South African winemaking continues its ascent on the world stage with Stellenbosch’s Kanonkop Estate securing a spot on Drinks International’s prestigious list of the 50 Most Admired Wine Brands in the World. Ranked 24th this year, Kanonkop not only reaffirmed its place among global winemaking icons but also claimed the title of the most admired wine brand in Africa and the Middle East.
Drinks International’s annual ranking is regarded as one of the wine industry’s most authoritative accolades, determined by a panel of 100 independent experts, including sommeliers, buyers, wholesalers, Masters of Wine, and influential wine writers. This marks the fifth time Kanonkop has been featured in this distinguished list—a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence.
For Johann Krige, co-owner of Kanonkop, the recognition is both an honour and a privilege. “To be acknowledged by a panel of global wine experts, who are selecting from the very best wineries across France, Italy, Spain, the US, and Australia, is an incredible honour,” says Krige. “And the privilege? Seeing Kanonkop stand alongside legendary names like Château Margaux, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Vega Sicilia, Torres, and Penfolds.”
This latest accolade follows just two years after Kanonkop celebrated its 50th anniversary as a wine brand. Since the estate’s first bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage from the 1973 vintage, it has become a South African benchmark, accumulating numerous international awards—including four wins for Best Winemaker in the World at the International Wine and Spirits Competition.
Krige attributes Kanonkop’s success to an unwavering focus on quality and a commitment to time-honoured winemaking traditions. “Our Simonsberg terroir is the foundation of everything we do,” he explains. “By dedicating ourselves exclusively to red varieties best suited to our soils and climate, and practising precision viticulture, we make the most of the land we’ve been entrusted with. In the cellar, we remain true to our heritage, fermenting in open-top concrete tanks with manual punch-downs and maturing our wines in the finest oak barrels. Even with our track record of success, we continue to push ourselves to refine and elevate our craft.”
Despite the accolades, Krige insists that Kanonkop has never sought recognition or awards. “Our focus has always been on making the best wine possible and staying true to the heritage and values that define Kanonkop,” he says.
Another key ingredient to Kanonkop’s global success is the strong relationships the estate has cultivated with its international network of distributors, agents, and customers. “We export to over 70 countries worldwide, and our story resonates beyond just the wine itself,” says Krige. “It’s about inviting our customers into the very soul of Kanonkop—sharing the unique terroir, the passion behind each vintage, and the authenticity that defines our brand. This deep connection is as integral to our success as the wines we produce.”
