Case study
How IWSC recognition helped Vilafonté strengthen its global reputation
For nearly a decade, Vilafonté has entered the IWSC to benchmark its wines against the world's leading producers. That commitment to excellence has resulted in some of the competition's highest honours and contributed to significant business growth.
Founded in 1997 by Mike Ratcliffe, Dr. Zelma Long and Dr. Phil Freese, Vilafonté set out with a clear ambition: to produce South African wines capable of standing alongside the world's finest. Today, the winery, located on the ancient Vilafonté soils of the Paarl-Simonsberg, is recognised as one of South Africa's leading fine wine producers, with an international reputation built on quality, consistency and innovation.
Vilafonté's success at a glance
- Outstanding Wine Producer Trophy – 2021 & 2024
- Red Wine Producer Trophy – 2021 & 2024
- 50%+ revenue growth over the past two years
- 65 - 70% growth in on-trade listings and associated revenue
A decade of consistent success
Vilafonté has been entering the IWSC for ten years, and in recent years has taken part in the IWSC Global Judging in South Africa, using the competition to benchmark its wines against the highest international standards.
That consistency has been recognised with some of the IWSC's most prestigious awards. In both 2021 and 2024, Vilafonté was named Outstanding Wine Producer and Red Wine Producer of the Year, underlining the winery's commitment to excellence.
Vilafonté's performance at the IWSC 2024 Global Judging in South Africa was nothing short of remarkable, with an impressive tally of three gold and three silver medals.
The IWSC judges praised Vilafonté's achievements, commenting:
"Vilafonté are an authentic, dynamic producer with an admirable focus on sustainability, quality, and value. Their incredible results prove just how much of an outstanding producer they are."
Turning recognition into commercial growth
For Vilafonté, IWSC success doesn't end with a medal.
The winery has integrated its awards into its website, social media, email marketing, public relations, distributor communications and trade presentations, using IWSC recognition as trusted third-party validation of its premium positioning.
“Winning the IWSC's highest producer honours has strengthened our reputation with collectors, distributors, retailers and consumers around the world. The awards reinforce our premium positioning in export markets and provide valuable independent validation of our commitment to quality,” says Mike Ratcliffe, Managing Director & Owner of Vilafonté.
The impact has been tangible. Over the past two years, Vilafonté has achieved more than 50% growth in total revenue, driven in large part by an estimated 65–70% increase in on-trade listings and associated revenue.
As Mike Ratcliffe explains: "We are so pleased to be part of an ever-expanding group of passionate South African wineries who are collectively raising the bar and changing the narrative on how the world perceives our wines."
Creating opportunities for South African producers
Vilafonté's success reflects a wider trend. Since 2022, the IWSC Global Judging in South Africa has been creating meaningful commercial opportunities for South African producers by connecting award-winning wines with influential buyers and decision-makers.
Recent entrants have secured new listings with leading UK businesses, including:
- Waitrose
- Majestic Wine
- Maison Estelle
By bringing international judges to South Africa, the IWSC gives producers the opportunity to gain world-class feedback, benchmark their wines against international standards and earn recognition that can translate into real commercial success.
Enter the IWSC 2026 Wine & Spirit Judging in South Africa
Whether you're looking to strengthen your reputation, grow your export business or put your wines in front of some of the industry's most influential buyers, the IWSC Global Judging in South Africa offers an unrivalled opportunity.