Four South African wine estates have secured coveted positions on The World’s 50 Best Vineyards extended 51-100 list for 2025, cementing the country’s reputation as a premier wine tourism destination.
The announcement, released this week ahead of the official awards ceremony in Margaret River, Western Australia, sees two new South African entries alongside two returning favourites making their mark on the international stage. During the awards ceremony, the Top 50 Best Vineyards will be announced.
La Motte Wine Estate in the Franschhoek Valley claimed the 94th position as a newcomer to the prestigious list, while Hamilton Russell Vineyards from the renowned Hemel-en-Aarde region secured 99th place in their debut appearance. These fresh entries highlight the growing global recognition of South African wine tourism excellence.
The Western Cape’s Stellenbosch region celebrated two re-entries to the list, with Tokara Wine and Olive Estate rising to 71st position and Delaire Graff Estate claiming 79th place. Both estates had previously featured on the list but return with renewed vigour, showcasing the consistency and quality that defines South African wine tourism.
South Africa’s Tokara, Delaire Graff, La Motte and Hamilton Russell wine estates have been named as some of the best in the world.
“This year’s extended list is a vibrant showcase of excellence in global wine tourism, featuring vineyards across six continents,” commented William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Vineyards. “We’re thrilled to welcome a host of new entries and to recognise more world-class vineyards and the people behind them.”
South Africa’s four entries place the nation among serious international competition, with the 51-100 list featuring vineyards from 38 wine regions across six continents. Portugal dominated this year’s extended list with eight entries, while Italy contributed six vineyards to the prestigious ranking.
The South African wine estates join an illustrious group that includes legendary names such as Veuve Clicquot (51st), Moët & Chandon (57th), and Château Pichon Baron (60th), demonstrating the calibre of company these local establishments now keep.
Europe claimed the largest share with 33 vineyards on the list, followed by South America with six entries.
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The World’s 50 Best Vineyards is an annual ranking that celebrates exceptional vineyard experiences worldwide, focusing on wine tourism rather than just wine quality. The awards recognise wineries that offer outstanding visitor experiences, from breathtaking locations and immersive tours to exquisite tasting rooms and restaurants.
The programme aims to boost wine-related travel and provide global recognition for wine regions worldwide. Unlike traditional wine competitions that focus solely on the quality of wine, these awards evaluate the complete vineyard experience that visitors can enjoy.
The rankings are compiled from votes cast by more than 700 international wine industry professionals, including sommeliers and wine journalists
Voters nominate vineyard experiences they deem “truly among the best in the world” based on their professional expertise and personal experiences. The focus is on venues that offer exceptional wine tourism experiences rather than following a rigid scoring system.
The official awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 19 November at Amelia Park Wines in the Margaret River Region, Western Australia.
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Formerly known as the World’s Best Vineyards, the programme has evolved into The World’s 50 Best Vineyards and continues to develop as a world-class live event programme. The annual ceremony attracts influential industry tastemakers, vineyard owners, and media from around the world.
The awards serve as both recognition for excellence and a powerful marketing tool for wine tourism destinations, helping to attract international visitors and elevate the profile of wine regions globally.
Complete South African entries – 51-100 list 2025
71st – Tokara Wine and Olive Estate (Stellenbosch) – Re-entry
79th – Delaire Graff Estate (Stellenbosch) – Re-entry
94th – La Motte Wine Estate (Franschhoek Valley) – New entry
99th – Hamilton Russell Vineyards (Hemel-en-Aarde) – New entry
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