From left: Margaux Nel, Carel Nel, Daniel Nel en Rozanne Nel
Boplaas Family Vineyards has officially cemented its legacy as an icon of South African craft beverage excellence, becoming the first producer in the history of the country's wine and spirits industry to claim a champion title across three major distinct categories—Cape Port, Brandy, and Whisky—within a single year.
The historic milestone highlights the versatility and world-class craftsmanship coming out of the Nel family’s Klein Karoo estate, a heritage that stretches back to 1880.
The Port Champion: Boplaas Cape Tawny NV
Dominating the fortified category, the Boplaas Cape Tawny NV was crowned the Best SA Port at the 2026 National Wine Challenge. This exceptional liquid, aged for 10 years in old oak barrels, boasts a fiery brown hue and rich, nutty Christmas cake flavors.
Further proving its fortified mastery, Boplaas also walked away with the Best Cape Port in the Museum Class at the Trophy Wine Show for its 1996 Cape Vintage Reserve Port, while securing the highest-scoring title in the 2026 Wine Magazine Fortified Report with a staggering 97 points.
The Brandy Champion: Boplaas 20-Year-Old Pot Still Brandy
Turning to spirits, the Boplaas 20-Year-Old Pot Still Brandy was named Champion Brandy at the prestigious 2025 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. Crafted from Colombar grapes grown in the deep red soils of Calitzdorp, the liquid was double-distilled in an old copper potstill using the exact methods pioneered by the estate in 1880.
Aided by two decades in Limousin casks and the intense Klein Karoo climate, the resulting spirit is brimming with notes of ripe stone fruits, honey, kumquat, and a sublimely smooth finish.
The Whisky Champion: Boplaas 12-Year-Old Rum Cask Whisky
Completing the historic trifecta on the global stage, the Boplaas 12-Year-Old Rum Cask Whisky was named the Best SA Grain Whisky at the 2026 World Whisky Awards in London.
This single grain whisky was patiently matured in Bourbon and brandy casks before undergoing a distinctive finish in South African and Colombian rum casks. The palate reveals smooth layers of toffee, vanilla cream, and tropical fruit, rounded out by a long, mocha-infused finish.
Continued Red Wine Success
Beyond their spirits and fortified triumphs, Boplaas continues to excel in still wine production, earning high praise in the Platter’s Wine Guide. Notably, the Boplaas Ring of Rocks 2022 secured a Double Gold Medal at Veritas, a spot in the Top 100, and Double Platinum at the National Wine Challenge, while the Boplaas Merlot walked away with a Veritas Gold medal.
About Boplaas Family Vineyards
Based in Calitzdorp, Boplaas Family Vineyards is a historic, family-owned estate celebrated for its pioneering spirit in producing world-class fortified wines, award-winning still wines, and exceptional potstill brandies and whiskies.
Boplaas wine are available for purchase and door-to-door delivery, from www.boplaas.co.za.