Once again high scores for our South African producers
Every year, the wine world looks forward to the release of the Tim Atkin South Africa Report. The influential Master of Wine tasted over 1,800 South African wines for the 2026 edition, once again highlighting the absolute top wines of the country.
What does this report confirm year after year? South Africa continues to surprise. With a unique combination of innovation, sustainable viticulture, old vineyards, and a strong focus on terroir, the country ranks among the most dynamic wine regions of the moment. Our producers also showed their best side again this year, with impressive scores and a place among the most prestigious wineries in the country.
Boekenhoutskloof
Boekenhoutskloof once again confirms its status as the absolute top of South Africa. Under the leadership of the highly acclaimed winemaker Gottfried Mocke, the winery is known for its unwavering focus on quality and terroir expression. It's no surprise that Boekenhoutskloof is listed among the First Growths in Tim Atkin's Cape Classification.
Top Scorers
- Boekenhoutskloof Semillon – 98 points
- Porseleinberg Syrah – 98 points
- Boekenhoutskloof Noble Late Harvest – 97 points
- Boekenhoutskloof Syrah – 96 points
- Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek – 96 points
- Cap Maritime Estate Chardonnay – 94 points
- Goldmine – 93 points
- Chocolate Block – 93 points
- Cap Maritime Estate Pinot Noir – 92 points
Jordan
With a combination of innovation, precision, and a strong focus on terroir, Jordan has been among the most respected names in Stellenbosch for years. The winery is listed in Tim Atkin's Cape Classification as a Second Growth, a recognition for the consistent quality that Gary and Kathy Jordan have built over the years.
Top Scorers
- Jordan Assyrtiko – 95 points
- Jordan Cobblers Hill Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – 94 points
- Jordan The Outlier Sauvignon Blanc – 94 points
- Jordan The Real McCoy Riesling – 94 points
- Jordan Inspector Péringuey Chenin Blanc – 93 points
- Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay – 93 points
- Jordan The Long Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon – 93 points
- Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay – 92 points
Paul Clüver
As a pioneer of the cool-climate Elgin wine region, Paul Clüver has been a benchmark for elegant South African wines for decades. Thanks to the higher-altitude vineyards and the cool climate, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir in particular reach an exceptionally high standard here. The recent scores in the Tim Atkin South Africa Report once again confirm why Paul Clüver is considered one of Elgin’s most important producers: refinement, freshness, and expression of terroir are always central.
Top Scorers
- Paul Clüver Estate Chardonnay – 92 points
- Paul Clüver Riesling – 92 points
- Paul Clüver Village Pinot Noir – 92 points
- Paul Clüver Sauvignon Blanc – 90 points
Reyneke
As a pioneer in organic and biodynamic viticulture, Reyneke continues to prove that sustainability and top quality go hand in hand. Not surprisingly, the winery is again listed as a First Growth in Tim Atkin's prestigious Cape Classification.
Top Scorers
- Reyneke Estate Sauvignon Blanc – 96 points
- Reyneke Estate Syrah – 96 points
- Reyneke Estate Chenin Blanc – 95 points
- Reyneke Estate Cabernet Franc – 94 points
- Reyneke Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – 93 points
- Reyneke Cornerstone – 91 points
Waterkloof
Waterkloof also confirms its status as one of South Africa's most innovative wineries. The focus on sustainable viticulture and terroir expression once again results in a series of high-scoring wines. Moreover, Waterkloof is listed as a Cru Bourgeois in Tim Atkin's Cape Classification
Top Scorers
- Waterkloof Chenin Blanc – 93 points
- Waterkloof Circumstance Cabernet Sauvignon – 93 points
- Waterkloof The Last of The First Pinotage – 93 points
- Waterkloof Circumstance Mourvèdre – 92 points
- Waterkloof Circumstance Syrah – 92 points
- Waterkloof Circle of Life White – 92 points
- Waterkloof Seriously Cool Cinsault – 92 points
Avondale
With Avondale, Paarl proves that sustainability and quality can go hand in hand. The winery is known for its organic and regenerative approach, where nature plays a central role in the vineyard. This philosophy translates into wines with clear terroir expression, balance, and character. In the Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2026, Avondale's efforts are rewarded with strong reviews for both white and red wines.
Top Scorers
- Avondale Anima Chenin Blanc – 93 points
- Avondale Cyclus – 93 points
- Avondale Qvevri GSM – 91 points
Perdeberg
Perdeberg continues to develop into a producer that combines traditional Paarl quality with modern viticulture and a strong focus on Chenin Blanc. In the Tim Atkin report, the wines from the Endura and Dry Land Collection series stand out, showing that excellent quality and accessibility can go hand in hand. Consistent reviews underscore Perdeberg's growing reputation in the modern South African wine scene.
Top Scorers
- The Dry Land Collection Courageous Barrel-Fermented Chenin Blanc – 93 points
- The Dry Land Collection Longevity Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc – 93 points
- Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc – 92 points
- Endura Winemaker's Selection Cape Blend – 90 points
Off The Record
The relatively young project Off The Record shows why the cooler South African wine regions such as Elgin and the Ceres Plateau are attracting so much attention. With a focus on freshness, elegance, and terroir, the winery once again received excellent reviews. Additionally, Off The Record is included in the list of Crus Bourgeois.
Top Scorers
- Off The Record Ceres Plateau Syrah – 93 points
- Off The Record Elgin Chenin Blanc – 92 points
South Africa continues to surprise
From biodynamic pioneers to innovative cool climate projects: the Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2026 shows that South Africa continues to develop as one of the most dynamic wine countries in the world. The impressive results of our wineries confirm that quality, innovation, and terroir go hand in hand here.