The latest Tim Atkin MW’s 2025 South Africa Special Report brings welcomed affirmation of our region’s oenological credentials.
The report delivers plenty of headlines, with locals like Tokara’s Stuart Botha picking up Young Winemaker of the Year, Danie Carinus of Bluegum Grove, Viticulturist of the Year, Boschkloof’s Epilogue Syrah 2023 scoring 99 points and Beeslaar picking up Red Wine Discovery of the Year.
“South Africa’s visceral attachment to the land is key to its rising wine success,”
This year there are two perfect 100-point wines, Alheit Vineyards’ Magnetic North 2024 and Porseleinberg Syrah 2023/ Atkin himself notes, these varieties remain the report’s strongest performers, even as the Cape’s stylistic diversity keeps expanding.
The report also continues Atkin’s Cape Classification, his evolving list of South Africa’s top producers. Inclusion here is a signal to the global market; it’s effectively a who’s-who of consistency, terroir expression and cellar craft. Hartenberg confirms its place among the “First Growth” cohort — the top 25 wineries in the country — with strong scores across the range. For collectors and visitors planning a tasting itinerary, that’s a reliable compass.
The Podium 2025
- Winemaker of the Year: Donovan Rall of Rall Wines
- Young Winemaker of the Year: Stuart Botha of Tokara
- Rising Star of the Year: Megan van der Merwe of Beau Constantia
- Viticulturist of the Year: Danie Carinus of Bluegum Grove
- Producers’ Cellar of the Year: Riebeek Valley Wine Company
- Winemaking Legend: Dr Paul Clüver
- Best Cellar Door Experience: Gabriëlskloof
- Overall White Wine of the Year: 2024 Alheit Vineyards Magnetic North Chenin Blanc, Citrusdal Mountain
- Overall Red Wine of the Year: 2023 Porseleinberg Syrah, Swartland
- Overall Rosé of the Year: 2025 Doolhof XCLUSIV Rosé, Limietberg
- Overall Sparkling Wine of the Year: 2019 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive Cap Classique, Western Cape
- Overall Sweet Wine of the Year: 2022 Boekenhoutskloof Noble Late Harvest, Franschhoek
- Overall Fortified Wine of the Year: 2005 Boplaas Colheita 20-Year-Old Cape Tawny, Calitzdorp
- Red Wine Discovery of the Year: 2022 Beeslaar The Sacrament, Stellenbosch
- White Wine Discovery of the Year: 2024 Sadie Family Twiswind, Swartland
- Rosé Wine Discovery of the Year: 2024 Lost Boy Latigo, Cape Agulhas
- Fortified Wine Discovery of the Year: NV Saldanha Oloroso N° 3, Swartland
- Sparkling Wine Discovery of the Year: 2020 Boschendal Mountain Rose Pinot Noir Rosé Cap Classique, Coastal
- Best Value White of the Year: 2023 Windmeul OVP Chenin Blanc Reserve, Paarl
- Best Value Red of the Year: 2024 Kloovenburg Village Red, Swartland
- Best Value Rosé of the Year: 2024 Le Sueur Grenache Rosé, Klein Karoo
- Best Value Sparkling Wine of the Year: 2024 Rebel Rebel Cinsault Méthode Ancestrale, Bottelary
- Best Value Sweet Wine of the Year: 2024 Van Loveren VRL Special Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, Robertson
- Best Value Fortified Wine of the Year: NV KWV Classic Collection Cape Tawny, Western Cape
Beyond the podium
- Diversity is South Africa’s superpower. Atkin singles out the sheer breadth of styles at the top of the rankings — from old-vine Chenin and site-specific Syrah to boundary-pushing blends. This dovetails with what we’re tasting across Stellenbosch: precision picking, sensitive oak and a confident, less-is-more approach in the cellar.
- The bar keeps rising. Producers are not only chasing points; they’re practicing deeper place-making — vineyard rehabilitation, cooler site exploration, and sustainable farming. Atkin frames it as South Africa’s “visceral attachment to the land,” which is increasingly visible in the glass.
- Value remains outstanding. While the headlines go to the centurions, many wines in the 90–94 band offer serious quality without the scarcity premium. Watch for Chenin-led ranges and Dryland selections delivering freshness, texture and authenticity — categories the report consistently rewards.
The 2025 vintage narrative is thrilling, so if you needed a reason to refresh your cellar — or your travel plans — this report is it.
More information
For detailed scores, producer interviews and the complete Cape Classification, download Tim Atkin MW’s 2025 South Africa Special Report from his website.