Stellenbosch estates once again emerged with top honours at the 14th Shiraz SA Challenge. Eighteen winners were awarded in the three categories with Spier pocketing two awards and Stellenrust being recognised for their work in sustainability, excellence, innovation, creativity and social responsibility.
2026 Top 12 Shiraz (in alphabetical order)
- Cederberg Teen die Hoog Shiraz 2023
- De Grendel op die Berg Syrah 2024
- Driehoek Syrah 2023
- Fairview Cyril Back 2023
- Groot Phesantekraal Syrah 2024
- Rickety Bridge Foundation Stone Shiraz 2025
- Riebeek Raar Shiraz Carbonic Maceration 2025
- Rooiberg Shiraz Reserve 2023
- Rust & Vrede Estate Vineyards Syrah 2022
- Spier Seaward Shiraz 2024
- Stellenbosch Hills Shiraz 2024
- Windmeul Shiraz 2023
2026 Shiraz Blends
- Black Elephant Vintners Free Bird Bush Vines Red 2024
- Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Joseph’s Legacy 2024
- Quoin Rock Simonsberg Blend 2023
- Spier Creative Block 3 2022
- Zevenwacht Tin Mine Red 2023
2026 Shiraz Rosé Winner
- Benguela Cove Lighthouse Rosé 2026
2026 Bernard Podlashuk Shiraz Trophy and Prize
The Bernard Podlashuk Shiraz Trophy and Prize for producers with a focus on sustainability, excellence, innovation, creativity and social responsibility, was presented to Stellenrust Wine Estate with Journey’s End and Lomond Wine Estate the runner-up finalists.
The panel consisted of Francois Haasbroek (Chairman), Dr Etienne Terblanche (Vinpro) and Prof Jako Volschenk (Stellenbosch University Business School).
Judging
The panel, chaired by La Motte’s cellar master Edmund Terblanche, judged the entries over four days and was assisted by Elzette du Preez, Denzel Swarts (Zoetendal), Samarie Smith-Meletiou and Bertho van der Westhuizen (Alto Estate).
“The single variety Shiraz/Syrah category is where South Africa is really making a statement,” Terblanche said. “Wines were beautifully integrated, handled with a lighter touch of oak and by the final round, the top 30 wines were so close in quality, it really put our tasting abilities to the test!” he added.
“The category for blends was particularly enjoyable; the wines offered a wide spectrum of flavours, combining generosity with harmony” Terblanche said.
He added that although the number of rosé entries were few, they were all young and fresh, displaying the new trend of light salmon and onion skin colour that reflect a dry clinical style.
“The Shiraz SA Challenge continues to raise the bar for South African wine,” concluded Terblanche. “Each year brings new stories, new expressions, and above all, an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Winning Wine Packs
Wine enthusiasts have the opportunity to acquire curated 12- and 6-bottle packs featuring this year’s Top 12 Shiraz winners, with the five winning blends and one rosé presented in a 6-bottle pack by sending an email to: pieterb@fortheloveofwine.co.za.
Shiraz Day
SA National Shiraz Day will be celebrated on Friday 21 August, which also marks the start of Seven Days of Celebrating Shiraz. Participating wineries and restaurants present various programs and events to attract wine lovers to celebrate this noble cultivar.