South Africa announces 2026 Chenin Blanc Top 10 winners

The winners of the 2026 Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge have been announced following three days of blind judging. The competition evaluated 150 entries from 97 producers representing 36 Wine of Origin classifications.

Six of the ten winning wines originated from certified heritage vineyards aged 35 years or older. The top selection includes Beaumont Family Wines Hope Marguerite 2025, City on a Hill Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024, and DaschBosch Mossiesdrift Steen 2025, among others. Judges noted the winners demonstrated purity of fruit, freshness, elegance, and site expression.

Chenin Blanc is a vital component of the South African agricultural sector, accounting for 18.4% of the country’s total vineyard area. According to 2025 SAWIS statistics, approximately 92.3% of South Africa’s 2,176 grape growers cultivate the variety, covering 15,948.58 hectares.