Master of Wine Tim Atkin has unveiled his 14th annual South Africa Special Report, offering a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s viticultural landscape. Produced in partnership with Private Clients by Old Mutual, the report evaluates 1,831 wines from more than 350 cellars, highlighting a resilient agricultural sector defined by rapid innovation, heritage preservation, and site-specific farming practices.
Atkin emphasized that the Cape’s grape growers and viticulturists are driving a profound transformation, positioning South African terroir among the world’s most dynamic. With local white varieties reaching historical quality benchmarks and red grape plantings benefiting from targeted, modern management, the report sets an optimistic tone ahead of what Atkin describes as a “historic, once-in-a-generation” 2025 harvest.
Vineyard-Led Excellence: Top Honors for Sadie Family and Alheit
At the top of the 2026 report, the 2024 Sadie Family Columella received a perfect 100-point score to claim Overall Red Wine of the Year. Sourced from drought-hardy, Mediterranean-style bush vines in the Swartland—led by Syrah and Mourvèdre—the wine highlights the strength of site selection and climate-adaptive viticulture.
Overall White Wine of the Year honors went to the 2025 Alheit Vineyards Huilkrans Chenin Blanc, scoring 99 points. Harvested from old, dry-farmed bush vines in the high-altitude Skurfberg mountain region, the wine underscores the value of preserving South Africa’s old vine heritage. Across all evaluated regions, 248 wines earned 95 points or higher.
Honouring Viticultural Leadership and Farming Talent
The report’s annual “Podium” accolades spotlighted key figures who are advancing Cape viticulture from the soil up:
Growers of the Year: Chris Steyn and Cató Rabie of Eendrag Farm in Stellenbosch, recognized for combining traditional viticultural wisdom with modern, scientifically driven vineyard management.
Winemaker of the Year: Hannes Storm (Storm Wines), honored for site-intensive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay farming across the distinct sub-regions of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley.
Young Winemaker of the Year: Jolandie Fouché (Wolf & Woman Wines), celebrated for a vineyard-first, minimal-intervention approach that highlights Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, and Viognier.
Rising Star of the Year: Stefan Johannes (Zwartwater Estate / Lammershoek), who recently began making estate-grown wines from Swartland vines dating back to 1966.
Additional major recognitions were awarded to Samantha O’Keefe of Lismore Estate Vineyards (Winery of the Year) and Cap Classique pioneer Pieter Ferreira (Winemaking Legend).
Pieter Ferreira: Global IWC Lifetime Award Validates Four Decades of Cape Viticulture
Value Driven by Precision Viticulture
The report also demonstrates how precision farming yields exceptional value across commercial volumes. Stellenbosch growers took top honours for accessible quality, with the 2025 Kaapzicht Granite Ridge OVP Chenin Blanc earning Best Value White and the 2024 De Morgenzon DMZ Syrah named Best Value Red. Standout agricultural discoveries included the 2025 Electric Mud Old Bush Vines Grenache from Piekenierskloof.
The full 328-page 2026 report, featuring in-depth analyses of soil types, climate challenges, and vintage profiles, is available for download at timatkin.com.