South African wine industry highlighted in Tim Atkin’s 14th Special Report

Tim Atkin’s 14th annual South Africa Special Report highlights significant advancements and high scores within the South African wine industry. The report, which evaluated 1,831 wines from over 350 cellars, identifies a “New Wave” of producers driving change across the sector.

Top honors include the 2024 Sadie Family Columella, which received a perfect 100-point score to be named Overall Red Wine of the Year. The 2025 Alheit Vineyards Huilkrans Chenin Blanc earned 99 points, taking the title of Overall White Wine of the Year. Other notable individual awards include Hannes Storm of Storm Wines as Winemaker of the Year and Lismore Estate Vineyards as Winery of the Year.

Brookdale Estate also saw significant recognition, with its 2025 Grenache Noir receiving 95 points. Head Winemaker Xander Sadie was named a finalist in the Rising Star category, and the estate was a finalist for the Wine Tourism Award. Across Brookdale’s portfolio, all seven reviewed wines achieved scores of 92 points or higher.