A record-breaking performance for South Africa at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2025 has further enhanced the country’s reputation for producing stellar white wines in many different growing regions.
South African winemakers are no strangers to success at the world’s largest wine competition, but 45 Gold medals at DWWA 2025 is a new high. Results also showcased a fascinating white wine scene going from strength to strength in the country.
‘Consumers have never had it so good when it comes to South African Chenins…’
Fiona McDonald
‘It’s a genuine delight to see how focused the wines are while retaining a sense of style and personality – much like their respective makers!’ she said.
South African Chardonnay was again a strong performer at DWWA 2025. Top medallists demonstrated stylistic nuance alongside core characteristics of elegance and balance. McDonald emphasised a trend for restraint in terms of oak use and ripeness.
‘It’s also cheering to see Sauvignon Blanc and white blends nudge their way into the limelight,’ added McDonald.
Explore a selection of Gold medal winners below, underpinned by DWWA’s rigorous judging process involving leading experts.
Explore the full results from DWWA 2025 at awards.decanter.com
Cape Coast
Quoin Rock, Chardonnay 2022
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 95 points
Rhubarb crumble, vanilla custard and lemon curd on toast draws you in, with nectarine acidity and a crushed stone mineral note to end. Alcohol 13%
Cape Town
Durbanville Hills, The Tangram, Durbanville 2023
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 96 points
Buoyant leafy herbs and green tree fruits on a softly structured palate. Smoky oak and vibrant white peach meld nicely with the bright acidity. Alc 14%
Spier, 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2022
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 95 points
£27 Vinvm
Steely, cedary and sophisticated on the nose, giving way to lush buttered brioche and lime marmalade complexity on the palate, finishing with crisp juicy apples. Alc 14.5%
Ceres Plateau
De Grendel, Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2024
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 96 points
US$32-$35 All Star, Empire Wine, Tribeca Wine Merchants, Wine.com
Vibrant aromas of crushed flint and chalk cut through fresh citrus, apple and apricot flavours, with nervy acidity and an appetising texture to lift the finish. Alc 13.5%
Citrusdal Mountain
Donkiesbaai, Steen, Piekenierskloof 2024
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 95 points
£26.95-£30 Dunell’s, Frontier Fine Wines
Old vine Citrusdal Mountain character offering plenty of honeyed melon, apple and peach cordial. Superb waxy texture and lime zest acidity, with a long fennel finish. Alc 13.5%
Coastal Region
Bellingham, The Founders Series Freda 2021
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 95 points
Charming oyster shell and gun flint notes adorn layers of lime curd and a creamy texture. Generous and bold, with savoury tension to the finish. Alc 13.5%
Elgin
Kershaw, Clonal Selection Chardonnay 2021
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 95 points
£45-£54 Great Wines Direct , Hallgarten Wines, Strictly Wine, Southafricanwines.co.uk, The Savanna, Vinvm, Winoship
Lemon tart, lime leaf and white blossom nuances crown a chalky texture, with vanilla oak, marmalade succulence and striking acidity. Alc 13.5%
Paul Cluver, Sauvignon Blanc 2024
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 95 points
Green grass, leafy herbs and citrus play to the crowd, with a persistent buzz of freshness and a central purity that lingers long. Alc 13.5%
Franschhoek
Backsberg, Smuggled Vines Chardonnay 2024
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Value Gold, 95 points
US$27 The Wine Concierge
Lily of the valley perfume fringes the melon, apricot and peach fruit aromas. Cohesive and energetic, with tangy lemon acidity and crushed stone elegance. Alc 13.5%
Overberg
Thamnus, Chardonnay 2022
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 96 points
£44-£48 Hedonism, Museum Wines, Swig
A banquet of sumptuous fruit aromas: mango, melon, peach, nectarine and citrus. A juicily mouthwatering texture, invigorated by a flinty mineral grip. Seamless. Alc 13.5%
Paarl
Perdeberg, Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc, Paardeberg 2023
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 95 points
Intense peach, yellow apple and orange fruit interspersed with spiced ginger crumbs. Golden and clingy, generous and entrancing with a long, herby finish. Alc 14%
Stellenbosch
Simonsig, Langbult Steen Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 96 points
£19.50 Lekker Wine
Blossom and honeysuckle floral aromas combine beautifully with juicy melon and white stone fruit, lifted by crisp sherbet acidity. A long, elevating finish. Alc 13%
Ken Forrester, The FMC Chenin Blanc 2024
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 95 points
£44-£60 Widely available via UK agent Enotria
A scrumptious glass of apple compote and honeysuckle with a briny mineral twist, grapefruit acidity to invigorate and a quenching tug of quince to finish. Alc 13%
Rustenberg, Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch 2024
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 95 points
£13.90-£16 JN Wine, Moura, Vinvm
A depth of pure lemon, white peach and yellow apple fruit, impressive mineral structure and quenching acidity. Captivating. Alc 13.5%
Swartland
Nederburg, Heritage Heroes the Anchor Man Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024
(Image credit: DWWA Winners’ bottles)
Gold, 95 points
Delightful citrus blossom, peach skin and pineapple perfumes layer nicely in a profoundly concentrated palate, offset by fresh acidity and a stylish mineral streak. Alc 13.5%
DWWA 2026 results announced 17 June 2026.
Discover more at awards.decanter.com
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