Information will be provided on SPECIAL AWARDS (CONSISTENCY, GRAND CRU BEST IN CLASS, as well as WHITE, RED, BUBBLY and FORTIFIED/SWEET WINES OF THE YEAR) on Tuesday 23nd June followed by DOUBLE GOLD winners on Tuesday 30th June.
SA’s premier wine competition, open only to fine-wine producers, launches the maiden 2026 results. This year's formidable field of entries set the stage for an intense and captivating evaluation process. Judges commended the remarkable calibre and stylistic diversity displayed across all categories.
Because of these exceptionally high standards, entering vineyards faced a demanding benchmark to achieve formal recognition and honors.For discerning wine enthusiasts, the 2026 winners list serves as the ultimate roadmap to discovering extraordinary bottles. Seeking out these decorated vintages promises an accessible yet deeply rewarding experience for any collector.
Ultimately, these prestigious accolades grant winning estates a powerful market advantage, elevating their brand profiles and driving commercial sales success throughout the 2026 calendar year.
White wines
White wines scored a grand total of 27 podium Top 100 wins, 1 more than in 2025. Chardonnay dominated again gaining 9 awards. Then it was Other White Blends with 6 awards and Chenin Blanc who followed with 5. Sauvignon Blanc were awarded 4 winning positions. Viognier achieved 2 wins and Semillon 1 win.
Overall, Worcester region gained 6 awarded wines, then Stellenbosch & Elgin each achieved 4 winning wines. Paarl, Franschhoek and Robertson were awared 3 winning wines each. Lastly, Constantia, Grabouw, Tulbagh and Western Cape each achieving 1.
The ‘Top 12’ highest scoring white wines overall, were 4 wins for Chardonnay and 3 for Chenin Blanc. Viognier gained 2 wins, while White Blends, Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon gained 1 win.
Red wines
The red wine category again did very well this year. Bordeaux Blends gained 15 wins, four more than 2025. Shiraz was next winning a total of 14 awards. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cape Blend, Pinot Noir & Other Red Blends each achieved 6 awards. Pinotage gained 5 wins. Rhone managed 4 awards, followed by Cabernet Franc with 2 wins. Finally, Merlot, Malbec & Barbera each achieved a single award.
Stellenbosch dominated with 18 winning Top 100 red wines. Robertson region gained 7 wins, Paarl & Elgin each achieved 6 wins. Franschhoek was awarded 5, while Constantia Tulbagh and Worcester achieved 4 wins each.
The ‘Top 13’ red wines included a very strong showing from Bordeaux Blends with 8 wins, followed by single wins for a Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Pinotage, Rhone Blend and to a Shiraz.
Regionally, for the Top 13 red wines, Stellenbosch with 4 awards, Paarl & Constantia each gained 2 wins. Single wins were recorded by Elgin, Franschhoek, Garden Route, & Tulbagh.
Rosé wines
A single rosé still wine gained an award in 2026.
MCC and Sparkling wines
MCC achieved a total of 5 awards in the Top 100 2026. Worcester was awarded 2 wins, while a single win went Paarl, Breedekloof, Robertson and Tulbagh.
Natural sweet wines
This category managing a just 2 wins this year, a very fine Worcester example and a Constantia favorite.
Fortified wines
The fortified category struggled again this year gaining a single win.
Port style wines
There were 2 thoroughly fine ports that cracked the judge’s nods in this category. One vintage reserve as well as a Tawny. Both from the Calitzdorp region.
Vintages - White wines
Vintage 2024 dominated again and enjoyed 12 winning wines, followed by 2025 with 11. The balance distributed between vintages 2026, 2023 and 2022.
Vintages - Red wines
Vintage 2023 showcased 24 winning wines. Vintage 2024 enjoyed 20 winning wines, with the balance spread out between vintages 2020, 2021, 2022 and a single from vintage 2025.
Scores and top wine quality
Winning Double Platinum/Top 100 status winning wine awards in the 2026 results, earned scores of between 91/100 and 96/100. This was slightly higher than in 2025 and 2024. Most of the winning wines gained scores between the bands of 91/100 to 94/100, with results spread evenly. A smaller number of wines gained 95/100 and 96/100. The 2026 set of results underlines a view that smaller incremental improvements are currently being achieved throughout SA. Prior to the past few years, substantial improvements were made over the preceding 10 years. A ‘leaps and bounds’ scenario. SA fine wine remains a strong brand, well-recognised after years of stunning performance. It yields an enticing and very large array of tasty examples across almost all cultivars and blends, sometimes at prices many believe to be too low.
The 2026 National Wine Challenge (NWC): Celebrating 16 years of South African wine excellence
It is a privilege to launch the highly anticipated and hard-earned results for the 2026 National Wine Challenge (NWC). Marking our 16th milestone year of evaluating the country's top-tier wines, this release offers both winning wineries and discerning consumers a profound reason to celebrate. These exceptional vintages are crafted for ultimate enjoyment, and they deliver on that promise entirely. Our sincere gratitude goes to South Africa’s leading and emerging vineyards for their enduring partnership. Collaborating with the visionary teams and talented individuals who drive our extraordinary wine industry remains deeply inspiring.
The NWC team is globally recognized for maintaining world-class standards that champion South African fine wine. As wineries vie for our acclaimed podium awards, subsequent consumer demand and purchasing power provide the ultimate independent validation. These prestigious accolades do more than build brand equity; they directly unlock commercial gains, secure premium retail shelf space, and drive measurable wine sales throughout the year.
On the global stage, international critics continue to show robust support for South African viticulture. Exceptional quality is now an industry standard. This is driven by sophisticated cellar protocols—such as precise pressing regimes, smaller micro-vinification tanks, and tailored barrel selections. Concurrently, vineyard practices continue to evolve with high-precision planting, advanced canopy management, and sustainable farming. This relentless pursuit of innovation ensures our fine wines stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's best, displaying a harmonious balance of elegance, structure, and complexity.
While challenging economic pressures persist both domestically and globally, the South African wine industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Our winemakers remain enthusiastically committed to pushing boundaries through sheer dedication and hard work.
In 2026, the caliber of South African fine wine is undeniable, and the exclusive 2026 Top 100 portfolio represents the absolute pinnacle of this achievement. These investment-grade wines deserve a prominent place in your cellar and on your table. Winning a Top 100 podium award remains an incredibly difficult feat - widely acknowledged by winemakers as one of the toughest benchmarks to conquer. With a significant influx of first-time vineyard entries this year, the competition was steeper than ever, elevating the prestige of this coveted distinction.
The world-class caliber of our judging panels, combined with rigorous auditing protocols, ensures the NWC sets the definitive professional standard for the industry.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our numerous partners, and our warmest congratulations to all 2026 National Wine Challenge winners.
Double Platinum / Top 100 winners 2026
The following vineyards were major winners in the 2026 National Wine Challenge /Top 100:
Alvis Drift Private Cellar (7)
Koelenhof Winery (7)
Groot Constantia (6)
Paul Cluver (6)
Saronsberg Cellars (6)
Van Loveren Family Vineyards (6)
De Wet Cellar (5)
Dornier Wines (4)
Fairview Wines (4)
Idiom Wines, Da Capo Vineyards (4)
Four vineyards gained 3 victories each
Thirteen vineyards gained 2 victory each
Eight Vineyards gained 1 Victory each
A full list of the winning wines is available at the end of the press release.
Winners share their comments
Paul Clüver Family Wines
Paul Clüver, MD: As a supporter of the NWC since inception, Paul Clüver Family Wines recognises the competition’s commitment to excellence and the role it plays in promoting the quality of South Africa’s wines. We are honoured to once again have been awarded for our wine quality, these awards being profound due to the reputation and status of this leading wine awards show.
Alvi’s Drift Private Cellar
Junel Van Der Merwe, International Brand Ambassador: We are incredibly proud of our results at the National Wine Challenge 2026. To see such strong recognition across our Signature, 221, Reserve, Albertus Viljoen, and Cap Classique wines is truly a special honor for our team. Ultimately, these awards reflect the consistency and care that guide our winemaking every single day.
Raka Wines
Josef Dreyer, Winemaker: To have two wines featured in the Top 100 Wines of South Africa once again is a tremendous honor and a source of great pride. This recognition reflects the passion, commitment, and hard work of our entire team. The Raka Quinary and Raka Biography Shiraz continue to make us proud, and we celebrate this achievement with immense gratitude.
Leopard’s Leap
James Ochse, Head Winemaker: We are delighted that our 2021 Culinaria Grand Vin as well as the 2024 Culinaria Pinot Noir received Double Platinum awards in the National Wine Challenge and for both wines to be included in the Top 100 as well! These wines are born from a true love of winemaking and are specifically crafted to celebrate the harmony between food and wine.
La Motte
Edmund Terblanche, Cellarmaster: While making the most of every vintage and keeping up with trends and technology are essential, I believe consistency is an important aspect of our success. This performance of our 2024 La Motte Reserve Syrah and 2025 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc rewards a focused approach. We are delighted for the recognition.
Paul Wallace Wines
Bobby Wallace – Winemaker: Given the rarity of Bordeaux blend wines out of the Elgin Valley, the Paul Wallace team are thrilled that the National Wine Challenge has awarded a Double Platinum and Top 100 SA Wines award for their 2022 Crackerjack blend.
The strength of our farm is our diversity of sites. Blends will always hold a special place in our hearts, with the challenge of showcasing and marrying the best personalities of the respective cultivars, reflecting the vagaries of the vintages, to their very best.
De Wet Cellar
Willie Malan Senior Winemaker (left) and Tertius Jonck Manager/Winemaker (right): To have 5 wines recognised among the Top 100 & Double Platinum wine awards is an amazing achievement for our team. This achievement reflects the dedication of our producers and cellar team, our commitment to consistent quality, and our passion for crafting wines that truly express their origin and character.
Koelenhof Winery
Nicholas Husselman, Head Winemaker: We at Koelenhof Winery are honoured to have seven of our wines recognised among the Top 100 Wines at the National Wine Challenge 2026.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team in the cellar, as well as our unwavering commitment to producing quality wines across all our ranges for consumers to enjoy.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our staff, partners, and loyal customers who continue to support our journey. We look forward to building on this success and sharing many more exceptional wines with you in the years ahead.
Cheers to that!
Stellenbosch Family Wines
Carlo de Vries, Winemaker: Wow! Wow! Wow! What a privilege and an incredible honour to receive the Grand Cru National Champion Best in Class, Double Platinum and Top 100 NWC award for my CARLO Pinotage 2023. I am truly grateful and humbled by this recognition. Thank you to the National Wine Challenge for celebrating the passion and dedication behind every bottle.
Dornier Wines
Toit Wessels, Cellarmaster: We are immensely blessed and grateful to have 4 wines rated as NWC Top 100 & Double Platinum winners this year. Whilst our classic Bordeaux varieties remain the focus at Dornier, we are equally proud of the Syrah which impresses with a combination of elegance and intensity.
Brandvlei Cellar
Daneel Jacobs,Winemaker: To see Halftien recognised with both Top 100 and Double Platinum honours is incredibly rewarding. Named after the first grape delivery to Brandvlei Cellar at “halftien” in the morning in 1956, this wine carries a story that spans generations. Nearly seventy years later, the same care, dedication and love for winemaking remain at the heart of every bottle.
Ken Forrester Wines
Ken Forrester, Proprietor: There can be no greater reward than when a wine is recognised because it’s simply delicious, balanced, tasty and repeatable.
A wine that demands a second sip, and then another.
Rietvallei Wines
Kobus Burger, Owner and Winemaker: "We are honoured to have our Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc, Estéanna 2023 and Rietvallei Shiraz 2023 recognised with Top 100 and Double Platinum awards. These accolades reflect our commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality and character, while showcasing the unique terroir of the Robertson Valley through meticulous vineyard management and winemaking."
Mountain Ridge Wines
Johan Schwartz, CEO: We are honoured that our 2023 Romans Rivier Grand Reserve Fire Lily was awarded Double Platinum and selected among the Top 100 Wines. This prestigious recognition reflects our commitment to crafting wines of exceptional quality, elegance and character. Inspired by the rare Fire Lily that emerges after fire, this wine is a true expression of resilience, beauty and excellence — a rare treasure born of fire.
Nicholson Smith Agencies
Jason Neal, Owner: We are honoured to have our wines recognized with prestigious industry distinctions. Our Integer Rhône Red 2024 and Hoopenburg Chardonnay 2024 received Top 100 and Double Platinum awards, and we received 4 additional Double Gold awards.
This recognition is especially meaningful given the strength of the field. We thank the tasting panel for acknowledging the dedication and craftsmanship that define our portfolio.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to our exceptional winemaking team. Their unwavering passion and commitment to excellence are the foundation of this achievement.
We are proud to share this success with such a dedicated team.
Saronsberg Cellar
Daniela Briedenhann, Winemaker: Receiving six Top 100 & double platinum awards is an incredible honor and something we're immensely proud of. It's a reflection of the hard work, passion, and dedication that our team brings to every bottle. These awards recognize our commitment to continually improving, embracing innovation, and crafting wines that people genuinely enjoy sharing and celebrating.
Holden Manz
Gerard Holden, Co-Founder: Holden Manz Wine Estate is delighted to feature once again in the Top 100 with three wines- Rothko Rosé 2025, Semillon Reserve 2023 and Big G 2021. This recognition confirms Holden Manz’ reputation for producing a diverse portfolio of consistently high-class wines.
Bon Courage
Philip Viljoen, Winemaker: We, at Bon Courage Estate, are proud to be recognised by the highly respected South African National Wine Challenge. The Gooseberry Bush Sauvignon Blanc 2026 and Inkará Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 achieved excellent results. These awards once again demonstrate that our terroir is well suited to producing outstanding wines across a diverse range of cultivars.
Allée Bleue Wines
Van Zyl du Toit, Winemaker: We are extremely delighted with and proud in with our most recent showing at the NWC. It is a fundamental aspect of a brand to be consistent, and our greatest achievement lies in the fact that these results echo previous successes with our L`AmoursToujours now garnering a Top 100 & Double Platinum for the 3rd consecutive vintage. NWC and their judges plays an integral part in helping us convey this strong and important message to the end consumers.
Jakkalsvlei
Louis van der Riet, Cellarmaster: The 2026 NWC Top 100 wines results are out and we at Jakkalsvlei are again happy to be among the named wines for this prestigious accolade. Our 2024 Cabernet Franc did exceptionally well again, reaching the top honours as its selected as the best-in-class Grand Cru winner. This achievement makes us very proud as this is the third year in a row that our Cabernet Franc made its mark on the NWC Top 100 podium. Also, for a third consecutive year our Jakkalsvlei Mount Cuveé Cape Blend has come through strong also claiming its place on this year’s Top 100 list. We are very happy with this result as it again shows the consistency and quality of the wines we produce at Jakkalsvlei.
Almenkerk Wine Estate
Joris van Almenkerk, Cellarmaster: The National Wine Challenge has consistently awarded Almenkerk wines. Our wines are intentionally made to reflect our unique terroir: they are crafted to be elegant, fresh and mineral. We salute the NWC for recognising that. To see both the Almenkerk Chardonnay 2024 and Lace Rouge 2022 awarded Top 100 & Double Platinum is a strong affirmation and a testament to the team's hard work.
Alphabetic list of winning Top 100 / Double Platinum awarded SA wines
Allee Bleue L'Amour Toujours 2020
Almenkerk Chardonnay 2024
Almenkerk Wine Estate Lace Rouge 2022
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar Reserve Viognier 2025
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar Reserve Muscat Nectarinia 2022
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar Reserve Drift Fusion 2023
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar Reserve Chardonnay 2025
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar Albertus Viljoen Chardonnay 2024
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar Brut Nature Cap Classique 2022
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar Reserve CVC 2025
Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar 2023
Babylonstoren Shiraz 2023
Babylonstoren Sprankel 2020
Bon Courage Inkara Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Bon Courage The Gooseberry Bush Sauvignon Blanc 2026
Boplaas Landgoed Cape Tawny NV
Boplaas Landgoed Cape Vintage Reserve 2024
Brandvlei Cellar BC Wines Halftien 2023
Cape Wine Company Barandas Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Cape Wine Company Nieuwe Haarlem Pinotage 2024
Cape Wine Company Erasmus Shiraz 2024
Cavalli Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Cavalli Estate Reserve White 2025
De Wet Cellar Red Muscadel 2021
De Wet Cellar Leyland Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2024
De Wet Cellar Mashup Shiraz/Pinotage/Durif 2023
De Wet Cellar Mashup Sauvignon Blanc/Chenin Blanc/Semillon 2025
De Wet Cellar Shiraz 2024
Dornier Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2022
Dornier Malbec 2024
Dornier Syrah 2023
Dornier Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Fairview Wine and Cheese Old Vine Project Steen 2024
Fairview Wine and Cheese Beryl Back 2024
Fairview Wine and Cheese Altesse 2025
Fairview Wine and Cheese The Beacon Shiraz 2023
Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve Red 2022
Groot Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Groot Constantia Grand Constance 2022
Groot Constantia Lady of Abundance 2022
Groot Constantia Merlot 2023
Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve White 2024
Hartenberg Estate Doorkeeper Merlot Malbec 2023
Highlands Road Sauvignon Blanc White Reserve 2022
Holden Manz Semillon Reserve 2023
Holden Manz Rothko Rosé 2025
Holden Manz Big G 2021
Idiom Viognier 2024
Idiom Bordicon Blend 2022
Idiom Barbera 2022
Idiom Cape Blend 2022
Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar Lord Jackal Cabernet Franc 2024
Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar Jakkalsvlei Mount Cuvee 2024
Jason's Hill Arrois Cap Classique 2019
Ken Forrester Wines The FMC 2025
Koelenhof Winery Koelenbosch Directors Reserve Pinotage2022
Koelenhof Winery Koelenbosch Nineteenfortyone2023
Koelenhof Winery Stellenbosch 1679 The Legacy 2020
Koelenhof Winery Stellenbosch Gold Red Blend 2021
Koelenhof Winery Stellenbosch 1679 Old Vine Pinotage 2022
Koelenhof Winery Stellenbosch 1679 Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2024
Koelenhof Winery Koelenbosch Directors Reserve Pinotage 2023
La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2025
La Motte Syrah 2024
Leopards Leap Culinaria Grand Vin 2021
Leopards Leap Culinaria Pinot Noir 2024
Lothian of Elgin Chardonnay 2023
Lothian of Elgin Pinot Noir 2023
Mountain Ridge Wines Romansrivier Grand Reserve Fire Lily 2023
Nicholson Smith Agencies Hoopenburg Chardonnay 2024
Nicholson Smith Agencies Integer Rhone Red 2024
Opstal Wines Wild Woman Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Paul Cluver Prieur Colline Du Matin 2024
Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2024
Paul Cluver Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2025
Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay 2024
Paul Cluver Estate Pinot Noir 2024
Paul Cluver Village Pinot Noir 2024
Paul Wallace Brave Heart Pinot Noir 2023
Paul Wallace Crackerjack 2022
Peter Falke Signature Kanoa 2020
Peter Falke Signature Alani 2020
Raka Quinary 2022
Raka Biography Shiraz 2023
Rietvallei Esteanna 2023
Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc 2023
Rietvallei Shiraz 2023
Saronsberg Cellars Full circle 2024
Saronsberg Cellars Cap Classique 2022
Saronsberg Cellars De Steen | Chenin Blanc 2025
Saronsberg Cellars Seismic 2024
Saronsberg Cellars Shiraz 2024
Saronsberg Cellars Provenance Shiraz 2024
Stellenbosch Family Wines Carlo Pinotage 2023
The Spice Route Wine Company Chakalaka 2023
Van Loveren Family Vineyards Christina Cap Classique Brut NV
Van Loveren Family Vineyards Christina Syrah 2023
Van Loveren Family Vineyards Zandvliet Estate Shiraz 2024
Van Loveren Family Vineyards Van Loveren Calcrete Chardonnay 2025
Van Loveren Family Vineyards ZandvlietKalkveld Shiraz 2023
Van Loveren Family Vineyards Christina Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Vrede en Lust Boet Erasmus 2021
Vrede en Lust Ella 2023
Welbedacht Wine Estate Oakdene Road Cape Blend 2024
Welbedacht Wine Estate Die Afrikaanse Patriot 2024
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