This prestigious competition honours the producers behind the country’s most celebrated Chenin Blanc wines and continues to elevate the profile of this iconic cultivar on the global stage.
Whether you're a long-standing participant or a first-time entrant, this is your opportunity to showcase your Chenin Blanc against the best in the country.
Why Participate?
Each of the ten winning wines will be awarded R25,000 in prize money, intended to support workforce upliftment and workplace development – a unique feature of this competition that ties winemaking success to community benefit.
In addition to the financial reward, winners gain invaluable exposure and marketing support, including:
Use of Top 10 award stickers (200 x 6 bottles supplied free).
Media coverage and industry recognition.
Participation in promotional partnerships with Standard Bank and our new retail partner - Tops at Spar.
Key Dates to Remember
To ensure a smooth entry process, please take note of the following important deadlines:
- Entry Deadline & Sample Submission:
Online entries closing deadline Friday, 30 June 2025
Entry samples delivery: 01–31 July 2025 (09h00–16h00, Mondays to Fridays)
The Country Guest House, 93 Winery Road, Stellenbosch
- Judging Panel Tasting:
6–8 August 2025
- Top 20 Finalists Announced:
Monday, 11 August 2025
- Top 10 Winners Award Ceremony and Public Announcement:
Friday, 22 August 2025 at the official awards ceremony at Cavalli Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Entry Guidelines & Requirements
To be eligible, entries must meet the following criteria:
- Only market-ready wines are accepted – no tank or barrel samples.
- Chenin Blanc must make up at least 85% of any blend.
- The wine’s residual sugar (RS) may not exceed 12g/l.
- All vintages are welcome, with the exception of any vintage that previously placed in the Top 10 (2014–2023).
- Each entry must be backed by sufficient stock (minimum 1470 bottles) available for sale from the date of entry through to the results announcement.
Submit 4 x 750ml bottles per wine, clearly marked or labelled. Each entry must include:
- WSR2A (with full analysis)
- WSR4A certificate
- Proof of payment
Entry Fees & Membership Info
This year’s structure is designed to be accessible for both members and non-members:
For CBA Members:
For Non-members:
- R2,250 for first entry (includes pro-rated CBA membership until Dec 2025), R1,250 per wine for all subsequent entries.
Important: The Challenge is open to CBA members only. If you are not yet a member, complete the membership application form. Entry is only confirmed once payment and forms are received.
To enter, simply complete the online entry form for each wine you wish to submit.
Be sure to attach the required documents and proof of payment when submitting your wine samples.
Online entry form: https://forms.gle/FbEea3G6u4nGoGZu7
Where to Send Samples
Samples must be delivered between 01–31 July 2025, from 09h00 to 16h00 to:
STANDARD BANK / CHENIN BLANC CHALLENGE 2025
The Country Guest House
93 Winery Road, Stellenbosch
GPS: S -34.027583 | E 18.808737
Please ensure that each wine is packed separately, and that all documentation accompanies the samples. No late entries will be accepted.
Expectations for Winning Producers
Being a Top 10 winner comes with exciting opportunities and a few obligations:
- Provide 200 bottles at trade price to Standard Bank.
- Supply 1200 bottles to Tops at Spar - at wholesale price less 10% (one delivery of total stock in September 2025 and one payment).
- Contribute 48 bottles to the Chenin Blanc Association for marketing.
- Affix the Top 10 award sticker before delivery of any of these allocations.
Producers Need Help?
For any questions or assistance with the entry process, please contact:
Abi Mitton
060 727 7882
cheninblancasso@gmail.com
Let’s raise a glass to the producers shaping the future of South African Chenin Blanc. We look forward to seeing your exceptional wines in this year’s challenge!