SA wine industry celebrates global success as six local estates make World’s 50 Best Vineyards list

South Africa’s wine industry is raising a glass in celebration after securing six coveted spots on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Vineyards list, a feat that Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says confirms the country’s status as a global wine powerhouse.

Steenhuisen praised the achievement, saying the accolades reflect the industry’s innovation, high standards, and growing influence in international wine tourism.

“We have always known we have great wine, and this exceptional performance, with six of our winery estates securing places amongst the world’s best, is a resounding endorsement of our wine tourism’s consistent standards and innovation,” said Steenhuisen.

Steenhuisen said that two vineyards made it to the Top 10 list. Klein Constantia Wine Estate, in the Western Cape, was named the Best Vineyard in Africa and also the recipient of the Highest Climber Award.

“This estate is now ranked as the sixth top vineyard globally. It has climbed 35 places from its 2024 ranking.”

Steenhuisen added that Creation in the Hemel-en-Aarde area, Western Cape, is ranked number seven globally. “This estate has been dominating the regional category and, until last year, was voted the Best Vineyard in Africa.

Four local vineyards made it to the extended 51-100 list:

• Tokara Wine and Olive Estate (Stellenbosch): No. 71;
• Delaire Graff Estate (Stellenbosch): No. 79;
• La Motte Wine Estate (Franschhoek Valley): No. 94  and
• Hamilton Russell Vineyards (Hemel-en-Aarde): No. 99).

Steenhuisen said wine tourism is a critical contributor to the South African economy. In 2022, the sector added R9.3 billion to GDP, supported 11 000 farm-gate jobs, and generated more than 40 000 employment opportunities.

"Wine tourism now accounts for 17.3% of the total turnover for all grape-crushing cellars in South Africa.We applaud the dedication of the teams at all six vineyards for elevating the South African brand to compete on the global stage,” he said.

He added that the domestic market remains a strong anchor for the industry, with local travellers making up 58% of Cape Winelands room nights in 2024.

TLU SA general manager, Bennie van Zyl, said South Africa produces wine of a quality that competes confidently with global leaders.

“The contribution that our wine industry does regarding exports is very good, but also for local usage for our consumers," he said.

"It's also good that we have very good quality wines in our restaurants throughout the country. South African wines not only include these top six, but there are also others that can participate in this list.”

Francois Rossouw, the CEO of Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), emphasised the economic value of global recognition.

“When six South African estates rank among the world’s best, it strengthens their ability to sell wine at value, not just volume, and to keep investing in people, vineyards, and infrastructure instead of being squeezed by rising input costs.”

He added that awards help wineries sell wine “at value, not just at volume,” strengthening their resilience against rising production costs.

Brett Tungay, interim national chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA), said that wine industry tourism is extremely important, especially in the Western Cape.

“Having this kind of award and acknowledgment for our wine industry is amazing, and hopefully, we can get more vineyards into the top 100 and top 50, giving us international recognition of excellence in wine that we have in South Africa.”

BUSINESS REPORT