The accolade reinforces Spier Wine Farm’s position among the world’s leading producers of Chenin Blanc and affirms South Africa’s continued excellence in its heritage varietal.
This achievement follows outstanding results at the 2025 Global Wine Masters competition, where the Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2023 received the competition’s highest honour, the Grand Master Award, and the Spier Seaward Chenin Blanc 2024 earned a Master Award, one of only three wines globally to do so.
Built from soil to glass
Reacting to the news, Johan says the recognition reflects Spier’s long-term, intentional approach to winemaking.
“We plan the wine from the soil to the glass,” he explains. “Central to our philosophy is soil regeneration; nurturing living, resilient soils that support vine health over the long term rather than chasing short-term yields. It’s about allowing vineyards to express their natural character.”
Johan’s award-winning Chenin includes the 21 Gables Chenin Blanc, crafted from an old-vine vineyard planted in 1983-85. Over more than 40 years, this vineyard has been shaped by patient hands, living soil and time.
To ensure precision and consistency across vintages, Johan works with a modular winemaking approach, dividing vineyards into smaller lots and responding carefully to variations in soil, aspect and season before blending.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team,” Johan adds. “Exceptional Chenin Blanc is always the work of many people.”
Spier’s collection of Chenin Blanc wines is available for purchase online.
Click HERE to shop.
About the Master Winemaker 100 award
The Master Winemaker 100, now in its 13th year, is one of the wine industry’s most rigorous and prestigious recognitions. Unlike traditional wine competitions, the Global Wine Masters series takes a unique approach, with wines judged blind by an elite panel of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and senior buyers. The competition evaluates wines purely on style and merit, without preconceptions of region or reputation. To earn a place in the Master Winemaker 100, producers must first secure Master medals in these demanding competitions, making the recognition a true testament to consistent excellence at the highest level.