No matter the award we received, we are honoured and grateful. But when 17 of your wines have been included in the South African Wine Index (SAWi) Grand Wines Collection, one of the most credible, data-driven wine rankings in the country, it leaves you amazed. Of the 17 wines, 10 received Platinum status, and 7 earned Grand Gold recognition.
What exactly is SAWi?
Think of SAWi, the South African Wine Index, as the Michelin Guide to South African wine. It's not a competition that we enter with the hope of winning an award. SAWi tracks the performance of South African wines across various prestigious blind tasting competitions, which include Decanter, the International Wine Challenge (IWC), the Trophy Wine Show, Michelangelo, and Veritas, among others.
The keyword here is “blind”. The judges at these competitions never know whose wine they're tasting. No labels, no names, which means they cannot be influenced by perception, only by colour, aroma and their palate. SAWi then takes it a bit further. Rather than rewarding a wine for one exceptional year, it tracks performance across multiple vintages and multiple competitions over time. Only wines that consistently score 93 points or higher, year after year, make it into the Grand Wines Collection.
That's the standard Perdeberg's wines have met. Not once, not twice, but consistently for the past 10 years.
Why does this matter to you as the consumer?
As a wine lover or enthusiast, you've probably had the experience of enjoying a bottle, going back to buy it again, and finding the next vintage just doesn't taste the same. It happens. Wine is made from grapes, and grapes are at the mercy of weather, seasonal change, and a thousand other variables.
That's exactly what makes a SAWi recognition so meaningful. It tells you that no matter the vintage you pick, whether it's this year's release or one from a few years back, you can expect the same care, the same craftsmanship, and the same quality in your glass. Perdeberg's 17 recognised wines aren't just good. They're reliably, repeatedly good. And that's the kind of confidence that comes from decades of dedication to the vineyards, the winemaking process, and ultimately, to you.
Our story: Rooted in Paardeberg, shared with the world
Perdeberg Wines has called Paarl home since 1941 with more than 85 years of winemaking shaped by a deep respect for the land, the people, and the grape. Nestled against the rugged slopes of the Paardeberg, the farm’s rich, diverse soils and varied microclimates produce grapes of remarkable concentration and character. Low-yielding, dry-farmed bush vines push their roots deep into the earth without irrigation, yielding smaller berries with intense flavour, structure, and complexity. The result is wine with unmistakable identity, wines that speak clearly of where they come from.
Perdeberg is proudly known as the Home of Chenin Blanc, a title earned through decades of dedication to this noble grape. Few producers in South Africa explore the potential of Chenin as deeply or as passionately as Perdeberg does. Quality at Perdeberg is not reserved for a select few bottles. Although the winery operates on a scale, every wine in the range receives the same small-batch care, meticulous cellar attention, and relentless pursuit of excellence, regardless of price point. Sustainability sits at the heart of everything: biologically controlled vineyards, eco-conscious packaging, and a commitment to farming that honours the environment and future generations. At Perdeberg, winemaking is not just a craft, it’s our legacy.
A closer look: our top-performing wines
Dry Land Collection Courageous Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc - 99 Points | Platinum | No. 4 in South Africa
This is one of Perdeberg’s greatest white wines, ranked fourth in the country by SAWi. Dry-farmed bush vine grapes undergo two-hour skin contact before only clear free-run juice is fermented, then aged on the lees without stirring and without malolactic fermentation. The result is a Chenin Blanc of striking purity, vivid acidity, and unmistakable Paardeberg character.
Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc - 98 Points | Platinum | Top 20
Named for the enduring dry-farmed vine that fights for survival year after year, Endura is naturally fermented across ceramic amphora, Diaménté tanks, and French oak barrels, then aged on the lees for eight months. The result is a Chenin Blanc of rare harmony. Fresh and mineral, yet rich and beautifully textured.
Dry Land Collection Resolve Pinotage - 99 Points | Platinum | Top 10
Two days of cold maceration followed by stainless steel fermentation and maturation in 500-litre French oak barrels build remarkable depth and richness. The result is a Pinotage of real intensity, full-bodied, complex, and utterly convincing.
Dry Land Collection Joseph’s Legacy Cape Shiraz Blend - 97 Points | Platinum | Top 20
A tribute to the legacy of those who came before, this Red Blend carries its Top 20 ranking with understated elegance. Cold maceration and seven days of stainless-steel fermentation capture the full depth of the fruit, before French oak maturation adds polish and complexity. The final blend is assembled only after every individual lot has been tasted. A quiet promise that what reaches your glass is the very best it can be.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Seventeen SAWi-recognised wines, decades of craftsmanship behind each one, and a team of passionate people who pour everything they have into every vintage. We believe that what goes into the bottle matters as much as what comes out of it.
Whether you’re looking for a special bottle to mark an occasion, stocking up on a wine you know you can trust, or simply curious to taste what all the fuss is about, Perdeberg wines are available to you right now. Browse and purchase our full range online at www.perdeberg.co.za, or find our wines at leading wine retailers and restaurants across South Africa. Delivery is available nationwide.
The Paardeberg has been crafting exceptional wine since 1941. Now is the perfect time to bring a piece of that history to your home.