Tim Atkin MW 2025 South Africa Special Report Shortlist
For the first time in 13 years Tim Atkin MW revealed a 2025 South Africa Special Report short list of finalists for five prestigious award categories. The full 2025 South Africa Special Report will be published on 2nd September 2025 on his website. Tim has been instrumental in bringing SA wines to the world stage and was the first critic to award a local wine – the 2015 Kanonkop Paul Sauer – 100 points.
Oz Clarke, author, taster and broadcaster has this to say:
It’s so important for us to have an impartial expert ready to do the hard yards, visit the producers, taste the wines from vat to bottle to maturity and give us an honest opinion. Tim does this rigorously and enthusiastically, and he is also unafraid of voicing opinions, popular or unpopular to give us all a better chance of truly understanding the country, its people and its wines. We need Tim Atkins 13th SA Report. And so does South Africa.
Tim Atkin described this short list as a salute to the talent that continues to sustain the South African Wine Industry. This in spite of geopolitical, climate, structural, and economic challenges. He highlighted the collaborative nature of the winemaking community. Many nominees having worked together or alongside past roll of honour recipients.
Shortlisted categories and nominees
Rising Star of the Year
Angus Paul of Angus Paul Wines: Focuses on Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Cinsault; trained under Mullineux and Reyneke.
Duncan Stuart of Kloovenberg Wine and Olives: Specializes in Mediterranean varieties like Garnacha Peluda.
Banele Vakele of Tembela Wines: Produces organic wines; former Cape Winemakers Guild protégé.
Megan van der Merwe of Beau Constantia: Viticulturist and winemaker, enhanced cellar door and social media presence
Young Winemaker of the Year
Stuart Botha of Tokara. He is known for versatility across reds and whites.
Jolandie Fouché of Wolf & Woman Wines: Chenin Blanc and Pinotage specialist.
Franco “Poenie” Lourens of Lourens Family Wines: Runs the family estate; focuses on Chenin and Mediterranean grapes.
Emul Ross of Hamilton Russell Vineyards: Works on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; Cape Winemakers Guild member
Winemaker of the Year
Richard Kershaw MW of Kershaw Wines: Elgin-based; site-specific Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah.
Miles Mossop of Miles Mossop Wines: Former head of Tokara; sources his grapes from all over the Western Cape.
Gordon Newton Johnson of Newton Johnson Vineyards: Upper-Hemel-En-Aarde valley; famed for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Albarino.
Donovan Rall of Rall Wines: Focuses on Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, white blenda; works with overlooked vineyards.
Viticulturist of the Year
Fritz Breytenbach of Robertson: In his eighties and still working; a pioneer in regenerative farming methods.
Danie Carinus of Bluegum Grove, Stellenbosch: Produces wines and supplies grapes to top winemakers.
Wilhelm Joubert of Hartenberg Estate: Leading regerative grower; first South African winery certified under Estate Of Origin Vineyard.
Nico Walters of Quion Rock Wines: Revitalised Stellenbosch vineyards; works with old vines.
Best Cellar Door Experience
Nominees recognised for exceptional cellar door experience.
Gabrielskloof Wines at Bot River.
Jordan Wines at Stellenbosch Kloof.
Steenberg Vineyards at Constantia.
Vondeling at Voor Paardeberg
