Stellenbosch wines once again took top honours at the 2023 Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards, recognising the finest expressions of this quintessentially South African variety.
2023 Winners
This year’s winners represent a range of vintages, from the robust richness of 2017 to the youthful vibrancy of 2021. The broadness of the competition is reflected in the diverse origins of these exceptional wines. From the picturesque Stellenbosch to the pristine Paarl, the captivating Coastal Region to the historic Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, the windswept Swartland to the charming Wellington, each bottle embodies the essence of its unique terroir.
The ten exceptional wine producers that have triumphed in this year’s competition are:
Beeslaar Wines (Stellenbosch)
Beyerskloof Wines (Stellenbosch)
Fairview Wines
Francois van Niekerk Wines
Kanonkop Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)
Koelenhof Cellar (Stellenbosch)
L’Avenir Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)
Overhex Wines International
Spier Wines (Stellenbosch)
Wellington Wines
Expert Panel of Judges
The 2023 edition of the awards was judged by Samarie Smith, Fred Viljoen, Rodrick Moyo, Etienne Louw and Anton Swarts.
Top 10 Winning Wines
Beeslaar Pinotage 2019, Stellenbosch – Winemaker Abrie Beeslaar
Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage 2020, Stellenbosch – Winemaker Anri Truter
Fairview Primo Pinotage 2020, Paarl – Winemaker Anthony de Jager
Francois van Niekerk Pinotage 2021, Coastal Region – Winemaker Francois van Niekerk
Kanonkop Pinotage 2017, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch – Winemaker Abrie Beeslaar
Stellenbosch 1679 Old Vine Pinotage 2021, Stellenbosch – Winemaker Nicholas Husselman
L’Avenir Single Block Pinotage 2020, Stellenbosch – Winemaker Dirk Coetzee
Survivor Pinotage Reserve 2021, Swartland – Winemaker Ben Snyman
Spier 21 Gables Pinotage 2018 , Stellenbosch – Winemaker Johan Jordaan
Wellington Wines La Cave Pinotage 2021, Wellington – Francois van Niekerk
A Word from the Chairman
Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Beyers Truter, Chairman of the Pinotage Association, shared his enthusiasm: “The Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards celebrate not only the dedication of the winemakers but also the essence of Pinotage – a grape that is proudly South African and continues to captivate the world.”
Absa: A Key Patron of Excellence
The Pinotage Association extend their sincere gratitude to Absa bank for their unwavering support and commitment to the South African wine industry. Their vision has played an integral role in elevating the stature of these awards and promoting the excellence that defines our nation’s winemaking prowess.
As we raise our glasses to toast the winners of the 2023 Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards, we also celebrate over two decade of fine craftsmanship, innovation, and the indomitable spirit that drives the South African wine industry forward.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Belinda Jacobs
Brand@pinotage.co.za
079 879 9705
About the Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards
The Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards celebrate the finest expressions of the uniquely South African Pinotage varietal. With a decade-long tradition of excellence, these awards honour the dedication and innovation of winemakers who craft wines that captivate palates and showcase the diverse terroirs of South Africa.