually drive purchase decisions.
Now in its ninth year, the International London Wine Competition judges each entry across three weighted criteria (Quality, Value, and Packaging) producing a score that reflects how a wine performs in the real world, not just in a tasting room. Entries are first blind-tasted by a panel of active trade professionals, including wine buyers, Master Sommeliers, and Masters of Wine, before price and packaging are factored in.
Medals are awarded based on a weighted composite score derived from the competition’s three core judging criteria: Quality, Value, and Packaging. “Winning a medal here means your wine performs across taste, value, and shelf appeal, making it a strong contender in both domestic and international markets,” said Sid Patel, CEO of the London Wine Competition.
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Steenberg’s 2022 Merlot is a refined cool-climate expression, offering soft dark fruit with notes of plum, mulberry, liquorice, cedar and lavender. A deep, brooding palate of raspberry, spice and umami is balanced by fresh acidity, fine tannins and a dry, elegant finish. Medium- to full-bodied, it pairs well with rich Mediterranean dishes and will age gracefully for 5-7 years. Crafted from carefully managed, low-yield vineyards, the wine was fermented on skins for 10-14 days and matured for 24 months in a combination of 3ra fill and older French oak barrels, enhancing structure, colour and depth.
“We are incredibly proud to see our Steenberg Vineyards Merlot recognised with both a Gold medal and the Merlot of the Year title at the 2026 International London Wine Competition,” said Carryn Wiltshire, Marketing Manager, Steenberg Vineyards.
“What makes this award particularly meaningful is the competition’s commercial lens, where quality, value, and packaging are all measured in the context of real buying decisions. It’s a strong validation of the wine’s balance, craftsmanship, and ability to stand out on the shelf as well as in the glass.”
