Six winemakers have been shortlisted for the 2026 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year award for White Blends, while six young winemakers will compete for the Young Winemaker of the Year title in the Red Wine category.
Source: Supplied
The finalists for the 46th Diners Club Winemaker of the Year and 26th Young Winemaker of the Year awards have been announced following two days of judging by a panel of wine experts.
The Winemaker of the Year category is White Blends, while Red Wine is the category for the Young Winemaker of the Year award.
Source: Supplied | 2026 Diners Club Winemaker Of The Year Finalists
Winemaker of the Year finalists: White Blends
The six finalists and their nominated wines are:
• Jacques Erasmus, Jacques Erasmus 2026
• Helgard van Schalkwyk, Nitida Coronata Integration 2024
• Hannes Meyer, Alexander Vineyards Susara Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2024
• Stuart Botha, Tokara Director's Reserve White 2023
• Alvi van der Merwe, Alvi's Drift Reserve CVC 2024
• Bernard Claassen, Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo CVV 2025
Source: Supplied | 2026 Diners Club Young Winemaker Of The Year Finalists
Young Winemaker of the Year finalists: Red Wine
The six finalists and their nominated wines are:
• Daniela Briedenhann, Saronsberg Seismic 2024
• Loïc du Toit, De Wetshof Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
• Lee-Irvine Geduld, Bon Courage Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
• Mosima Mabelebele, The Pledge Our 1060m Pinot Noir 2025
• Xander Spreeth, L'Ormarins Ou Bosstok Cinsault 2025
• Carlo De Vries, Carlo Pinotage 2023
The awards recognise the winemakers behind the wines selected as the best in their respective categories. Unlike competitions that focus priarily on the winning wines, the Diners Club awards highlight the skills and talents of the people who make them.
The competition is open to winemakers across South Africa's wine industry at no cost. Winemakers may also be shortlisted for more than one submission.
The judges said the competition was expected to be closely contested, with all the finalist wines demonstrating a high standard of quality.
Source: Supplied | 2026 Diners Club Winemaker Of The Year Judges
Judges and awards ceremony
The 2026 Winemaker of the Year judging panel comprised Carrie Adams, Yegas Naidoo, Denzel Swarts, Johann Fourie and Wayne Buckley-Koch.
The finalists will attend a black-tie gala dinner at the five-star Arabella Hotel & Spa on Saturday, 21 November 2026, where the winners will be announced and presented with their trophies.
The Winemaker of the Year will receive R75,000, while the Young Winemaker of the Year will receive R45,000. Both winners will also receive a return air ticket to visit a wine-producing region of their choice, subject to the presenting sponsor's terms and conditions.
