The awards are presented to winemakers who produce a wine that the judging panel considers the best in the two specified categories of the annual competition. This year, the category for the 46th Winemaker of the Year award is White Blends, and Red Wine is the category for the 26th Young Winemaker of the Year award.
THE 2026 DINERS CLUB WINEMAKER AND YOUNG WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Back row left to right: Hannes Meyer (Alexander Vineyards), Stuart Botha (Tokara), Alvi van der Merwe (Alvi's Drift), Helgard van Schalkwyk (Nitida)
Front row left to right: Jacques Erasmus (Jacques Erasmus Wines), Bernard Claassen (Stellenbosch Vineyards)
WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR CATEGORY: WHITE BLENDS
Jacques Erasmus - Jacques Erasmus 2026
Helgard van Schalkwyk - Nitida Coronata Integration 2024
Hannes Meyer - Alexander Vineyards, Susara, Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2024
Stuart Botha - Tokara Director's Reserve White 2023
Alvi van der Merwe - Alvi's Drift Reserve CVC 2024
Bernard Claassen - Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo CVV 2025
Back row left to right: Xander Spreeth (L'Ormarins), Loïc du Toit (De Wetshof), Lee-Irvine Geduld (Bon Courage)
Front row left to right: Mosima Mabelebele (The Pledge), Carlo De Vries (Stellenbosch Family Wines), Daniela Briedenhann (Saronsberg)
YOUNG WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR CATEGORY: RED WINES
Daniela Briedenhann – Saronsberg Seismic 2024
Loïc du Toit - De Wetshof Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Lee-Irvine Geduld - Bon Courage Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Mosima Mabelebele - The Pledge Our 1060m Pinot Noir 2025
Xander Spreeth - L'Ormarins Ou Bosstok Cinsault 2025
Carlo De Vries - Carlo Pinotage 2023
The Winemaker and Young Winemaker awards focus on quality and the recognition of excellence and are among the country’s most prestigious and most respected wine industry competitions. While most wine industry awards focus on the winning wines, the Diners Club Winemaker and Young Winemaker of the Year awards celebrate the creators of the winning wines, honouring the skills and talents of the vintners. As in previous years, winemakers can be shortlisted for more than one submission. These awards are open to all in the South African wine industry at no cost, thus affording all winemakers an equal opportunity.
The field was narrowed down to twelve finalists through rigorous judging over two days by a team of wine experts. All the judges agree that it will be a close race for the top prizes, a clear indication that all the finalist wines are outstanding.
THE 2026 DINERS CLUB WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR JUDGES
Carrie Adams, Yegas Naidoo, Denzel Swarts, Johann Fourie, and Wayne Buckley-Koch
The finalists for both awards are invited to a black-tie gala dinner at the Five-Star Arabella Hotel & Spa on Saturday, 21 November 2026, where the winners will be revealed and presented with their trophies. The 2026 Winemaker of the Year and Young Winemaker of the Year will receive cash prizes of R75, 000 and R45 000 respectively, as well as a return air ticket to visit any wine-producing region in the world – terms and conditions of the presenting sponsor apply.