Tim Atkin reveals South Africa’s standout wine stars for 2025

Tim Atkin MW has published a shortlist of contenders for his 2025 South Africa Special Report, marking the first time in 13 years that he has named wine nominees ahead of the full rankings.

The shortlist features contenders across categories such as Rising Star and Young Winemaker, notably. Other categories include Winemaker of the Year, Viticulturist of the Year and Best Cellar Door Experience nationwide too.(Wineland Media)

wine Picture: Stellenbosch Wine Routes / Facebook

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‘To me, it seems an opportune moment to acknowledge the breadth of talent underpinning the sector. Identifying the top four candidates in each of these five key categories is my shout-out for their role in maintaining the country’s pre-eminence,’ explained Tim.

Nominees include:

Rising Stars

Angus Paul, Angus Paul Wines

Duncan Stuart, Kloovenburg Wine & Olives

Banele Vakele, Tembela Wines

Megan van der Merwe, Beau Constantia

Young Winemaker

Stuart Botha, Tokara

Jolandie Fouché, Wolf & Woman Wines

Franco Lourens, Lourens Family Vineyards

Emul Ross, Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Richard Kershaw MW, Kershaw Wines

Miles Mossop, Miles Mossop Wines

Gordon Newton Johnson, Newton Johnson Family Vineyards

Donovan Rall, Rall Wines

Viticulturist of the Year

Fritz Breytenbach

Danie Carinus, Bluegum Grove

Wilhelm Joubert, Hartenberg Estate

Nico Walters, Quoin Rock Wines

Best Cellar Door Experience of the Year

Gabriëlskloof

Jordan Wine Estate

Steenberg Vineyards

Vondeling

A press release picked up by MyPressportal noted Tim Atkin’s view on industry excellence and collaboration during interviews. My Boozy Kitchen framed the shortlist as a celebration of creativity and innovation across lifestyle media. (X (formerly Twitter)

Tending vines and crafting wine

Tim Atkin described the shortlist as an opportunity to honour the people who are shaping South African wine through both vineyard practice and cellar craft. (Agri News)

Industry leaders have welcomed the spotlight as a way to increase global visibility and reinforce tourism and export prospects for South African producers. The Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report will publish on 2 September 2025.

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