Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wineries continue to shine among the best of the best, this time appearing among the winners of the 14th Shiraz SA Challenge.
The winners were revealed at the awards ceremony and tasting of the finalist wines at Blacksmith’s Kitchen and The Venue, respectively, last Thursday (6 August).
This year 18 winners were awarded in the three categories – rosé (1), shiraz blends (5) and shiraz (12) – with Spier pocketing two awards, one in the blends and one in the shiraz categories.
The Top 12 Shiraz of 2026 are Cederberg Teen die Hoog Shiraz 2023; De Grendel op die Berg Syrah 2024; Driehoek Syrah 2023; Fairview Cyril Back 2023; Groot Phesantekraal Syrah 2024; Rickety Bridge Foundation Stone Shiraz 2025; Riebeek Raar Shiraz Carbonic Maceration 2025; Rooiberg Shiraz Reserve 2023; Rust & Vrede Estate Vineyards Syrah 2022; Spier Seaward Shiraz 2024; Stellenbosch Hills Shiraz 2024; and Windmeul Shiraz 2023.
All the award winners of 14th annual Shiraz SA Challenge. Shiraz SA Awards winners Photo: Danie Nel
Making a statement
The 2026 Shiraz blend winners are Black Elephant Vintners Free Bird Bush Vines Red 2024; Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Joseph’s Legacy 2024; Quoin Rock Simonsberg Blend 2023; Spier Creative Block 3 2022; and Zevenwacht Tin Mine Red 2023.
Benguela Cove Lighthouse Rosé 2026 is this year’s 2026 Shiraz Rosé winner.
The Bernard Podlashuk Shiraz Trophy and prize, sponsored by Bellingham, was presented for the fifth time with Stellenrust Wine Estate revealed as the 2026 winner. Journey’s End, winner last year, and Lomond Wine Estate were the runners-up.
The judging panel, chaired by La Motte’s cellar master Edmund Terblanche, comprised Elzette du Preez, Denzel Swarts (Zoetendal), Samarie Smith-Meletiou and Bertho van der Westhuizen (Alto Estate).
“The single variety Shiraz/Syrah category is where South Africa is really making a statement,” Terblanche said.
“Wines were beautifully integrated, handled with a lighter touch of oak and by the final round, the top 30 wines were so close in quality, it really put our tasting abilities to the test! The category for blends was particularly enjoyable; the wines offered a wide spectrum of flavours, combining generosity with harmony.”
Raising the bar
He added that although the number of rosé entries were few, they were all young and fresh, displaying the new trend of light salmon and onion skin colour that reflect a dry clinical style.
“The Shiraz SA Challenge continues to raise the bar for South African wine,” concluded Terblanche. “Each year brings new stories, new expressions and, above all, an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Shiraz SA extends an invitation to all Shiraz aficionados to participate in the countrywide celebration of Shiraz on SA National Shiraz Day on Friday 21 August, which also marks the start of Seven Days of Celebrating Shiraz.
Participating wineries and restaurants will present events to celebrate this noble cultivar.
For more information, visit www.shirazsa.co.za.
Dining and Cooking