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Finalists Announced for 2025 Diners Club Winemaker Awards

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Finalists Announced for 2025 Diners Club Winemaker Awards

The finalists for the Diners Club Winemaker and Young Winemaker of the Year awards have been announced. Six winemakers have been shortlisted to compete for the prestigious Winemaker of the Year award, and five will vie for the Young Winemaker of the Year title.

Diners Club introduced the Winemaker of the Year award to encourage local winemakers to raise the standard of wines produced in South Africa, and the Young Winemaker of the Year award was established to encourage winemakers under the age of 30 to develop their skills, express their individuality, and add to the future prestige of South African wines internationally.

The Winemaker and Young Winemaker awards focus on quality and the recognition of excellence and are among the country’s most prestigious and most respected wine industry competitions. While most wine industry awards focus on the winning wines, the

Winemaker and Young Winemaker of the Year awards celebrate the creators of the winning wines, honouring the skills and talents of the vintners.

The awards are presented to winemakers who produce a wine that the judging panel considers to be the best in the two specified categories for the annual competition. This year, the category for the 45th Winemaker of the Year award is Cabernet Sauvignon, with White Wine the category for the 25th Young Winemaker of the Year award.

2025 DINERS CLUB WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS Left to right: Schalk Opperman (Quoin Rock), Coenie Snyman (Rock of Eye), Johnnie Calitz (Glen Carlou), Werner Schrenk (Peter Falke), Louis Strydom (Ernie Els), José Condé (Stark-Condé)

As in previous years, winemakers can be shortlisted for more than one submission. These awards are open to all in the South African wine industry at no cost, thus affording all winemakers an equal opportunity.

The competition attracted an even greater number of entries this year, and the field was narrowed down to 11 finalists through rigorous judging over two days by a team of wine experts. All the judges agree that it will be a close race for the top prizes, a clear indication that the finalist wines are outstanding.

THE 2025 DINERS CLUB WINEMAKER AND YOUNG WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR CATEGORY: CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Coenie Snyman – Rock of Eye Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Johnnie Calitz – Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

José Condé – Stark-Condé Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Louis Strydom – Ernie Els Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Schalk Opperman – Quoin Rock Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Werner Schrenk – Peter Falke Signature Kailani Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

YOUNG WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR CATEGORY: WHITE WINE

Daniela Jansen – Saronsberg Viognier 2023

Gerné van Zyl – Chamonix Old Vine Steen 2024

Loïc du Toit – De Wetshof Finesse Chardonnay 2024

Marnich Aucamp – Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Chenin Blanc Verdelho Viognier 2024

Marnich Aucamp – Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Chenin Blanc 2024

Narissa Pieters – Rustenberg Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2024

THE 2025 DINERS CLUB WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR JUDGES

Carrie Adams, Yegas Naidoo, Shane Mumba, Denzel Swarts, Johann Fourie, and Wayne Buckley

The finalists for both awards are invited to a black-tie gala dinner at the Five-Star Arabella Hotel & Spa on Saturday, 22 November 2025, where the winners will be revealed and presented with their trophies. The 2025 Winemaker of the Year and Young Winemaker of the Year will receive cash prizes of R75,000 and R45,000, respectively, along with a round-trip air ticket to a wine-producing region, subject to the presenting sponsor’s terms and conditions.

South Africa’s Finest EVOOs Crowned at 2025 Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards

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South Africa’s Finest EVOOs Crowned at 2025 Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards

South Africa’s finest Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs) were celebrated today at the 12th annual Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards, hosted at the spectacular Mynhardt’s Kitchen at Cathedral Cellar in Paarl.

Widely regarded as the highlight of South Africa’s olive oil industry calendar, the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards acknowledges the most exceptional producers and products in the country. The awards follow the annual SA Olive Awards, where gold medal-winning EVOOs undergo a further round of meticulous blind tasting by an expert judging panel. From this elite group, the ten most outstanding EVOOs are chosen to receive the prestigious Absa Top 10 accolade.

2025 Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Award Winners (in no particular order)

  1. Mardouw Investments ZA (Pty) Ltd – Mardouw Premium Delicate – Delicate
  2. De Rustica Estate – De Rustica Delicate – Delicate
  3. Lions Creek Estate (Pty) Ltd – Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Medium
  4. Morgenster Estate – Morgenster Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Medium
  5. Willow Creek Products (Pty) Ltd – Estate Blend – Medium
  6. Tokara – Tokara Woolworths Estate EVOO – Medium
  7. Babylonstoren – Babylonstoren Coratina – Medium
  8. Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm – Picual – Medium
  9. Andanté Olives Porterville – Andanté Intenso – Intense
  10. Rio Largo Olive Estate – Rio Largo Premium – Intense

A Partnership Rooted in Quality and Growth

Now in its 12th year, the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards represent the ongoing partnership between Absa and the SA Olive Industry Association, a collaboration that continues to foster quality, innovation, and sustainability within the South African olive oil sector.

Yolisa Mlungwana, Regional Segment Head at Absa Private Banking, said: “After 12 years of partnership, our theme ‘Your Story Matters’ reflects the essence of the South African olive industry – one of resilience, craftsmanship, and pride. Each bottle of locally produced EVOO tells a story of passion, hard work, and connection to the land, setting a global benchmark for quality. Absa is proud to once again be part of these awards, which celebrate excellence while supporting producers in building lasting relationships with retailers, distributors, and buyers.”

Wendy Petersen, CEO of SA Olive, added: “The Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards remain the pinnacle of recognition for our local olive producers. It is a moment to celebrate the extraordinary talent, skill, and commitment that define this industry. Our producers continue to deliver world-class EVOOs that rival the best globally, and their pursuit of excellence is truly inspiring. We are deeply grateful to Absa for their unwavering partnership, which has been instrumental in showcasing and growing this remarkable sector.”

The Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards continue to shine a spotlight on South Africa’s thriving olive oil industry, and the 2025 winners exemplify the best of local production, innovation, and quality, reaffirming South Africa’s place on the global EVOO map.

South Africa’s Ports Conclude Citrus Season with 19% Export Surge

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South Africa’s Ports Conclude Citrus Season with 19% Export Surge

South Africa’s 2025 citrus export season has closed on a resounding high note, with Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) confirming a 19% year-on-year increase in volumes handled across the country’s ports by the end of September. The strong performance, driven by a combination of bumper crop yields and significant terminal efficiency improvements, underscores the country’s position as the world’s second-largest citrus exporter.

Terminal Throughput: A Tale of Double-Digit Gains

The success was widespread, with nearly all major terminals involved in citrus export recording double-digit growth. The most dramatic gain was seen at the Durban Multipurpose Terminal (DMT), which processed an impressive 131.6% more volumes than in the previous season. Container terminals also showed robust growth: The Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT) in the Eastern Cape saw a substantial 35% rise in volumes. The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 improved its throughput by 28.8%.

Cape Town’s Significant Turnaround

The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT), a critical gateway for Western Cape agricultural exports, delivered a major turnaround. The terminal recorded a solid 27.4% year-on-year increase in citrus volumes. This figure signals that recent operational improvements and Transnet’s targeted investment programs are beginning to effectively address historical congestion and efficiency challenges at the key port.

Record Volumes and Future Outlook

The immense throughput at the ports was a direct result of a bumper crop season. Former Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) CEO Justin Chadwick described 2025 as one of South Africa’s strongest seasons on record, noting that exports “made a mockery of industry estimates prepared in March this year.” The industry exceeded 200 million cartons in total exports, marking a 24% increase on 2024. This surge was led by specific varieties: Mandarins grew by nearly 30%, surpassing 50 million cartons, and Lemons grew by 19%, breaking the 40 million-carton mark for the first time. The logistical success was enabled by Transnet’s ongoing capital expenditure, including the R3.4 billion investment in new cargo-handling equipment last financial year and a further R4 billion investment program this year.

The CGA is now focused on its Vision 260 strategy, aimed at reaching 260 million export cartons by 2032. Chadwick confirmed that with continued work on market access and logistics, this goal is “looking to be achievable,” reinforcing the sustainability of the sector’s growth trajectory.

A Platform for Future Growth

The successful conclusion of the 2025 citrus season, marked by TPT’s reported 19% volume increase, stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and potential of South Africa’s export sector. The record-breaking performance—fuelled by a bumper crop that pushed total exports past 200 million cartons—highlights a critical alignment between a high-quality agricultural yield and notably improved logistics efficiency at the ports. With Transnet committing to sustained capital investment and the Citrus Growers’ Association focused on achieving its ambitious 260 million-carton goal by 2032, this season has not only delivered record growth but has also established a stronger, more efficient platform for future expansion in the highly competitive global citrus market.

Sound Space Design: How Rural Tourism Can Keep Towns Alive

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Sound Space Design: How Rural Tourism Can Keep Towns Alive

Last month, readers were introduced to the global work of architect Don Albert and his vision for how rural South Africa can grow sustainably without losing its unique character. This month, we bring the conversation closer to home. Albert’s practice, Sound Space Design, is turning its attention to the Western Cape, where a new wave of tourism is reshaping small towns.

In Piketberg, Albert is spearheading the development of a boutique “micro-hotel” — a project that reimagines hospitality for the post-AirBNB era. While major cities across the world struggle with the downsides of over-tourism and housing shortages, rural South Africa has a chance to chart a different course.

“Short-term rentals have transformed travel,” Albert explains. “They allow quick, affordable bookings, but they’ve also led to oversupply and a kind of anonymity. The key-under-the-mat experience just doesn’t build connections.” Instead, he sees a gap in the market: “the missing middle” where visitors enjoy local food, warm hospitality, and cultural exchange — not sterile stays.

In South Africa’s platteland, that personal touch has always been part of the charm. Today’s trends — adventure tourism, wellness retreats, and immersive cultural experiences — demand a higher staff-to-guest ratio. “That’s where employment comes in,” Albert notes. “Full-service hotels are desirable again as social spaces for guest interaction and the life of towns.”

The model has economic benefits too. With farming increasingly automated and droughts threatening traditional livelihoods, hospitality offers farming families a way to diversify. By blending tourism with agriculture, communities can sustain younger generations and keep small towns vibrant. “This is what will keep young people in rural towns and maintain their vitality over the long term,” says Albert, “which is so important for our heritage, and the diversity of South Africa’s tourism offering.”

For Albert, it’s not just about building hotels, but about weaving tourism into the social fabric. “Rural South Africa is rich in heritage and culture. By designing spaces that welcome visitors while sustaining communities, we protect that heritage and share it with the world.”

For more information visit www.soundspacedesign.com

South Africa’s 2025 Top 10 Sauvignon Blancs Showcase Excellence and Sustainability

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South Africa’s 2025 Top 10 Sauvignon Blancs Showcase Excellence and Sustainability

Four vintages. Wooded and unwooded. Three wards and six districts across three regions. This is the story of the 2025 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10.

In a closely contested challenge, featuring 167 wines entered by 98 producers, the judging panel of the 19th annual FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 Competition awarded top honours to the finest examples of South Africa’s most versatile cultivar.

Sauvignon Blanc South Africa announced the recipients on Wednesday, 15 October, at Vergelegen Wine Estate. At a lunch beside the river, masters of ceremonies Ryan O’Connor and Success Lekabe led guests on an FNB Top 10 “mystery road trip” to reveal the winning wines from 20 finalists. Guests navigated an illustrated map and decoded a mixtape playlist featuring Adele, Bon Jovi, David Kramer and others in a celebration of regional discovery.

The 2025 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 showcases remarkable regional diversity: four wines from the Coastal Region, three from the Cape South Coast, two from the Breede River Valley and one from the Western Cape.

This year’s Top 10 (in alphabetical order) are:

  • Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Cape South Coast)
  • Cederberg Wines Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (wooded) (Elim, Cape Agulhas)
  • Delaire Graff Coastal Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Coastal Region)
  • Groote Post Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Darling)
  • Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (wooded) (Western Cape)
  • Maastricht Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Durbanville)
  • Merwida Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Breedekloof)
  • Rietvallei John B Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Robertson)
  • Steenberg Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (wooded) (Constantia)
  • Vrede en Lust Artisan Range Blanc Fumé 2021 (wooded) (Elgin)

This year marked the debut of technical specialist Dr Carien Coetzee as tasting panel convenor, supported by Winespace’s pioneering TASTEE judging platform. Joining her were Dr Winifred Bowman, Cape Wine Master and international judge; Praisy Dlamini, winemaker and CEO of Adama Wines and HER Wine Collection; winemakers Morgan Steyn of De Grendel Wines and Juandré Bruwer of Diemersdal Wine Estate; and guest judges Liezl Richards, Cape Wine Master and national sales and export manager of Gabriëlskloof, and Lauren Segers-Jewell of Wine Cellar.

2025 HIGHLIGHTS: A FIRST BOOK, FIRST AROMA WHEEL, AND 19TH COMPETITION

“We have achieved tremendous milestones this year to strengthen our message to the world about the premium quality and versatility of South African Sauvignon Blanc,” says Elunda Basson, Chairman of Sauvignon Blanc SA. “Highlights include our participation in CapeWine, the launch of the first-ever definitive book on South African Sauvignon Blanc, The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc, as well as the introduction of the first aroma wheel for the cultivar, developed in collaboration with Stellenbosch University, South Africa Wine and other local and international partners.”

Milestones for Sauvignon Blanc SA

“This year’s 19th FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 is a mirror of the excellence that defines our cultivar. These wines reflect our winemakers’ craftsmanship in shaping texture, layers and ageing potential from this noble grape. We proudly showcase both younger and older vintages and an exciting diversity of styles from cool and warm regions alike. Our gratitude goes to all participating producers, our Top 10 title partner, FNB, platinum partner, EVER Solutions, and all other partners for their continued support of the only competition fully dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc. We look forward to the 20th competition in 2026.”

Partnerships Driving Growth

Stephan Claassen, FNB Commercial’s Provincial Head for the Western and Eastern Cape, congratulated the Top 10 winners and highlighted the value of collaboration between business and agriculture. “Our partnership with Sauvignon Blanc SA reflects far more than sponsorship – it’s a shared vision for excellence, innovation and long-term sustainability in one of South Africa’s most dynamic and globally recognised industries. The exceptional quality of our Sauvignon Blanc not only strengthens wine exports but also attracts international visitors to our winelands, reinforcing the cultivar’s growing stature on the world stage.

Through initiatives like the Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10, we’re proud to invest in an industry that drives rural development, job creation and economic growth across the value chain. The future of Sauvignon Blanc is bright, and FNB remains committed to supporting its continued innovation and success.”

Nege Jongboer Finaliste Vir 2025 vir Toyota SA/Agri SA Nasionale Jongboer van die Jaar Aangewys

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Nege Jongboer Finaliste Vir 2025 vir Toyota SA/Agri SA Nasionale Jongboer van die Jaar Aangewys

Die opwinding in die landbou-gemeenskap bereik ‘n hoogtepunt noudat al nege provinsiale wenners aangewys is om mee te ding in die Toyota SA/Agri SA Nasionale Jongboer van die Jaar 2025-kompetisie. Hierdie elite-groep jong leiers sal mekaar op 26 November 2025 in Gauteng aandurf vir die gesogte nasionale titel.

Vanjaar se finaliste is ‘n bewys dat Suid-Afrika se jong boere nie net innoverend is nie, maar ook uit die mees diverse en gespesialiseerde sektore kom. Die lys van kandidate demonstreer die volle omvang van Suid-Afrikaanse landbou. Limpopo se Marko Grobler is die ware baanbreker. Hy fokus op volhoubare bewaring deur die wettige teling en uitvoer van African Grey-pappegaaie, benewens groente en saadmielies. Die pluimveebedryf se vaandel word gedra deur Gerrit Maritz (met sy vrou, Mignon) van Gauteng, wat uitblink met sy Brandvlei Chickens naby Tarlton.

Uit die vrugtesektor is dit Francois Rossouw (tafeldruiwe) in die Wes-Kaap en André Kritzinger (kern- en steenvrugte) in die Oos-Kaap, wat ook met stoetbeeste boer. Die Vrystaat se Tienie Prinsloo kombineer pekannneute en ‘n Beefmaster-stoet.

Die veebedryf word sterk verteenwoordig oor die provinsies heen: Hendy-Hein Mathews van Mpumalanga fokus op holistiese bestuur van Boran-beeste en skape. Die Noord-Kaap se Stephan Becker (Upington) boer met volhoubare herlewingsboerdery met skape. In Noordwes is dit William Harvey van Agri Tlakgameng, ‘n produsent van vee en droëlandgewasse. KwaZulu-Natal se Dale Hutton is ‘n data-gedrewe suiwelboer.

Die 2024 Nasionale Wenner, Dwayne Kaschula, ‘n boer van Nqanqarhu (Maclear) in die Oos-Kaap, het die beoordelaars beïndruk met sy gediversifiseerde boerdery wat gewasse, eierproduksie, wild en vee ingesluit het.

Met produsente wat wissel van gespesialiseerde bewaringsboere tot grootskaalse vee-, vrugte- en gewasboere, beloof die 2025-kompetisie om ‘n ewe straffe stryd te wees. Hierdie nege jong leiers is onteenseglik gereed om die toekoms van Suid-Afrikaanse landbou te vorm.

Jong landbou-entoesias kry kans om sy droom te volg met Agri Skills-beurs

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Jong landbou-entoesias kry kans om sy droom te volg met Agri Skills-beurs

’n Groot oomblik vir landbou en onderwys het Maandag, 13 Oktober plaasgevind by die Martin Oosthuizen-skool in Kakamas, waar die Agri Skills-beurs amptelik aan Etienne Swart oorhandig is. Die oorhandiging is gedoen deur Bennie van Zyl, hoofbestuurder van TLU SA, en Johan Kruger van Agri Skills Transfer tydens die skool se saalopening.

Etienne, ’n entoesiastiese Graad 12-leerling met ’n duidelike roeping in landbou, is gekies as die ontvanger van hierdie waardevolle beurs wat verblyf, studies en lewenskoste insluit. Hy sal in 2026 sy landboudiploma begin studeer by Agri Skills Transfer, ’n instelling wat daarop gemik is om jong mense prakties en teoreties toe te rus vir die landbousektor.

Jong talent kry die kans om te blom

Die Agriskills-beurskompetisie, aangebied deur Agri Skills Transfer in samewerking met TLU SA, is ’n inisiatief wat daarop fokus om jong talent in landbou te bevorder. Dit bied Graad 12-leerlinge die geleentheid om hul passie, visie en toewyding tot landbou te wys deur middel van ’n motiveringsbrief, ’n kort selfoonvideo en ’n meningstuk oor hul visie vir die toekoms van landbou.

“TLU SA glo dat die toekoms van landbou in die hande van ons jeug lê,” sê Bennie van Zyl, hoofbestuurder van TLU SA. “Ons is trots om saam met Agri Skills jong mense soos Etienne te ondersteun wat ’n werklike liefde vir landbou toon. Hierdie belegging is nie net in een jongman nie, maar in die volhoubare toekoms van landbou in Suid-Afrika.”

Met projekte soos hierdie wil TLU SA jongmense aanmoedig om ’n loopbaan in landbou te oorweeg en trots te wees op hul bydrae tot voedselproduksie en gemeenskapsontwikkeling.

KWV Secures Top Veritas Trophy as South African Wines and Brandies Shine

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KWV Secures Top Veritas Trophy as South African Wines and Brandies Shine

The 35th annual Veritas Awards, widely hailed as the “Oscars” of the wine industry, lit up the Cape Town International Convention Centre Ballroom with a glittering gala attended by 550 guests. The evening delivered everything from exquisite food and top-notch entertainment to South Africa’s most celebrated wines and brandies.

KWV Clinches the Top Trophy – Again

The evening’s highest accolade, the Duimpie Bayly Vertex Trophy, went to KWV’s The Mentors Perold 2022, a masterful Cape Blend of Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. The award was proudly received by Izéle van Blerk, Senior Red Winemaker at KWV, on behalf of the cellar and her winemaking colleagues.

This triumph marks KWV’s second consecutive Vertex victory and its third since 2020, a rare achievement that highlights the producer’s ongoing dominance. KWV also claimed the title of Best Wine Producer, sweeping up eight Double Gold medals and 13 Golds across its portfolio.

KWV

Strong Performances from Graham Beck and Cederberg

Robertson-based Graham Beck Wines emerged as the Best Achiever in the class for ten wines or less, with four Double Golds and a Gold. Their celebrated Cap Classiques — including the Blanc de Blancs 2019 and Cuvée Clive 2019 — impressed the judges.

Cederberg Wines also excelled, winning four Double Golds and a Gold for its Ghost Corner range, notably Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Nederburg, Perdeberg, and Spier each secured three Double Golds, while a host of others, including Diemersdal, Kleine Zalze, and Beyerskloof, earned two apiece.

Brandy Excellence Shines Through

South Africa’s celebrated brandies also took centre stage. KWV once again led the category, winning two Double Golds for its 12-Year Potstill Brandy and 15-Year Alambic Blend, along with six Golds.

Backsberg Estate followed closely, clinching two Double Golds for its prestigious Sydney Back 25-Year Limited Release and 15-Year Special Release. Other highlights included Van Ryn’s 20-Year Single Potstill Brandy and Simonsig’s XXO Cape Brandy, both earning Double Gold. These results reaffirm South Africa’s position as a world leader in fine brandy production.

Honouring Legends of the Industry

The Veritas tradition of recognising pioneers continued, with three icons receiving the Living Legend Scroll of Honour: Charles Back (Fairview), Michael Back (Backsberg), and Johan Malan (Simonsig). Their leadership and innovation have helped shape the country’s wine and brandy industries over decades.

Making Fine Wines Accessible

To connect award-winning producers directly with consumers, the VinoVeritas online platform allows buyers to order any of the 270 Double Gold and Gold winners for home delivery. In addition, public tastings sponsored by Deloitte will be held in Cape Town (23 October), Durban (28 October), and Johannesburg (5 November).

A Showcase of Excellence

With over 1 200 entries judged by 88 local and international experts, the 35th Veritas Awards underscored the richness of South African wine and brandy. From KWV’s commanding repeat victory to the standout performances of Graham Beck, Cederberg, and Backsberg, this year’s edition was a glittering celebration of craftsmanship, legacy, and innovation.

Pinotage at 100: Absa Top 10 Awards Honour a Century of SA’s’s Homegrown Grape

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Pinotage at 100: Absa Top 10 Awards Honour a Century of SA’s’s Homegrown Grape

In this landmark year marking the centenary of Pinotage, the Pinotage Association, together with long-standing partner Absa, proudly unveiled the winners of the 2025 Absa Top 10 Pinotage Competition at Meerendal Wine Estate. The charismatic Johan Badenhorst from Voetspore was the master of ceremonies. Jak De Priester and die Kaapse Lawaaimakers entertained the audience, filling the room with a typical South African jovial atmosphere.

This year’s competition drew 120 entries from 68 producers nationwide, reflecting the enduring pride and innovation that continues to shape South Africa’s signature grape. The judges selected an exceptional Top 20, from which the Absa Top 10 have now been named.

The 2025 Absa Top 10 Winners

  • Bruce Jack Wines – Heritage Flag of Truce Pinotage 2022
  • Warwick Wine Estate – The Black Lady Pinotage, 2023
  • Alvi’s Drift Wines International – Verreaux Pinotage, 2023
  • Simonsig Wines – Redhill Pinotage, 2022
  • Beyerskloof Wines – Diesel Pinotage, 2021
  • Flagstone Wynkelder – Writer’s Block Pinotage, 2022
  • KWV – The Mentors Pinotage, 2022
  • Le Grand Domaine – Grand Vin de Stellenbosch Pinotage, 2022
  • Wellington Wines – Duke Pinotage, 2024
  • Diemersdal Wine Estate – The Journal Pinotage, 2022

Each of these winners received the newly minted gold-plated Pinotage Medallion, which they personally overstruck with the engraved “engel piepie.” In addition, a 1kg Silver Medallion, containing actual Grand Pinotage wine, was unveiled — a unique piece designed to embody the aging potential and timeless quality of the Pinotage wines being made today.

A world first.  The 2025 Pinotage Pure Silver 1 kilogram medallion is the first medallion that literally holds wine in a glass as part of the medallion. Pinotage has stood the test of time, and now it has been captured in this exquisite rarity. Only 100 pieces will be created worldwide as part of the Pinotage Centenary Heritage. This treasure was created as part of the Pinotage Centenary celebration and developed by our very own Mint in Cape Town: The Cape Mint. This precious metal series consists of silver and gold 1 oz medallions and now minted in a kilogram of silver.

Pinotage

Similar to the Pinotage cultivar developed over a period of time – these timeless medallions capture the history and spirit of Pinotage , not only in the content and imagery, but now also by preserving actual Pinotage for generations to come. We can all be proud that  this  is another international first for South Africa and our wine industry.

Runners-Up: Completing the 2025 Top 20

  • Beeslaar Wines – Pinotage 2021
  • Diemersdal Wine Estate – The Journal Pinotage 2023
  • Flagstone Wynkelder – Truth Tree Pinotage 2022
  • Glen Carlou Vineyards – The Glen Carlou Collection Pinotage 2023
  • Kanonkop Wine Estate – Estate Pinotage 2016
  • Klawer Wynkelders – Villa Esposto Pinotage 2023
  • KWV – Cathedral Cellar Pinotage 2022
  • Leopards Leap Family Vineyards – Special Edition Pinotage 2023
  • Stellenbosch Hills – Bushvine Pinotage 2022
  • Windmeul Kelder – Reserve Pinotage 2022

Each runner up received a silver pinotage medallion.

A Century of Pinotage

The celebrations this year carry particular weight, as it has been 100 years since Professor Abraham Izak Perold developed Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsaut). Appointed in 1917 as the first Professor of Viticulture at the University of Stellenbosch and later its first Dean of Agriculture, Perold planted the very first seedlings at Welgevallen. Nearly lost when he joined KWV in Paarl in 1928, those vines were saved by Dr. Charlie Niehaus and entrusted to Professor Chris Theron at Elsenburg, who multiplied and selected them. Together, Perold and Theron chose the name “Pinotage,” now inseparable from South Africa’s winemaking identity.

One hundred years later, Pinotage has become more than an experiment in crossing grape varieties, it has grown into a pillar of South African heritage and a symbol of innovation with global recognition. The results of the 2025 competition show how producers with decades of experience stand proudly alongside newer names, all contributing to a vibrant future for the cultivar.

A Positive Future

Reflecting on this centenary milestone, Beyers Truter, Chairman of the Pinotage Association, commented: “Pinotage is no longer the underdog. It is a grape that has proven its place in the world, and its future is brighter than ever. The wines we celebrate today — powerful, elegant, and age-worthy — are proof of the extraordinary potential Pinotage still holds for the next 100 years.”

So many legends of the wine industry dedicated their lives to building the success story of Pinotage.They sacrificed more than we may ever truly know. Their work paved the way for today’s custodians, who continue to protect that legacy and inspire the next generation of legends and history makers. Pinotage is a uniquely South African success story. Just as sport unites us, agriculture is the heartbeat of our heritage. Together, we must ensure that South Africa’s jewels in the crown shine brighter than ever. This is how we honour our past, celebrate our present, and pursue our future.

Consistency and Rising Talent

Since the competition’s inception in 1997, producers such as Kanonkop (22 Top 20 appearances), Beyerskloof (21), Diemersdal (19), Windmeul (16), Wellington (15), Simonsig (12), Flagstone (12), and KWV (10) have built enviable track records. At the same time, newer names like Bruce Jack Wines, Warwick, Le Grand Domaine, and Leopards Leap signal a new era of Pinotage producers, reinforcing the cultivar’s evolution and enduring appeal.

“Congratulations to the winners and runners up of this years Absa Top 10 Pinotage awards, you have a responsibility to help develop the next generation of winemakers, and those entrepreneurs in your industry”, said Stonie Steenkamp Absa Executive.

As Pinotage enters its second century, the 2025 Absa Top 10 embodies both tradition and renewal, a true celebration of a grape that is as deeply rooted in history as it is poised for the future.

Precision Breeding and Climate-Resilience: De-Risking Future Avocado Production

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Precision Breeding and Climate-Resilience: De-Risking Future Avocado Production

Avocado production is entering a new era shaped by science, consumer demand, and the urgent realities of climate change. At its 50-hectare research and development hub in Tzaneen — the world’s largest privately funded subtropical fruit research facility—Westfalia Fruit is pioneering a program to future-proof the crop. The initiative focuses on breeding the next generation of avocados: cultivars that not only deliver higher yields but also withstand pests, diseases, water scarcity, and rising global temperatures. By combining cutting-edge genomic tools, precision breeding, and consumer insight, Westfalia is reshaping how the avocado industry prepares for the future.

Global Genetic Foundation

At the heart of this effort is Westfalia’s unique genetic library—an orchard containing up to three trees each of more than 140 avocado varieties sourced globally. This extraordinary diversity forms the foundation for adaptability and resilience.

From these “parent” varieties, researchers have raised more than 7,000 unique seedlings—affectionately called “babies” by the team. Each is closely monitored for traits such as yield potential, flavour, disease resistance, and resilience to climate stress. Nearly 100 have already been identified as strong candidates for commercial release and are now undergoing long-term evaluation.

Accelerating Cultivar Development

Traditionally, avocado breeding spanned decades, as breeders waited years for trees to bear fruit before traits could be assessed. Westfalia is breaking this cycle by pioneering precision breeding methods in avocados—a first for the industry.

Using DNA markers and AI-driven analysis, scientists can now profile seedlings early and predict their performance before the trees mature. This dramatically reduces timelines while increasing accuracy. Many seedlings are already producing fruits with novel traits: unusual shapes, vibrant skin colours, unusually sweet flavours, and even football-sized avocados. “The possibilities are almost endless, creating choice for customers and consumers,” notes Matthew Churchill, Global Brand Manager at Westfalia Fruit.

A Consumer-Driven Future

For the first time, avocado varietal development is being guided directly by consumer and customer insight. Westfalia is working with retailers and foodservice partners to tailor varieties to market preferences—reversing the traditional model of breeding first and marketing later. “It’s about closing the gap between R&D and real-world needs to grow the market,” Churchill adds.

Cultivars for a Resilient Future

Beyond consumer preference, the program addresses the biggest threats to global production: climate change, disease pressure, and water scarcity. Westfalia’s long-standing Avocado Research Programme (ARP), founded in 2008 with the Hans Merensky Foundation and the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), strengthens the breeding effort by targeting pathogens such as Phytophthora cinnamomi, the devastating root rot fungus. Insights from ARP ensure that new cultivars are rigorously tested against industry’s toughest challenges.

Securing Tomorrow’s Harvests

Westfalia’s Tzaneen research hub represents a critical investment in the stability of global avocado supply. By integrating its 140-variety genetic library with precision science and consumer insight, the company is creating resilient cultivars that meet both grower needs and market demand. With nearly 100 potential varieties under advanced evaluation, Westfalia is delivering a future in which avocado production is more productive, sustainable, and secure—for farmers, retailers, and consumers alike.

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