The 2025 edition of Tim Atkin MW’s South Africa Special Report, produced in partnership with Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth, will, for the first time in 13 years, announce a shortlist for five of its major awards. Winners will be revealed alongside the country’s top-scoring wines on 2 September.
Atkin says the move recognises the depth of skill and collaboration in South Africa’s wine sector, which continues to excel despite structural, economic, climatic and geopolitical challenges. “It’s an opportune moment to acknowledge the breadth of talent underpinning the sector,” he explains, noting the strong interconnection between grape growers and winemakers across the Cape.
Rising Stars
The Rising Star category highlights individuals combining vineyard knowledge with innovative winemaking. Stellenbosch’s Angus Paul, trained under Chris and Andrea Mullineux and Johan Reyneke, focuses on Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and Cinsault — varieties intrinsic to South African viticulture. Duncan Stuart, at Kloovenburg Wine & Olives in the Swartland since 2021, champions Mediterranean grapes like Garnacha Peluda, capitalising on the region’s soils and climate. Banele Vakele of Savage Wines and his own Tembela Wines label works exclusively with organically grown fruit, integrating sustainability with premium production. Megan van der Merwe of Beau Constantia manages both vineyard and cellar, optimising farm output while modernising consumer engagement.
Young Winemaker of the Year
This category recognises winemakers with proven vineyard-to-bottle expertise early in their careers. Stuart Botha of Tokara, formerly of Eagles’ Nest, has shown versatility with both whites and reds, including the icon Telos. Jolandie Fouché, who left Kloovenburg to run her Wolf & Woman Wines, focuses on Chenin Blanc and Pinotage sourced from top sites. Franco “Poenie” Lourens of Lourens Family Wines works without added yeast, acid or enzymes, sourcing from Swartland, Stellenbosch and Piekenierskloof. Emul Ross, at Hamilton Russell Vineyards since 2015, is a Cape Winemakers Guild member renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and also crafts Tesselaarsdal wines.
Winemaker of the Year
All four nominees are Cape Winemakers Guild members with strong vineyard ties. Richard Kershaw (Elgin) produces site-specific Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah from clonally selected vines. Miles Mossop, formerly of Tokara, sources across the Western Cape for his Bordeaux blends and consults for The High Road. Gordon Newton Johnson (Upper Hemel-en-Aarde) and his co-winemaker wife Nadia are celebrated for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Albariño. Donovan Rall restores neglected vineyards in partnership with local growers, excelling in Syrah, Chenin, Cinsault and white blends.
Viticulturist of the Year
This award focuses on those ensuring long-term vineyard health. Fritz Breytenbach (Robertson) has farmed for over 60 years, pioneering regenerative agriculture. Danie Carinus (Stellenbosch) produces under the Carinus Family Vineyards label while supplying leading winemakers. Willem Joubert (Hartenburg Estate) employs cover crops and livestock grazing, with EOV certification for ecological outcomes. Nico Walters (Quoin Rock) has revitalised Stellenbosch vineyards and manages old-vine sites, adding Cape Agulhas land to production.
Best Cellar Door Experience
While tourism is a secondary focus in an agricultural context, the shortlisted farms — Gabriëlskloof (Bot River), Jordan Wine Estate (Stellenbosch Kloof), Steenberg Vineyards (Constantia), and Vondeling (Voor Paardeberg) — demonstrate how direct-to-consumer engagement supports farm sustainability.
Building South Africa’s Wine Legacy
This year’s shortlist underscores how viticulture and winemaking excellence are inseparable. From regenerative pioneers to young talents shaping the future, each nominee strengthens the agricultural foundation of South Africa’s wine economy. As the winners are announced on 2 September, the industry will not only celebrate fine wines but also the farmers and vineyard managers whose work sustains one of the country’s most valuable agricultural exports.