This year’s Tim Atkin MW 2024 South Africa Report highlights the remarkable quality of Stellenbosch wines, with several producers earning prestigious accolades. The report showcases 13 wines scoring 98, and 19 achieving 97 — the majority of these are Stellenbosch wines.
Thistle & Weed
On the winemaking front, Stephanie Wiid of Thistle & Weed was named Young Winemaker of the Year. Her 2023 Brandnetel Chenin Blanc scored an impressive 96 points.
Winemaking Legend
The crown goes to Günter Brözel, who arrived in South Africa from Germany in 1956 at the age of 21. He was cellarmaster of Nederburg for 33 years, bringing international acclaim to the winery for the rigorous standards he set in the vineyards and cellar, and the many innovations he introduced, including noble late harvest wines. Wines he made during the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s still exhibit remarkable endurance and longevity. In 1985 he was the first locally based winemaker to earn the International Wine & Spirit Robert Mondavi International Winemaker of the Year. Now 90, he remains an active and astute industry commentator.
Terblanche Family Vineyards
One of the top honors for Stellenbosch goes to Terblanche Family Vineyards, whose 2023 Elmie Rosé was awarded Overall Rosé of the Year.
Ernie Els Wines
Ernie Els Wines was celebrated for offering the Best Cellar Door Experience, a testament to Stellenbosch’s reputation for hospitality and excellence.
Villiera Wines
Stellenbosch also featured in the sparkling wine category, with Villiera’s 2016 Pithos Cap Classique named Sparkling Wine Discovery of the Year.
These awards underscore Stellenbosch’s prominence in South Africa’s winemaking scene, with its commitment to quality and innovation evident across a range of categories.
Alheit
Atkin has awarded one wine full marks in his just released South Africa Report. As a single-origin, dry-farmed, old vine Chenin Blanc, the 2023 Alheit Vineyards Nautical Dawn “exemplifies a reflection of place and vintage rather than the imposition of style in the cellar.
THE PODIUM 2024
Winemaker of the Year: Callie Louw of Porseleinberg
Young Winemaker of the Year: Stephanie Wiid of Thistle & Weed
Viticulturist of the Year: Bosman Family Vineyards
Producers’ Cellar of the Year: Perdeberg Wines
Winemaking Legend: Günter Brözel
Best Cellar Door Experience: Ernie Els Wines
Overall White Wine of the Year: 2023 Alheit Vineyards Nautical Dawn Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch
Overall Red Wines of the Year: 2022 Porseleinberg Syrah, Swartland; 2022 Sadie Family Columella, Swartland
Overall Rosé of the Year: 2023 Terblanche Family Vineyards Elmie Rosé, Stellenbosch
Overall Sparkling Wine of the Year: 2018 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive Cap Classique, Western Cape
Overall Sweet Wine of the Year: 2021 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, Constantia
Overall Fortified Wine of the Year: 2022 Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve, Calitzdorp
Red Wine Discovery of the Year: 2021 Fairview Lanner Hill Syrah, Darling
White Wine Discovery of the Year: 2023 Kruger Family Wines Karoo Chardonnay, Sutherland
Rosé Wine Discovery of the Year: NV Vinevenom Shining Rosé No. 2, Swartland
Sparkling Wine Discovery of the Year: 2016 Villiera Pithos CC, Stellenbosch
Best Value White of the Year: 2024 AA Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc, Swartland
Best Value Red of the Year: 2022 Mullineux Kloof Street Rouge, Swartland
Best Value Rosé of the Year: 2023 Noble Hill Mourvèdre Rosé, Simonsberg-Paarl
Best Value Sparkling Wine of the Year: NV Pongrácz Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique, Western Cape
Best Value Sweet Wine of the Year: 2023 Van Loveren VRL Special Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, Robertson
Best Value Fortified Wine of the Year: NV KWV Classic Collection Cape Tawny, Western Cape