Now in its third year, the Fine Wine Awards continues to strengthen its position as one of South Africa's largest blind-tasting wine competitions and a trusted guide for consumers seeking exceptional local wines. American Express is operated in South Africa through its licensee Nedbank.
Charles Fox Cipher Blanc de Noirs 2018 in Cap Classique and Tierhoek Straw Wine NV in Sweet were awarded the highest rankings (98/100).
The trophy-winning wines will be showcased at the American Express Fine Wine Awards Tasting Experience at Cavendish Square in Cape Town on 26 September 2026. The event will be open to both American Express Card members and the general public, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to discover and taste this year's top-performing wines. Local and international American Express Card members attending the event will also enjoy a 15% discount on purchases of the winning wines when paying with their American Express Card.
15 Trophies were awarded to the highest-ranking wine in their category
- Unusual Reds: Cape Of Good Hope Sneeuwkrans Pinot Noir 2022
- Bordeaux Blend: The High Road Director’s Reserve 2021
- Chenin Blanc: Ken Forrester The FMC 2025
- Dry White Blends: Cape Of Good Hope Riebeeksrivier Caroline 2023
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Peter Falke Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
- Port: Peter Bayly Cape Vintage 2023
- Sauvignon Blanc: Nitida Wild Child 2025
- Sweet: Tierhoek Straw Wine NV
- Chardonnay: Villion Chardonnay 2024
- Shiraz: Glenwood Grand Duc Syrah 2024
- Unusual White: Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Grenache Blanc 2025
- Cap Classique: Charles Fox Cipher Blanc de Noirs 2018
- Pinotage: Stellenbosch 1679 Old Vine Pinotage 2023
- Non-Bordeaux Blend: Peter Falke Ruby Red 2019
- Merlot: Vergelegen Merlot Reserve 2022
"The best wines showcased balance, elevated by expert winemaking and a deep understanding of the ripening process," shared judging panel member, Samarie Smith-Meletiou, journalist, photographer, and wine professional.
"A few categories were incredibly tight and difficult to choose which makes it very exciting," expressed another judging panel member, Armand Ridgard, South African wine sommelier.
Privesan Naidoo, executive: payments and American Express at Nedbank, said: "We are proud to continue supporting the Fine Wine Awards and to celebrate this year's outstanding winners. Through this partnership, we are helping shine a spotlight on South Africa's exceptional winemakers while creating opportunities for our Card members and wine enthusiasts to discover and experience some of the country's finest wines."
A total of 956 wines were entered into the competition, representing a full spectrum of wine types – from Cap Classique to sweet wines – across 20 categories. Judging was conducted over six days, with the top selected wines from each category blind-tasted again on the sixth and final day to determine the Trophy winners. Scoring was based on the internationally recognised 100-point system.
The wines were evaluated by an independent panel of judges, with Natalie Collard, director at Wine-of-the-Month Club, as the chairperson. The judges represented all areas of the wine industry: from fine wine buyers, sommeliers and journalists to wine educators and winemakers.
Awarded wines will receive Fine Wine Awards stickers and will be listed on www.finewineawards.co.za.
Read the full report HERE.
About the Wine-of-the-Month Club
Wine-of-the-Month Club is South Africa’s longest-standing and largest wine club. Started in 1986 by Colin Collard, our focus has always been to sell wine that our expert panel have selected in a blind tasting.
About Nedbank Group Limited
Nedbank Group is a bank holding company listed on the JSE Limited, with a market capitalisation of R127 billion as at 31 December 2025. Nedbank is one of Africa’s largest banking groups, with operations in South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and offshore in the Isle of Man and Jersey. It also has representative offices in other Africa countries, including Kenya, and has key global financial centres to provide international banking services for SA-based multinational and high-net-worth clients in London and Dubai. The group is a diversified financial services provider, offering a wide range of wholesale and retail banking and financial services. Nedbank has maintained its level 1 BBBEE status for the past 7 years and rates in the top quartile of local and international banks on ESG scores.
About American Express
American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services, and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.
Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express’ brand is built on trust, security, service, and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. We seek to provide the world’s best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations, and we build and manage relationships with millions of merchants across our global network.
For more information about American Express, visit americanexpress.com, americanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom, and ir.americanexpress.com.