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South Africa

  • The Best of South Africa 2026

    The Best of South Africa 2026

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    Simon Judge

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    In early May 2026, I went to Tim Atkin’s The Best of South Africa tasting, a curated selection of producers and wines from his 2025 South Africa Special Report. It brought together some of the best wines from the Cape, most of them presented by the people who made them. In the introduction to the tasting notes, Tim highlighted the incredible diversity of South African wine. The Cape can produce almost any style to an enviably high standard. This year’s tasting featured 346 wines from 81 producers. This time, I decided to focus only on wines priced at £25 and…

  • Kleine Zalze Cap Classique Brut

    Kleine Zalze Cap Classique Brut

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    Simon Judge

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    This wine from Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa, is a traditional method sparkling wine. It’s made using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and sits at 12% ABV. In the glass it has a pale salmon colour with loads of lively, fine beads that keep on coming. Aroma wise it gives off fresh apple and citrus, with a gentle biscuit nuance. It’s dry on taste, apple and citrus upfront, then that richer depth kicks in with bright, high acidity keeping everything fresh. The finish is long, the sort that makes you want another sip before you’ve even put the glass down.…

  • Journey’s End Sir Lowry Cabernet Sauvignon

    Journey’s End Sir Lowry Cabernet Sauvignon

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    Simon Judge

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    This wine is a thoughtful gift that arrived courtesy of a generous house guest, so thank you Hugh! It comes from South Africa, more precisely from the foothills of the Hottentot Mountains. Its name pays tribute to Sir Lowry’s Pass, a well-known landmark close to the winery in the Western Cape, itself named after Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole, a British colonial figure who served as Governor of the Cape from 1828. Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 vintage has spent 18 months in French oak. At 13.5% ABV, it pours with a slightly browning colour. The aromas is of…

  • Vergelegen Millrace Red

    Vergelegen Millrace Red

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    Simon Judge

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    Vergelegen Millrace Red is a blend from one of South Africa’s most historic estates, in the Western Cape’s renowned Stellenbosch region. The estate dates back to 1700, founded by the Dutch governor at the Cape and has become known for producing wines in the Bordeaux style with a South African twist. The name ‘Mill Race’ comes from the Dutch-engineered channel diverting water from the Lourens River to power the estate’s old mill wheel. The wine brings together 41% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 12% Cabernet Franc and a touch of Petit Verdot at 1%. It has been matured for…

  • Jam Shed Sauvignon Blanc 1.5l Box

    Jam Shed Sauvignon Blanc 1.5l Box

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    Simon Judge

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    Jam Shed Sauvignon Blanc is a new wine under the familiar Jam Shed label, appearing in a smaller 1.5-litre mini box format, the equivalent of two standard bottles. This release comes from Vinarchy, a wine company formed in 2025 from the merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers. The name blends Vin, French for wine, and archy, from the Ancient Greek for leadership. The group now manages a broad portfolio of global brands, including Hardys, Campo Viejo and Jacob’s Creek. Jam Shed itself has carved a reputation for producing approachable, flavour-driven wines that offer good value. Drawing inspiration from…

  • Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling Wine

    Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    Part of my #awards25 series, this South African sparkling has a Gold Medal from the IWSC 2025 with an impressive 96 points. It’s from Robertson in the Western Cape and is an example of a ‘blanc de blancs’, a term that means white wine made solely from white grapes. In this case, it’s 100% Chardonnay. Produced using the Méthode Cap Classique, South Africa’s take on the Traditional Method used in Champagne, it undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle. This is the 2019 vintage, though it was only disgorged in 2024, allowing time for ageing. The bubbles are small and…

  • No.1 Cederberg Syrah

    No.1 Cederberg Syrah

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    Simon Judge

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    I had to include this one in my awards25 series because the 2022 vintage earned both an IWC Silver and an IWSC Silver. From the West Coast of South Africa, this Syrah comes from Cederberg, where the fifth generation of the Nieuwoudt family now oversees the estate. They are widely regarded as one of the top high-altitude producers from South Africa. At 14% ABV, this is a medium to full bodied red, made from 100% Syrah and aged in oak. There is a generous ripe cherry aroma with a touch of oak even when just opened. After half an hour,…

  • Bellingham Old Vine Chenin Blanc

    Bellingham Old Vine Chenin Blanc

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    Simon Judge

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    Bellingham Old Vine Chenin Blanc stood out when I first discovered at a Sainsbury’s press wine tasting. It is new to their range and was easily one of the highlights of the event. Once found only in independent wine merchants, it has now found its way onto supermarket shelves, making it more accessible. The wine comes from South Africa and carries a rich history. Bellingham’s legacy began back in 1693 with Hollander Gerrit Janz van Vuuren and his French Huguenot wife. A more modern chapter began in 1943, when Bernard and Fredagh Podlashuk took over the neglected estate. They revived…

  • The Best of South Africa

    The Best of South Africa

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    Simon Judge

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    In mid-May 2025, I attended the Tim Atkin MW The Best of South Africa Tasting, an event Tim described as likely the finest presentation of South African wines in the UK this year. That claim stood up, the range and calibre of wines on show were outstanding. Tim Atkin MW is known for producing an annual South Africa Special Report, where he highlights standout producers and wines from the country. This tasting was based on his 2024 report and brought together a carefully curated selection of producers chosen by invitation only. Alongside these were producers identified as ‘Rising Stars’, a…

  • Mount Rozier Reserve Merlot

    Mount Rozier Reserve Merlot

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    Simon Judge

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    Mount Rozier Reserve Merlot comes from the foothills of the Hottentot Mountains in South Africa’s Western Cape, produced by the Mount Rozier winery. The estate traces its roots back to the early 1800s, when Annie Rozier, a flower merchant known for foraging wild blooms in the Schapenberg hills, established a reputation for creating natural remedies. Her connection to the land and the local community is still reflected in the estate’s values today. Mount Rozier remains deeply committed to environmental stewardship, setting aside 30 hectares of its grounds for the protection of native plants and wildlife. This respect for nature underpins…

  • Mount Rozier Chenin Blanc Reserve

    Mount Rozier Chenin Blanc Reserve

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    Simon Judge

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    Mount Rozier Chenin Blanc Reserve is a white wine from the foothills of the Hottentot Mountains, produced by the Mount Rozier winery in South Africa’s Western Cape wine region. The estate has a rich heritage, founded at the turn of the 19th century by Annie Rozier, a local flower merchant known for gathering wildflowers in the Schapenberg hills around her family’s homestead. She gained a reputation for making natural remedies and medicines, becoming a beloved figure in the local community. Today, the Mount Rozier Estate remains committed to preserving its natural surroundings, with 30 hectares of land designated for the…

  • Amandla Signature Chenin Blanc

    Amandla Signature Chenin Blanc

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    Simon Judge

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    Amandla Signature Chenin Blanc comes from the Western Cape, South Africa, and is made by an innovative all-black, all-female team, led by winemaker Praisy Dlamini and viticulturalist Ruth Faro. The name “Amandla” translates to “power within us,” a fitting tribute to the passion behind this wine. I have seen this Amandla promoted a lot but was curious to know what their wine tastes like. Made entirely from Chenin Blanc, the 2024 vintage has an ABV of 12%. First of all, be sure not to serve it too cold, giving it at least 20 minutes out of the fridge allows the…

  • Fairview Barrel-Aged Pinotage

    Fairview Barrel-Aged Pinotage

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    Simon Judge

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    Fairview has been producing Pinotage since the 1970s, with vintner Charles Back continuing the tradition with this wine. This particular vintage, from 2022, has an ABV of 13.5% and has been aged in seasoned oak barrels. The 2020 vintage previously won a bronze medal at the International Wine Challenge. Pinotage was created in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University, as a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. Known for its rich, deep colour and bold flavour, this uniquely South African grape variety has since become a key part of the country’s winemaking. This…

  • Rustenberg Stellenbosch Malbec

    Rustenberg Stellenbosch Malbec

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    Simon Judge

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    This bottle was a gift from someone who came to one of my past wine tastings – thanks, Hugh. It already has a few accolades, including 91 points from James Suckling in 2023, 90 points from the Tim Atkin SA Report and a Gold Medal from the Michelangelo Wine and Spirits Awards . At 14% ABV and aged for 15 months in French oak, this 2022 vintage was the largest in Rustenberg’s history. The first thing to note is that this wine needs time to breathe. Whether in a decanter or simply left in the glass for at least half…

  • Understanding South African Wine

    Understanding South African Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    South African wine, with its rich heritage dating back to the 17th century, has evolved into a dynamic industry renowned for its diverse terroirs and innovative winemaking. The country’s wine regions, clustered primarily in the Western Cape, produce a wide array of styles, from robust reds to crisp whites, underpinned by unique grape varieties such as Pinotage. History and Regions South Africa’s winemaking tradition began in 1652 when Dutch settlers planted the first vineyards near Cape Town. Today, the Western Cape remains the epicentre of production, encompassing over 30 wine-growing regions. The Coastal Region, stretching from Cape Town northward along…

  • Spier Villa Blue Albariño

    Spier Villa Blue Albariño

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    Simon Judge

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    Spier Villa Blue Albariño is an intriguing take on the classic Albariño (or Alvarinho), a grape most commonly associated with Galicia in Spain and its Portuguese counterpart. However, this particular wine comes from South Africa, produced by Spier Estate in the premium wine region of Stellenbosch. As one of the Cape’s oldest wineries, Spier has a reputation for excellence, having been named ‘South African Wine Producer of the Year’ in both 2011 and 2018. In 2022, it received the prestigious Editor’s Choice ‘Winery of the Year’ award from Platter. Beyond their winemaking, Spier is also known for their community-driven initiatives…

  • Capaia One

    Capaia One

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    Simon Judge

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    Capaia One is the flagship red wine from Capaia Estate, located in the village of Philadelphia within the Tygerberg district, just north of Cape Town, South Africa. The estate benefits from a climate that allows the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines with concentrated and complex flavours. Made by winemaker Stephan von Neipperg, who also owns two Grand Cru Classé estates in Saint-Émilion, this wine is made with the same level of precision as the finest Bordeaux châteaux. The blend consists of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 18% Shiraz, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot. Each varietal is…

  • Bruce Jack Pinotage Malbec

    Bruce Jack Pinotage Malbec

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    Simon Judge

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    This South African red wine from the Breedekloof Valley in the Western Cape is a more unusual blend of 70% Pinotage and 30% Malbec. Pinotage is a grape that tends to produce wines that polarise opinion, but I find this wine to be a standout example. It opens with a lovely smoky aroma, complemented by enticing notes of blackcurrant, without any excessive volatile aromas or burntness that you can get with Pinotage. On the palate, the continued smoky and blackcurrant flavours are rich and satisfying, paired with a very round mouthfeel. While the influence of the Malbec isn’t distinctly noticeable,…

  • Cap Maritime Pinot Noir

    Cap Maritime Pinot Noir

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    Simon Judge

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    Tesco has introduced another noteworthy addition to its wine range as part of its, previously mentioned, continued focus on premium offerings. Cap Maritime Pinot Noir, imported by New Generation Wines, is also available through select independent wine merchants. This South African wine comes from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in the Cape South Coast region. The 2023 vintage, by winemaker Gottfried Mocke, has an alcohol level of 13% and reflects a deliberate winemaking style that prioritises texture and perfume over the opulence of primary fruit. Aged for 12 months in French barriques, the wine is also vegan and has earned a…

  • Deluxe Pinotage

    Deluxe Pinotage

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    Simon Judge

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    Pinotage wine often flies under the radar, and this particular Deluxe Pinotage from Lidl is especially elusive as it isn’t listed on Lidl’s website. The Pinotage grape was first cultivated in 1925 through the crossbreeding of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut by Abraham Izak Perold, the inaugural Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. Known for its rich colour and robust flavours, Pinotage is typically associated with South Africa, though it is also grown in countries like New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Switzerland and Israel. Lidl’s Deluxe range is curated to offer a touch of luxury at affordable prices. This particular wine, with an…

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Did You Know?

Nearly a third (32%) of UK consumers say they have already used AI for alcoholic drinks advice. More

Among socially active wine buyers, 37% have bought a wine recommended online. More

In 2026, 72% of consumers now think wine knowledge is essential to appreciation, up 20 percentage points on 2025. More

Rías Baixas wines reached more than 107 countries in 2025 and exports represented 31 per cent of the denomination’s total sales. More

Light Strike Can Cause Wine Degradation in Just One Day. More

People actively adjust their wine choices depending on who might see them. More

In the UK, 73% of Alcohol is Bought From Retail Rather Than Hospitality. More

UK wine production reached 124,377 hectolitres that year, meaning the UK accounted for roughly 0.05 per cent of world output. More

For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release. More

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More

Local UK bottling of wine represents about 40% of imported wine. More

Around 1% of people, typically severe asthmatics, have a sulphite sensitivity. More

A large 80% of Australian wine arrives in the UK in bulk. More

Only about 0.02% of Australia’s landmass is dedicated to vineyards. More

In 2024, New Zealand produced only 1% of the World’s wine. More

In 2024, the US imported 37% of World production of Pinot Grigio and the UK was is in second place at 27%. More

In 2024, the UK was South Africa’s largest export market, with 40% of total exports. More

In 2024, the United Kingdom imported 22.3 million bottles of Champagne, a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. More

Larger Champagne producers source grapes from as many as 80 different vineyards throughout Champagne. More

Champagne houses and growers collectively produce around 300 million bottles annually. More

In 2025, the Champagne region was home to about 2,124 Champagne houses and approximately 19,000 growers. More

Provence is one of the leaders in the conversion to organic viticulture, with 61% of vineyards certified. More

8% of the South Africa’s grape production is Fairtrade-certified. More

Up to 80% of wine aroma compounds come from grape skins. More

Glycerol is the third-largest component of most dry wines after water and alcohol which is why they so often feel ‘smooth’ or ‘silky’ in the mouth. More

Humans are more than 400 times more sensitive to bitter than sweet. More

Humans can detect the earthy molecule geosmin at about 100 parts per trillion and camels are so sensitive to it they can locate damp ground from roughly 50 miles away. More

During the phylloxera crisis of the nineteenth century, 90% of Europe’s vineyards were destroyed. More

In 2025, for La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, sales surged by 49.4% to £110.8 million. More

In 2025, in the UK, Yellow Tail held the top position with sales, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. More

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest wine importer in volume and value. More

In 2024, the UK was the fifth-largest wine-consuming country globally. More

In 2025, global wine consumption continued its downward trend, estimated at 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. More

In 2025, online alcohol sales had a 20% increase in value over five years. More

In 2025, the number of UK vineyards rose to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. More

Moët Hennessy alone commands nearly 46.66% of the Champagne market, with the top three producers together holding about 61%, and the top five controlling over 72%. More

In 2024, the Champagne market was worth roughly €3.92 billion. More

In the marketing year 2023/24, white wine accounted for roughly 55% of Spain’s output, whereas red and rosé together made up about 45%. More

In the UK, 92% of wine is consumed within 48hrs of purchase. More

The majority of wines, 95%, use commercial rather than wild yeast. More

Between 0.5 and 10 litres of water, per litre of wine, are needed for cleaning during winemaking. More

Machine harvesting can achieve up to 100 tons of fruit per day vs 1 ton for a human. More

In Germany, 2025 was the smallest wine vintage since 2010. More

The majority of vineyards, 90% in 2019, are farmed with heavy chemical interventions. Only 6% are organic. More

90% of low and coastal areas in south Europe and California will no longer be able to produce good wine by the end of the century. More

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