Now entering its 13th year, the Challenge continues to celebrate the quality, diversity and innovation that have established South African Chenin Blanc as one of the most exciting and dynamic wine categories in the world.
As the global home of Chenin Blanc, South Africa is home to more than half of the world’s Chenin Blanc vineyards, with the variety remaining the country’s most widely planted grape. The Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge provides a platform to recognise and reward wines that best express the character, versatility and regional diversity of Chenin Blanc across South Africa’s wine regions.
From fresh and vibrant styles to complex old vine wines, wooded and unoaked expressions, the competition showcases the extraordinary breadth of South African Chenin Blanc and the talent of the producers behind it.
Since its inception in 2014, Standard Bank has served as headline sponsor of the Challenge, playing an instrumental role in elevating the profile of South African Chenin Blanc while supporting meaningful social impact initiatives within the wine industry.
Each of the Top 10 winning producers receives prize money of R25,000, which is directed towards social upliftment and community development projects. Through this unique initiative, R2.88 million has been invested to date in trusts, NGOs, foundations and charitable organisations supporting farm worker development, education, skills training and community upliftment throughout the Cape Winelands.
"The Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge is about far more than recognising exceptional wines," says Ken Forrester, Chairperson of the Chenin Blanc Association. "It celebrates the continued evolution of South African Chenin Blanc while creating meaningful opportunities to support and strengthen the communities that form the backbone of our industry."
The Challenge remains one of the most highly anticipated events on the South African wine calendar, attracting entries from leading producers across the country and highlighting the quality and diversity that have made South African Chenin Blanc a globally respected category.
Producers are invited to submit their finest Chenin Blanc wines for consideration by an expert judging panel, with entries spanning all styles of Chenin Blanc.
Entries for the 2026 Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge are now open. Closing date for entries Friday 10th July 2026.
For entry information, competition rules and details of past winners, visit www.chenin.co.za.
“Every bottle of South African wine begins with a vision, brought to life through expertise, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. It reflects the dedication of winemakers who continuously innovate, elevate their craft, and produce wines that compete with the best globally.
For 164 years, Standard Bank has partnered with South Africa’s agricultural sector, growing alongside the industries that power our economy. This long-standing involvement has equipped us with a deep understanding of the wine industry’s opportunities and challenges. We recognise that success requires more than finance, it requires a strategic partner who can deliver insights, and tailored support in a dynamic market. Our partnership with the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge reflects this commitment. The initiative not only recognises exceptional wines but also celebrates the people and expertise behind them, while positioning South African winemaking on the global stage”. - Brendan Jacobs, Head Agribusiness, Standard Bank South Africa