Stellenbosch had another good run at the newly released Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide 2026. The 46th edition showcases more than 900 producers and over 8,000 wines — and amidst this immense national talent, Stellenbosch’s winemakers again stepped to the fore.
Five-Star Triumphs Across Varieties
Stellenbosch’s producers earned an impressive spread of Five Star ratings, the guide’s benchmark for excellence (95 points or more). Several estates shone across multiple categories:
Tokara celebrated a double triumph with:
• Tokara Limited Release Pinotage 2023 (Five Star and Pinotage Wine of the Year), and;
• Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2022 and Tokara Reserve Chardonnay 2024 also earning Five Stars.
Oldenburg Vineyards delivered standout performances with:
• Oldenburg Per Se Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, crowned Cabernet Sauvignon Wine of the Year, plus;
• Five Stars for Oldenburg 8th Element 2022 and Oldenburg Una V Chardonnay 2024.
Crystallum, though based in the Overberg, continues to have a strong Stellenbosch presence and thrilled the industry with a trio of Five Star Pinot Noirs — Mabalel 2024 (also Pinot Noir Wine of the Year), Cuvée Cinéma 2024, and Peter Max 2024.
Jordan, Stellenrust, Warwick, Zorgvliet, Delaire Graff, Lanzerac, Kaapzicht, Meerlust, and Taaibosch added heavy-hitting performances across Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Bordeaux-style blends.
In the white wine categories, Stellenbosch estates shone with superb Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc releases:
- Paul Clüver, Bartinney, Stellenrust, Thelema, Kleine Zalze, Lourensford, Quoin Rock, Neil Ellis, and Terra Loci all walked away with Five Star Chardonnays.
- Chenin Blanc excellence continued with Five Stars for Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo 2024, Stellenrust Old Bushvine Secrets & Lies 2024, Jordan Timepiece 2024, Miles Mossop Stellenbosch 2024, and David & Nadia, Sadie Family Wines, and Scions of Sinai, whose fruit is often sourced from Stellenbosch’s old vine parcels.
Bordeaux-Style Brilliance
Stellenbosch producers dominated the Cape Bordeaux Blend Five Star category, reaffirming the region’s strength in classic, structured reds. Among the standouts:
- Meerlust Rubicon 2023
- Vergelegen Estate Red 2022 and Vergelegen V 2021
- Ernie Els Signature 2022
- Glenelly Lady May 2020
- Zorgvliet Richelle 2021
- Alto MPHS 2021
These wines show why Stellenbosch continues to lead in refined, age-worthy blends that rival international benchmarks.
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon Excellence
Stellenbosch’s cool pockets and maritime influence produced a clutch of exceptional Five Star Sauvignon Blancs, including:
- Diemersdal The Journal 2024
- Diemersdal Winter Ferment 2025
- Miles Mossop Stellenbosch 2024
- Warwick Professor Black 2025
Meanwhile, Wildeberg White 2023 — though made in Franschhoek, uses Stellenbosch fruit — was named Semillon Wine of the Year.
Winery of the Year
While the overall Top Performing Winery of the Year went to Durbanville producer Diemersdal Estate, Editors Choice winner Alheit Vineyards (pictured) also enjoy a strong Stellenbosch connection, sourcing fruit from the Polkadraai and Bottelary Hills – reinforcing the region’s importance in shaping South Africa’s finest wines.
Stellenbosch Producers Among Wines of the Year
Several Stellenbosch-based wines claimed the coveted Wine of the Year titles in their respective categories:
- Oldenburg Per Se 2022 — Cabernet Sauvignon Wine of the Year
- Tokara Limited Release Pinotage 2023 — Pinotage Wine of the Year
- Crystallum Mabalel 2024 — Pinot Noir Wine of the Year
- Crystallum Clay Shales 2024 — Chardonnay Wine of the Year
- Constantia Glen Five 2022 — whose Bordeaux blend heritage ties strongly with Stellenbosch’s style and consumer base
These achievements highlight the enduring power of Stellenbosch terroir: granitic slopes, cool peaks, maritime breezes, and decades of viticultural excellence.
A Vintage Year for the Winelands
Across reds, whites, blends, Cap Classique, and sweet wines, Stellenbosch picked up 316 Five Star Wines. From historic family farms to innovative newcomers, the region continues to produce wines of remarkable character and international appeal.
The 2026 Platter’s Guide not only celebrates South Africa’s extraordinary wine diversity—it reaffirms Stellenbosch’s unique position in the industry.
Wine of the Year 2026
Cabernet Franc
- Raats Vlag 2023
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Oldenburg Per Se 2022
Carignan
- Torero The Suit of Lights 2024
Cinsault Noir
- Bosman Family Twyfeling 2024
Grenache Noir
- De Kleine Wijn Hoendertande 2023
Malbec
- Paul Wallace Black Dog 2021
Merlot
- Fleur du Cap Series Privée Unfiltered 2022
Petit Verdot
- KWV The Mentors 2022
Pinotage
- Tokara Limited Release 2023
Pinot Noir
- Crystallum Mabalel 2024
Shiraz/Syrah
- Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2022
Red Blends, Cape Bordeaux
- Constantia Glen Five 2022
Red Blends, With Pinotage
- Bellingham Pod 2022
Red Blends, Shiraz/Syrah-Based
- Flagstone Velvet Red Blend 2023
Red Blends, Other
- Anysbos Tesame 2023
Chardonnay
- Crystallum Clay Shales 2024
Chenin Blanc
- Botanica Mary Delany 2024
Grenache Blanc
- Scions of Sinai Gramadoelas 2024
Grenache Gris
- Pilgrim 2025
Palomino
- Riebeek Valley RAAR 2024
Riesling
- Saurwein Chi 2024
Roussanne
- De Kleine Wijn Liefling 2024
Sauvignon Blanc
- Strandveld Pofadderbos 2024
Semillon
- Wildeberg White 2023
Semillon Gris
- Terracura Smiley Spesiale 2024
Viognier
- Tamboerskloof 2025
White Blends, Cape Bordeaux
- Steenberg Magna Carta 2023
White Blends, Other
- Mullineux Roundstone White 2024
Cap Classique
- Silverthorn Jewel Box 2019
Late Harvest
- Thelema Vin de Hel Muscat 2024
Natural Sweet
- Stellenrust Chenin d’Muscat 2023
Noble Late Harvest
- Neethlingshof Maria 2025
Vin de Paille/Straw Wine
- Fairview La Beryl Blanc 2024
Dessert Wine, Fortified
- The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co Hanepoot #4 2014
Port-Style
- Niel Joubert Cape Late Bottled Vintage 2004
Sherry-Style
- The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co Pale Dry #9 NV
Five Star Wines 2026
Cabernet Franc:
- Beaumont Ariane 2023
- David Finlayson Camino Africana 2023
- De Meye 2021
- De Trafford 2023
- Gabriëlskloof Landscape 2023
- Holden Manz Reserve 2022
- Kaapzicht 2022
- Niel Joubert Reserve 2022
- Oldenburg 2023
- Raats Eden 2023
- Raats Family Reserve 2023
- Raats Vlag 2023
- Rainbow’s End 2023
- Rainbow’s End Limited Release 2023
- Ridgeback 2022
- Stellenrust Barrel Selection 2022
- Warwick 2022
Cabernet Sauvignon:
- Cederberg Five Generations 2023
- David Finlayson GS 2023
- Delaire Graff Laurence Graff Reserve 2021
- Le Riche 2023
- Le Riche CWG Auction Reserve 2022
- Leeu Passant Stellenbosch 2023
- Miles Mossop Sam 2022
- Oldenburg Per Se 2022
- Rainbow’s End 2023
- Simonsig Labyrinth 2022
- Simonsig The Garland 2021
- Stark-Condé Stellenbosch 2023
- Strydom Rex 2021
- Zorgvliet 2023
Carignan:
- Torero The Suit of Lights 2024
Cinsault Noir:
- Bosman Family Twyfeling 2023
- Bellevue Heritage 2024
Grenache Noir:
- De Kleine Wijn Hoendertande 2023
- Piekenierskloof Carel Van Zyl 2024
- Savage Thief In The Night 2024
Malbec:
- Paul Wallace Black Dog 2021
Merlot:
- Fleur du Cap Privée Unfiltered 2022
Petit Verdot:
- Hidden Valley 2020
- KWV The Mentors 2022
Pinotage:
- Alvi’s Drift Verreaux 2021
- Bellevue Reserve 2022
- Diemersdal Reserve 2024
- Diemersdal The Journal 2023
- KWV The Mentors 2022
- Lanzerac Pionier 2022
- McFarlane Saturday’s Child 2024
- Survivor Reserve 2023
- Tokara Limited Release 2023
- Wellington La Cave 2022
Pinot Noir:
- Bartho Eksteen CWG Auction Fluister 2023
- Bosman Hermanus 2024
- Botanica Mary Delany 2024
- Crystallum Cuvée Cinéma 2024
- Crystallum Mabalel 2024
- Crystallum Peter Max 2024
- Oak Valley PN777 2022
- Paul Clüver Estate 2024
- Paul Clüver Seven Flags 2023
Shiraz/Syrah:
- AA Badenhorst Turksvy Syrah 2024
- Boschkloof Epilogue 2023
- Ernie Els Proprietor’s Syrah 2023
- Fairview Lanner Hill Syrah 2022
- Fairview The Beacon Shiraz 2022
- Flagstone Dark Horse Shiraz 2021
- Joostenberg Klippe Kou Syrah 2023
- Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2022
- Old Road Pepper Wind 2024
- Quoin Rock Shiraz 2021
- Ridgeback Shiraz 2021
- Saga Sons of Sugarland Syrah 2024
- Savage Girl Next Door 2024
- Saxenburg Select Syrah 2021
- Staanspoor Syrah 2023
- Van Wyk Syrah 2023
- Waterkloof Syrah 2023
Red Blends, Cape Bordeaux:
- Alto MPHS 2021
- Anthonij Rupert 2017
- Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar 2023
- Constantia Glen Five 2022
- Delaire Graff The Banghoek 2020
- Diemersdal Private Collection Reserve 2023
- Ernie Els Signature 2022
- Glenelly Lady May 2020
- Hidden Valley Hidden Gems 2022
- Jordan Cobblers Hill 2022
- Keet First Verse 2022
- Meerlust Rubicon 2023
- Mvemve Raats MR de Compostella 2022
- Oldenburg 8th Element 2022
- Spier Frans K. Smit Red 2019
- Taaibosch Crescendo 2021
- Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2022
- Vergelegen Estate Red 2022
- Vergelegen V 2021
- Zonnebloem Lauréat 2022
- Zorgvliet Richelle 2021
Red Blends, With Pinotage:
- Bellingham Pod 2022
- The Vinoneers No. 42 Cape Red Blend 2023
Red Blends, Shiraz/Syrah-Based:
- ArtiSons Eight Pillars 2022
- Black Pearl The Mischief Maker 2024
- Fairview Caldera 2023
- Fairview Cyril Back 2022
- Flagstone Velvet Red Blend 2023
- Ken Forrester Renegade 2022
- Lingen 2023
- Mullineux Roundstone Red 2023
- Rall Red 2023
- Saronsberg Full Circle 2023
- Sijnn Red 2023
- The Bothey Syrah-Grenache 2024
Red Blends, Other:
- Alto La Residence Heritage Blend 2022
- Anysbos Tesame 2023
- Bacco iL Sovrano 2022
- Baleia Calcarea 2021
- Dalla Cia Teano 2023
- Ernie Els CWG Auction Wine 2022
- Hermanuspietersfontein Arnoldus 2021
- Hogan Divergent 2024
- Idun Carmélite 2023
- Klein Graniet Tribute 2021
- Le Sueur Paradoks 2023
- Leeu Passant The Leeu Passant 2022
- Nico van der Merwe Mas Nicolas Stellenbosch 2021
- Stellenzicht Acheulean Red 2019
- Thistle & Weed Nastergal 2023
- Van Wyk Rebecca May 2024
- Villiera The Clan 2021
- Waterford The Jem 2020
Chardonnay:
- Almenkerk 2023
- Atlas Swift Wine of Origin Robertson 2024
- Bartinney Hourglass 2023
- Benguela Cove 2024
- Benguela Cove Vinography 2024
- Capensis Fijnbosch 2021
- Creation The Art Of Chardonnay 2024
- Crystallum Clay Shales 2024
- Crystallum Ferrum 2024
- Crystallum The Agnes 2024
- Delaire Graff Terraced Block 2024
- DeMorgenzon Reserve 2022
- Draaiboek Kinkel 2024
- Draaiboek Onskuld 2024
- GlenWood Grand Duc 2023
- Hartenberg The Eleanor 2023
- Iona Kloof 2023
- Journey’s End Destination 2024
- Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2024
- Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection 2024
- Leeu Passant Radicales Libres 2019
- Leeu Passant Stellenbosch 2023
- Litigo 2024
- Longridge Organic Clos du Ciel 2023
- Lourensford Kleipot 2023
- Neil Ellis Whitehall 2023
- Oak Valley CY548 2022
- Oldenburg Una V 2024
- Paul Clüver Colline du Matin 2024
- Paul Clüver CWG Auction The Wagon Trail 2024
- Paul Wallace Reflection 2024
- Quoin Rock 2022
- Stellenrust Cape Wildling 2024
- Terra Loci Fé 2023
- Tesselaarsdal 2024
- Thelema 2023
- Tokara Reserve 2024
- Whalehaven Seascape 2023
Chenin Blanc:
- AA Badenhorst Grensloos 2023
- Alheit Fire By Night 2024
- Alheit Huilkrans 2024
- Alheit Magnetic North 2024
- Alheit Nautical Dawn 2024
- Angus Paul Fantamtango 2024
- ArtiSons The Mothership 2024
- Axle 2024
- Belle Rebelle Intrepid 2024
- Bellingham Cape Town Old Vine 2024
- Botanica Mary Delany 2024
- Carinus Polkadraai 2024
- Carinus Rooidraai 2024
- David & Nadia Plat’bos 2024
- De Trafford Skin Macerated 2024
- DeMorgenzon Reserve 2023
- Durbanville Hills The Cape Garden 2024
- Fairview Old Vine Project Steen 2024
- Gabriëlskloof Elodie 2024
- Hogan 2024
- JC Wickens Swerwer 2024
- Jordan Timepiece 2024
- Ken Forrester The FMC 2024
- Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2024
- Le Sueur Kluisenaar 2024
- Leeuwenkuil Reserve 2024
- Miles Mossop Stellenbosch 2024
- McFarlane Monday’s Child 2024
- Off The Record 2024
- Old Road Stone Trail 2024
- Opstal Bergsteen 2024
- Opstal Eenvoud 2024
- Paulus Bartàs 2024
- Sadie Mev. Kirsten 2024
- Sadie Skurfberg 2024
- Sakkie Mouton Revenge Of The Crayfish 2024
- Scions of Sinai Granietsteen 2024
- Stark-Condé Monk Stone 2024
- Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo 2024
- Stellenrust Old Bushvine Secrets & Lies 2024
- The Ahrens Family Koffieklip OVC 2023
- The Bothey Harmony 2024
- Wolf & Woman 2024
- Zevenwacht Z-Collection 2024
Grenache Blanc:
- KWV The Mentors 2023
- Scions of Sinai Gramadoelas 2024
- Terra Loci Déjà Vu 2024
Grenache Gris:
- Pilgrim 2025
Palomino:
- Riebeek Valley RAAR 2024
Riesling:
- Saurwein Chi 2024
Roussanne:
- De Kleine Wijn Liefling 2024
Sauvignon Blanc:
- Buitenverwachting Hussey’s Vlei 2024
- Cape Point Reserve 2024
- Constantia Glen 2024
- Diemersdal The Journal 2024
- Diemersdal The Globe 2024
- Diemersdal Winter Ferment 2025
- Klein Constantia Clara 2024
- Klein Constantia Perdeblokke 2024
- Mellish Blanc Fumé 2024
- Miles Mossop Stellenbosch 2024
- Neil Ellis Amica 2022
- Spier 21 Gables 2024
- Strandveld Pofadderbos 2024
- Thorne & Daughters Snakes & Ladders 2024
- Warwick Professor Black 2025
- Zevenwacht Z-Collection 2024
Semillon:
- Alheit Monument 2024
- Catherine Marshall Ode To Arges 2023
- Lokaia Pound Of Flesh 2024
- Sadie Kokerboom 2024
- The Vineyard Party Daisy If You Do 2023
- Thorne & Daughters Paper Kite 2024
- Wildeberg Amphora 2023
- Wildeberg White 2023
Semillon Gris:
- Terracura Smiley Spesiale 2024
Viognier:
- Tamboerskloof 2025
White Blends, Cape Bordeaux:
- Cederberg The Bowline 2024
- Constantia Glen Two 2023
- Durbanville Hills Tangram Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2024
- Journey’s End Ad Infinitum 2023
- Kershaw Cape South Coast Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2023
- Steenberg Magna Carta 2023
- Tokara Director’s Reserve White 2022
- Vergelegen Estate White 2024
- Wade Bales Constantia White 2023
White Blends, Other:
- AA Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein 2023
- Alheit Hemelrand Vine Garden 2024
- Beaumont New Baby 2024
- Boekenhoutskloof Goldmine 2024
- Brookdale Bradbourne 2024
- Cape Collective Epic White 2024
- Cavalli Reserve White 2024
- David & Nadia Aristargos 2024
- Mullineux Roundstone White 2024
- Sadie Palladius 2023
- Sadie Skerpioen 2024
- Sijnn White 2024
- Solms-Delta Amalie 2024
- Stark-Condé The Field Blend 2024
- The Ahrens Family Soutsteen 2023
- Vuurberg White 2024
- Wildeberg Coterie Chenin Blanc-Grenache Blanc 2023
Cap Classique:
- Anthonij Rupert Blanc de Blancs 2021
- Colmant Absolu Blanc de Blancs Zero Dosage NV
- Graham Beck Cuvée Clive 2019
- Graham Beck Cuvée Clive X 2015
- Le Lude Brut Magnum 2015
- Newstead Lund Blanc de Blancs 2018
- Pieter Ferreira Blanc de Blancs 2019
- Silverthorn CWG Auction Mad as the Mist and Snow Brut Nature 2019
- Silverthorn Jewel Box 2019
- The House of JC le Roux Scintilla 2016
- Waterford Blanc de Blancs 2018
Late Harvest:
- Thelema Vin de Hel Muscat 2024
Natural Sweet:
- Buitenverwachting 1769 2023
- Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2022
- Stellenrust Chenin d’Muscat 2023
Noble Late Harvest:
- Boekenhoutskloof 2022
- Nederburg The Winemasters 2024
- Neethlingshof Maria 2025
Vin de Paille/Straw Wine:
- Fairview La Beryl Blanc 2024
- Klawer Villa Esposto 2023
- Savage Not Tonight Josephine 2024
- Mullineux Olerasay 5° NV
Dessert Wine, Fortified:
- Jakkalsvlei Hanepoot 2025
- The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co Hanepoot #4 2014
- Daschbosch Gevonden Hanepoot 2022
Port-Style:
- Niel Joubert Cape Late Bottled Vintage 2004
- De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2023
Sherry-Style:
- The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co Pale Dry #9 NV
- The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co Amontillado #11 NV
Brandy:
- Avante Founders’ Fifteen
- Boplaas Potstill Reserve 20 Years
- Boplaas Potstill Reserve 12 Years
- KWV Centenary
- KWV Nexus
- KWV 20 Year Old
- KWV 15 Year Old Alambic
- KWV 12 Year Old Barrel Select
- KWV 10 Year Old Vintage
- KWV Cellar Reserve XO Potstill
- KWV Signature Release VS
- Tokara XO Potstill
- Van Ryn 20 Year Old Potstill
- Van Ryn 15 Year Old Potstill
- Van Ryn 12 Year Old Potstill
Husk Spirit:
- Dalla Cia 10 Year Old Celebration Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot