With wine conversations continuously turning to trends like sustainable and natural wines, low- and no-alcohol options, chilled red wines, Gen Z’s favourite fizzy drinks and alternative white styles like orange wines, it’s only natural that wine enthusiasts are becoming more and more curious about what’s in store for the wine world in 2026. This could not come at a better time, with those in the know being very optimistic about the 2026 harvest following the favourable weather conditions of late.
Wine varieties continuously gaining traction in South Africa
South African Chenin Blanc – a standout local grape – has been gaining momentum over the last couple of years, boasting a unique quality, freshness and character. Spier Wine Farm’s Johan Jordaan, who was named Chenin Blanc Master Winemaker at last year’s Master Winemaker 100 Awards in Paris, is one of the many ambassadors for this variety. In an interview on the Suitcase and Chardonnay podcast, he says: “Chenin Blanc is a wine built in layers. While it’s a winemaker’s dream to work with, it also demands a hands-on approach and deep understanding of your vineyards.”
Chenin Blanc was first planted in South Africa in the 17th century, with the earliest records dating back to 1655. It’s since become the most widely planted variety in South Africa and following his recent 2025 South Africa Report, Tim Atkin MW agrees that Chenin Blanc is one to keep tabs on as we enter the new year.
Together with Chenin Blanc, Shiraz/Syrah was another one of the strongest performers in the past year. For instance, Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2022 achieved 99 points in the latest Platter’s Guide, making it a top heritage wine to keep an eye out for.
From the latest reports and wine guides, it’s also clear that the Swartland’s Shiraz/Syrah is gaining traction for its elegance and spice, while Pinot Noir and Cinsault from cooler South African regions offer great diversity for wine enthusiasts. Grenache Blanc is another variety to take note of in 2026, with the Scions of Sinai Gramadoelas – a single vineyard Grenache Blanc – earning high scores and Wine of the Year accolades in 2025.
Vintages to invest in this year
Wine lovers would agree that both 2017 and 2021 were brilliant vintages to add to your wine collection.
At the same time, Tim Atkin MW also expressed his amazement when it comes to many of the 2023 whites, as well as the overall quality of the 2024 vintage. “The good news is that 2025 is shaping up to be another classic year,” he writes.
Wines and winemakers to familiarise yourself with in 2026
Speaking of the 2024 vintage, Marnich Aucamp of Stellenbosch Vineyards’ Credo Chenin Blanc 2024 was a favourite in the past year, winning him the Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year Award. Coenie Snyman was the 2025 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year, while Narissa Pieters of Rustenberg Wines was another notable talent at the awards and one to keep an eye on in the next year. Donovan Rall of Rall Wines was crowned Tim Atkin’s Winemaker of the Year and his Noa Syrah is a top wine if you can get your hands on a bottle or two.
In addition, the recently released 2026 Platter’s Guide has identified Wines of the Year 2026 for each variety. From Raats Vlag 2023 (Cabernet Franc), Oldenburg Per Se 2022 (Cabernet Sauvignon), Bosman Twyfeling 2023 (Cinsault Noir), Paul Wallace Black Dog 2021 (Malbec) and Tokara Limited Release 2023 (Pinotage) under the reds to Crystallum Clay Shales 2024 (Chardonnay), Botanica Mary Delany 2024 (Chenin Blanc), Scions of Sinai Gramadoelas 2024 (Grenache Blanc), Strandveld Pofadderbos 2024 (Sauvignon Blanc) and Mullineux Roundstone White 2024 (white blend) under the whites, there are numerous choices across various varietals, fit for every palate.
Sadie Family Wines and Diemersdal have also proven themselves worthy, as did Alheit Vineyards – famous for Chenin Blancs like Magnetic North and Huilkrans from the remote Citrusdal Mountain region. Diemersdal was named Winery of the Year in the Platter’s 2026 Guide, with six five-star awards that showcase its mastery when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage, while Sadie Family Wines is known for its focus on old vineyards and regional expression, especially with their Columella red blend and single-vineyard whites like Mev Kirsten and Rotsbank. Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines also continue to receive high ratings for both their white and red wines, including their Roundstone White Blend and various Shiraz-based wines.
Wine tourism: A focus on old vines and the stories they tell
High-quality, value-driven heritage wines are having a moment globally. According to Tim Atkin MW more should be done to preserve old vine vineyards in South Africa, with these wines receiving continuous international interest, with good reason. While they produce lower yields, the wines are usually of superior quality and complexity, as well as a unique terroir expression thanks to the deep root systems.
Of course, preserving these old vines also promotes biodiversity and encourages sustainable practices, which tie in well with current trends of minimal intervention, appealing to the more eco-conscious consumers.
In addition to that, it also ties in very well with the rising oenotourism trend, providing rich historical and cultural significance through viticultural heritage, ultimately connecting consumers to the past through storytelling. Current-day consumers lean toward wines with a story, hence indigenous wines with heritage will undoubtedly shine through in the new year, with originality and a sense of discovery being the drivers behind this trend.
Try: Alheit Vineyards’ Cartology, Piekenierskloof’s Heidedal Old Vine Cinsault 2023, or old vine vintages from Sadie Family Wines, Leeu Passant, Mullineux, and more.
Tapping into drinking trends
Today’s wine drinkers are more educated, adventurous and value-conscious, with tourism revolving around wine proving to be an increasingly popular trend. According to Backbar, this is an opportunity to curate smarter, less wasteful and more profitable wine lists. In fact, some wine bars are starting to move away from extensive wine lists and asking their guests a few quick questions which guide them to do the matchmaking instead. According to a recent article on Moneyweb, some US and Parisian wine bars are all about personal interaction. “You tell somms (sommeliers) what you’re looking for and they bring out a few choices for you to taste.”
With Gen Z and the likes often favouring bubbles, more and more restaurants and bars are embracing sparkling wines as an all-day, food-friendly wine, putting South African Cap Classique – the more affordable option to French Champagne – at the top of the list for many. Here, House of Graham Beck’s Cuvée Clive 2019 and their Cuvée Clive X 2015 deserve a mention for sure. Others that have been highlighted as the top Cap Classiques by Platter’s 2026 guide include: Antonij Rupert Blanc de Blancs 2021, Colmant Absolu Zero Dosage NV, Le Lude Brut Magnum 2015, Newstead Lund Blanc de Blancs 2018, Pieter Ferreira Blanc de Blancs 2019, Silverthorn CWG Auction Mad as the Mist and Snow Brut Nature 2019, Silverthorn Jewel Box 2019, The House of JC le Roux Scintilla 2016, and Waterford Blanc de Blancs 2018.
Wine on tap also seems to be on the rise in global markets, making business sense when it comes to waste management and sustainability.
Chillable red wines are also enjoying a moment in the spotlight, with consumers moving beyond the light, pale rosé, experimenting with darker, more structured and even oak-aged rosés.
Light-bodied reds like Cinsault might also be a hit this year. Served with a slight chill, it could just be an all-purpose middle-ground that bridges the gap between white and red, capturing the adventurous rosé drinker and the red wine drinker keen on something refreshing. In fact, Cinsault might just be the best by-the-glass solution for 2026!
Try: Bosman Twyfeling Cinsaut 2024, a top-quality Cinsault Noir option.
Alternative wine styles to keep in mind in 2026
Orange, natural and alternative styles of wine are also set to gain traction in 2026. Orange wines (skin-contact whites) come with a unique amber hue, offering a different texture with a complex, food-friendly profile.
Try: For the curious drinker, perhaps Scoins of Sinai Gramadoelas Grenache Blanc 2024, Intellego Elementis (Swartland), Bosman Fides Grenache Blanc (Wellington), Myburgh Bros Kaalgat Steen (Paarl), Intellego The Sleeping Co-Pilot (Swartland), Môrelig Vineyards Wightman & Sons (Swartland) or Badenhorst Secateurs Riviera (Swartland) might be a good bet.
Other wines to keep tabs on include The Foundry Grenache Blanc 2022, De Kleine Wijn Hoendertande Grenache Noir 2023, or Noughty Rouge, which has been noted as a top non-alcoholic red option.
2026 promises to be an adventurous year for wine drinkers, so prepare to add some scope to your palate.