Idiom has earned four Double Platinum/Top 100 awards at the 2026 National Wine Challenge, with recognition spanning both unique single varietals and internationally inspired blends. The achievement comes at a particularly meaningful time as Idiom celebrates 10 years of its Restaurant and Tasting Centre.
Achieving scores between 91 and 96 points, the awards were earned by Idiom Barbera 2022, Viognier 2024, Bordicon 2022 and Cape Blend 2022. The National Wine Challenge describes its annual Top 100 selection as representing the pinnacle of South African fine wine, while winning a Top 100 award is widely acknowledged by winemakers as one of the industry's most difficult benchmarks to achieve.
The diversity of the winning wines reflects a true concentration of excellence across the Idiom portfolio. Nestled in the southernmost part of the Stellenbosch wine region, the vineyard benefits from a unique position between the mountains and the ocean, creating the ideal conditions for producing wines with freshness, structure and elegance. A celebration of terroir, unusual varietals and masterful blends, Idiom is home to the Cape expression of many European classics.
Unique single varieties
Among the four Double Platinum/Top 100 wines are two varietals that showcase Idiom's approach to producing Cape expressions of internationally renowned grape varieties.
Idiom Barbera 2022
One of the more distinctive varieties in the Idiom portfolio, the Idiom Barbera displays rich notes of dark cherry, blackberry, cedar and tobacco, complemented by a subtle dark chocolate finish from oak maturation. Naturally high in acidity and low in tannins, it offers a vibrant yet remarkably smooth style that has become a hallmark of the wine.
Idiom Viognier 2024
One of Idiom's flagship white wines, the Idiom Viognier reveals expressive notes of apricot, peach, honeysuckle and orange blossom, supported by subtle nougat and spice from oak maturation. Rich and smooth in texture, it retains a freshness that brings balance and elegance to the palate.
World-class blends
Blending remains central to the Idiom philosophy, with Cabernet Sauvignon being an icon grape of Stellenbosch, and Pinotage an icon grape of South Africa.
Idiom Bordicon 2022
Inspired by the classic wines of Bordeaux, the Idiom Bordicon shows notes of blackcurrant, cassis and dark cherry, supported by cedar, graphite and subtle spice. Structured and elegant, it offers a long finish and excellent ageing potential.
Idiom Cape Blend 2022
A refined expression of South Africa's signature grape variety, the Idiom Cape Blend combines Pinotage with Bordeaux varietals to create a wine with layers of blackcurrant, plum, chocolate, cedar and tobacco. Soft, velvety tannins and layered complexity contribute to its distinctive character.
For visitors to the Idiom Restaurant & Tasting Centre, these results offer the opportunity to experience four of South Africa's Top 100 wines side by side - from the vibrant, Italian-inspired Barbera and aromatic Viognier to the Idiom’s flagship Bordeaux-inspired Bordicon and Cape Blend.
Wine lovers are invited to discover these award-winning wines through a guided tasting overlooking False Bay, paired with the restaurant's acclaimed cuisine, or from the comfort of home through Idiom's online store.
Explore the collection and shop online at idiom.co.za/buy-wine-online.