Klein Constantia
The South African wine industry achieved a spectacular series of global accolades during November 2025, with news unfolding in a precise sequence that showcased its excellence in tourism and quality. The announcements centred on The World’s Best Vineyards list, which judges estates on the quality of their visitor experience.
This prestigious ranking, now managed under the 50 Best brand, is not simply a review of wine quality. It is a poll compiled from the votes of over 700 leading wine and travel experts from across the globe. Voters are asked to nominate vineyards that provide the best overall visitor experience, considering elements like hospitality, scenery, food, architecture, and tours. To maximise global coverage, the list is released in two distinct, sequential phases.
Initial Global Recognition
The ranking began on 5 November 2025, with the release of the Numbers 51–100 segment. This phase immediately secured four Cape estates in the global Top 100: Tokara (#71), Delaire Graff (#79), La Motte (#94), and Hamilton Russell (#99).
Simultaneous Final Triumphs
The third week of November brought the culmination of the ranking and an important local quality award, demonstrating South Africa’s dual success in the glass and at the cellar door.
Cracking the Global Top 10
The highly anticipated formal awards ceremony took place on 19 November 2025, where the Numbers 1–50 segment was announced. This final reveal confirmed South Africa’s positioning as a world leader, with two estates securing places in the global Top 10:
Klein Constantia (#6): This historic Constantia Valley estate, known for its iconic sweet wine, Vin de Constance, was celebrated for climbing 35 places to be named Best Vineyard in Africa 2025.
Creation Wines (#7): The Hemel-en-Aarde powerhouse, celebrated for its cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, secured its spot among the global elite for its innovative food and wine pairings.
Pinotage Centenary Win
Coincident with this final global announcement, the industry celebrated a major local quality win. Against the backdrop of the 100-year anniversary of the Pinotage grape, Tokara Wine & Olive Estate in Stellenbosch received a major award with its Limited Release Pinotage 2023 being named Best Pinotage in South Africa by Platter’s Wine Guide 2025. This victory highlighted the continued excellence of South Africa’s signature varietal.
A World-Class Destination
The combined achievements established the Cape Winelands as an undisputed global leader in wine quality and tourism experience. The country celebrated not only a major award for its unique, signature grape during its centenary year, but also the remarkable feat of having six estates in the World’s Best Vineyards Top 100, with two positioned firmly in the Top 10.
Dining and Cooking