Good news came this week by way of the 2025 Trophy Wine Show, brought to you by Investec, where Stellenbosch wines again came to the fore. Amid big-picture shifts – think rising input costs, shifting demographics and competition from the likes of alcopops and cannabis – South African producers are quietly doing what they do best: crafting exceptional wines that speak of place, passion and pedigree.
This year’s show reaffirmed what many wine lovers already know: Stellenbosch continues to set the gold standard. From Zevenwacht’s winemaker Hagen Viljoen, who walked away with the inaugural Investec Champion Winemaker of the Year trophy, to Stellenzicht’s Arenite Syrah 2023, which snagged Best Red Wine Overall, the region is proving that tradition and innovation can sit comfortably in the same glass.
In total, 650 wines were judged – and while 40 took home golds, it’s the broader story they tell that’s most compelling. These are wines that hold their own in blind tastings judged by international experts, including the likes of Jancis Robinson MW OBE and France’s Michel Bettane. They are chosen for their quality alone – labels hidden, reputations set aside – ensuring that a Trophy Wine Show medal remains one of the most meaningful accolades in the business.
Of course, accolades are nice, but what really matters is what’s in the glass. And with standout performances from Stellenbosch stalwarts like Delaire Graff Estate (Banghoek Chardonnay 2023) and Boschendal (Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021), there’s plenty for wine lovers to explore. If you’ve yet to dip into this year’s winners, Port2Port has made it easy, with medal-winning bottles flying off the virtual shelves within days of the results being announced.
With Investec’s ongoing support, the Trophy Wine Show continues to not only elevate South Africa’s wine profile but also highlight the talent and dedication of its winemakers. And in a world that increasingly values sustainability, it’s encouraging to see awards for organic wines (congrats to Stark-Condé) and a renewed focus on eco-friendly packaging.
For those who love Stellenbosch and its wines, there’s a quiet sense of pride in knowing that amidst global change, the region remains rooted in excellence, continually raising a glass to the future while never forgetting where it all began.
The Results
Trophy Winners
Investec Trophy for South Africa’s Champion Winemaker of the Year
Hagen Viljoen of Zevenwacht Wine Estate
Business Day Trophy for Best Shiraz
Investec International Judges’ Trophy (joint winner)
Investec Trophy for Best Red Wine Overall
Stellenzicht Arenite Syrah 2023
Trophy for Best Chardonnay
Vinolok Trophy for Best Premium Wine
Investec Trophy for Best White Wine Overall
Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Chardonnay 2023
Harold Eedes Trophy for Best Chenin Blanc
Rosa Kruger Trophy for Best Old Vine Wine
Zevenwacht Z Collection Chenin Blanc 2024
Financial Mail Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Blend
Investec Trophy for Discovery of the Show – Best Value Gold Medallist
Cilmor Winemaker’s Selection Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2024
Investec Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon
Boschendal Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Investec Trophy for Best Organic Wine
Stark-Condé Three Pines Syrah 2022
Investec Trophy for Best Rhône-Style Red Blend
Zevenwacht The Tin Mine Syrah Mourvèdre 2022
Trophy for Best Pinotage
Bellingham The Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage 2022
Investec International Judges’ Trophy (joint winner)
Groot Phesantekraal Syrah 2023
Sunday Times Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc
Diemersdal The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Investec Trophy for Best Merlot
Groote Post Merlot 2022
Investec Trophy for Best Niche White
De Krans Tritonia Verdelho 2023 Riedel
Trophy for Best Bordeaux-Style Red Blend
Grand Plaisir Red 2020
Investec Trophy for Best Semillon
Constantia Uitsig Semillon 2024
Sowetan Trophy for Best Cap Classique
Laborie Blanc de Blancs 2019
Trophy for Best Unfortified Dessert Wine
Buitenverwachting 1769 Noble Late Harvest 2022
Tony Mossop Trophy for Best Cape Port
Delaire Graff Cape Vintage 2022
Trophy for Best Museum Class Chenin Blanc
Stellenrust 51 Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2015
Trophy for Best Museum Class Sauvignon Blanc
Buitenverwachting Sauvignon Blanc Constantia 2017
Trophy for Best Museum Class Chardonnay
Journey’s End Destination Chardonnay 2016
Trophy for Best Museum Class Niche White
The Foundry Roussanne 2015
Trophy for Best Museum Class Cap Classique
JC Le Roux Scintilla 2015
Trophy for Best Museum Class Dessert Wine
Trophy for Best Museum Class Wine Overall
Nederburg Private Bin Eminence 2009 (Noble Late Harvest / Botrytis)
Gold Medal Winners
Bonnievale Limited Release Red Muscadel 2024 (Fortified Red Muscat)
Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2022 (Port Style)
Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2021 (Port Style)
Cilmor Winemaker’s Selection Chenin Blanc 2024
De Grendel Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2024
Diemersdal Private Collection 2018 (Bordeaux-Style Red Blend)
Du Toitskloof Hanepoot Jerepigo 2021 (Fortified White Muscat)
Durbanville Hills The Tangram White Blend 2023 (Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Blend)
Graham Beck Artisan Collection Pinot Meunier 2022 (Cap Classique)
Groot Phesantekraal Syrah 2023
Groote Post Seasalter Sauvignon Blanc 202 (Unwooded)
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Syrah 2021
Leeuwenkuil Reserve Chenin Blanc 2024strong>
Saronsberg Full Circle 2022 (Rhône-Style Red Blend)
Stellenzicht Tristone Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Survivor Chenin Blanc 2024
Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay 2022
Zevenwacht Estate Syrah 2022
Explore all the winners at trophywineshow.co.za