VITIS VINIFERA AWARDS 2024:

Celebrate Top Wine and Spirit Producers

Top wines awarded, and the Anchor Oenology trophy afford one winemaker a trip to any wine region in the world.

Stellenbosch, South Africa – September 9, 2024 – The 2024 Vitis Vinifera Awards took place in the first week of September at the iconic Lanzerac Hotel and Spa. A panel of esteemed judges, including several Cape Wine Masters, spirits experts, and sommeliers, evaluated South Africa’s best wines and spirits.

Panellists: The judging panel, chaired by Cape Wine Master Conrad Louw and included other Cape Wine Masters such as Anton Swarts, Dave March, Dr Caroline Snyman, Linda Birch, Lisha de Villiers, Lizette Tolken, Marlee Malan, and Meryl Weaver. Renowned sommelier Joseph Tongai Dhafana and spirits experts Dr Carla Weightman and Dr Mare-Loe Prinsloo also lent their expertise.

Wine entries

Overall, the Cap Classique wines impressed, with the best examples being Darling Cellars Cap Classique Blanc de Blanc Brut 2021 and Monogram Méthode Cap Classique 2020, showing exceptional complexity and depth of flavour.

The Chenin Blanc wines performed exceptionally well. Although the 2024 vintage Vondeling Petit Blanc Chenin Blanc, Gecko Ridge Chenin Blanc, Jason’s Hill Chenin Blanc and Ashton Winery Chenin Blanc showed varietal typicity, it was an older Chenin Blanc wine, Knorhoek Chenin Blanc 2023, that stole the show.

Some standouts 2023 Sauvignon Blanc wines were entered, with the 2024 wines showing more tropical flavours. The star of this category was the Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2024.

The Chardonnay entries were a mix of qualities. This category consisted of primarily young wines, many unwooded. The oaked examples were consistent, and careful wood treatment ensured balanced wines.

The White blends category impressed overall and were generally well made with expressive fruit and good acidity.

An impressive line-up of refreshing Blanc de noir and Rosé wines with delicate hues was on display. Most wines were beautifully balanced and had a great mouthfeel.

The Merlot category had very few green and stalky wines. Overall, there was good use of oak, and most wines had silky tannins.

Some lovely, perfumed, spicy Cabernet Franc wines with dark fruits were entered. One example is the THOR Age of The Rebel Cabernet Franc 2022. Impressive older examples, like Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc 2016 (poured from a magnum bottle), were on display.

Cabernet Sauvignon impressed as a class, with most wines showing outstanding balance.

Panellists felt that winemakers of many of the Shiraz entries overused oak and integrated it poorly. The best examples displayed black cherry fruit and some spice.

Pinotage was a diverse but robust category with some excellent complex examples. The star of this category was a wine from Rooiberg Winery, The Game Reserve Pinotage 2023. Panellists were excited that winemakers were not overusing oak here.

Overall, Bordeaux-styled blends impressed the panel, with some showing finesse and elegance.

Cape Blends wines generally had good structure and complexity. One world-class wine, KWV Classic Collection Cape Blend 2023, earned winemaker James Ochse the coveted Anchor Oenology Trophy for best wine on show.

The sweet wines consisted of an awe-inspiring line-up. From Cape Vintage (Port) to Muscadel. The Double Gold Award went to yet another wine from KWV, the KWV Classic Collection Cape Tawny.

Spirit entries

Cape Brandy is the stalwart of the South African Spirits industry. The standout entry came from DGB, the Boschendal XO 10-Year-Old Brandy.

Grappa‘s or husk brandies seldom get recognition in spirit competitions. Fynbos Distillery was awarded a Double Gold for their Plain Husk Spirit.

Gin was a mixed bag, with our expert panellists lamenting how many gins were faulty or used inferior-quality spirits. However, it was not all doom and gloom, as the best examples, Mirari African Botanics Gin and Mirari Damask Rose Gin from Time Anchor Distillery, impressed.

The Anchor Oenology

Best on-show Trophy

The Anchor Oenology Trophy, generously sponsored by Anchor Oenology, is bestowed upon the winemaker or distiller who achieves the highest score for their product of the year. However, this honour is not solely about recognition; it also opens the door to an extraordinary wine destination experience for the deserving winner.

Congratulations to KWV, which won with the KWV Classic Collection Cape Blend 2023, earning winemaker James Ochse a trip to any wine destination in the world.

The Top 5 performing producers were

Congratulations to the outstanding top five 2024 Vitis Vinifera Awards producers, who have once again showcased their remarkable expertise in winemaking and distillation. Among these exceptional talents is the noteworthy Imbuko Wines, which continues to impress year after year.

The esteemed top five producers, whose excellence shone brightly, were Imbuko Wines, KWV, Thor Vineyards, Rooiberg Winery, and Time Anchor Distilleries.

The Best Performers

Overall Trophy Winner

Producer Product Name Vintage
KWV KWV Classic Collection Cape Blend 2023

Double Gold Award

Producer Product Name Vintage
Ashton Winery Ashton Winery Chenin Blanc 2024
Ayama Ayama Vermentino 2023
Benguela Cove Wine Estate Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2024
DGB Boschendal XO 10 Year Old Brandy NA
Fynbos Distillery Plain Husk Spirit NV
Imbuko Wines Du Plevaux Jean Prieur Pinotage 2022
Jason’s Hill Private Cellar Jason’s Hill Chenin Blanc 2024
KWV KWV Classic Collection Cape Tawny NV
McGregor Wine Company McGregor Winery Colombard 2024
Quoin Rock Wines Knorhoek Chenin Blanc 2023
Rooiberg Winery The Game Reserve Pinotage 2023
Simonsvlei International Simonsvlei Zeffer White Blend 2022
Stellenbosch Family Wines Carlo Pinotage 2022
Thor Vintners Gecko Ridge Chenin Blanc 2024
Thor Vintners LARA Semillon 2023
Thor Vintners Côtes-du-noir 2022
Time Anchor Distillery Mirari African Botanics Gin NA
Time Anchor Distillery Mirari Damask Rose Gin NA
Vondeling Wines Vondeling Petit Blanc Chenin Blanc 2024
Schenkfontein Farm Cap Vino Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2021

Gold Award

Producer Product Name Vintage
Amperbo Wines Amperbo Malbec Rosé 2024
Amperbo Wines Amperbo Infinitum 2021
Amperbo Wines Amperbo Pinotage Tempranillo 2021
Ashton Winery Ashton Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Ashton Winery Ashton Winery Cabernet Merlot 2021
BC Wines BC Chenin Blanc 2024
BC Wines BC Chardonnay 2024
BC Wines BC Sauvignon Blanc 2024
BC Wines BC Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
BC Wines BC Ruby Cabernet Merlot 2023
Benguela Cove Wine Estate Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Moody Lagoon 2021
Carlsdale Carlsdale Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2023
Cilmor Winery Cilmor Chenin blanc 2024
Cilmor Winery Cilmor Winemaker’s Selection Chenin blanc 2024
Cilmor Winery Cilmor Chardonnay 2024
Cilmor Winery Cilmor Sauvignon blanc 2024
Cilmor Winery Cilmor Winemaker’s Selection Sauvignon blanc 2024
Cilmor Winery Cilmor Winemaker’s Selection Sauvignon blanc Semillon 2024
Darling Cellars Darling Cellars Cap Classique Blanc de Blanc Brut 2021
Darling Cellars Darling Cellars Reserve Arum Fields Chenin Blanc 2024
Darling Cellars Darling Cellars Old Blocks Pinotage 2022
DGB Sydney Back Potstill Brandy 10 Year Old NA
DGB Sydney Back Potstill Brandy 15 Year Old NA
Druk My Niet Wine Estate Mapago 2024
Druk My Niet Wine Estate T3 Rosé 2023
Eagle’s Cliff Eagle’s Cliff Chenin Blanc 2024
Eagle’s Cliff Eagle’s Cliff Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Eagle’s Cliff Eagle’s Cliff Pinotage 2022
Eagle’s Cliff Arendskloof Shiraz Tannat 2021
Eagle’s Cliff Eagle’s Cliff Shiraz Pinotage 2023
Fynbos Distillery Plain Witblits NV
Holden Manz Zintokazi Red Blend 2020
Imbuko Wines Imbuko Chenin Blanc 2024
Imbuko Wines Van Zijl Bushvine Chenin Blanc 2024
Imbuko Wines Shortwood Chenin Blanc 2024
Imbuko Wines Van Zijl Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Imbuko Wines Van Zijl Pink Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Imbuko Wines Shortwood Rosé 2024
Imbuko Wines Imbuko Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Imbuko Wines Van Zijl Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Imbuko Wines Imbuko Merlot 2022
Imbuko Wines Van Zijl Coffee Pinotage 2022
Imbuko Wines Van Zijl Reserve Red Ink Shiraz 2021
Imbuko Wines Van Zijl Reserve Blue Ink FB van Zyl 2021
Imbuko Wines Van Zijl Shiraz Mourvèdre 2022
Imbuko Wines Shortwood Red NV
Jason’s Hill Private Cellar Jason’s Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Jason’s Hill Private Cellar Jason’s Hill Cinsault Unwooded 2024
Kaapzicht Wine Estate Kaapzicht Chenin blanc 2024
Kaapzicht Wine Estate Kaapzicht Sauvignon blanc 2024
Kaapzicht Wine Estate Kaapzicht Raymond’s Red 2021
Klein Welmoed Estate Monogram Méthode Cap Classique 2020
Klein Welmoed Estate Foothills Sauvignon Blanc Sparkling 2021
Klein Welmoed Estate Foothills Dry Rosé 2023
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Koelenbosch Chenin Blanc 2024
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Stellenbosch Gold Chenin Blanc 2024
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Koelenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Stellenbosch Gold Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Koelenhof Koelenhoffer 2024
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Koelenbosch Dry Pinotage Rosé 2024
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Koelenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Koelenhof Pinotage 2022
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Koelenbosch Pinotage 2022
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Koelenbosch Sangiovese 2022
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Koelenbosch Nineteenfortyone 2022
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Stellenbosch Gold Red Blend 2021
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Simonsbosch Red Blend 2022
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Koelenhof Koelnektar 2024
Koelenhof Wine Cellar Koelenbosch Pinorto 2023
Koelfontein Estate Koelfontein Chardonnay 2022
KWV KWV Classic Collection Chenin Blanc 2024
KWV Laborie Chenin Blanc 2024
KWV KWV Classic Collection Pinotage 2023
KWV KWV Roodeberg Reserve 2021
KWV KWV Roodeberg Red Blend 2022
Les Montagnes Vineyard Les Montagnes Rosé 2023
McGregor Wine Company McGregor Winery Chardonnay 2024
McGregor Wine Company McGregor Winery Pinotage 2023
McGregor Wine Company McGregor Winery Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2023
Muse Muse Malbec 2022
Nicholson Smith Agencies Pandora’s Box La Dolce Vita Moscato NV
Nicholson Smith Agencies Pandora’s Box High Tea Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV
Nicholson Smith Agencies Pandora’s Box The Black Bird Merlot NV
Nicholson Smith Agencies Pandora’s Box Lock 1855 Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon NV
Quoin Rock Wines Quoin Rock Chardonnay 2021
Quoin Rock Wines Quoin Rock Nicobar Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Quoin Rock Wines Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Quoin Rock Wines Quoin Rock Shiraz 2022
Rickety Bridge Estate Rickety Bridge Chardonnay 2022
Rickety Bridge Estate Foundation Stone White 2023
Rickety Bridge Estate Rickety Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Rickety Bridge Estate Foundation Stone Red 2019
Rietvallei Wine Estate Rietvallei Chardonnay 2023
Rietvallei Wine Estate Rietvallei Calcrete Chardonnay 2024
Rietvallei Wine Estate Rietvallei Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Rietvallei Wine Estate Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc 2016
Rietvallei Wine Estate Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc 2019
Rietvallei Wine Estate Rietvallei Estéanna Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot 2009
Rietvallei Wine Estate Rietvallei Estéanna Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2019
Rietvallei Wine Estate Rietvallei Muscadel 2019
Rietvallei Wine Estate Rietvallei 1908 Muscadel 2021
Rooiberg Winery The Game Reserve Chenin Blanc 2024
Rooiberg Winery Rooiberg Winery Colombar 2024
Rooiberg Winery The Game Reserve Chardonnay 2024
Rooiberg Winery Rooiberg Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Rooiberg Winery Rooiberg Winery Pinotage Rosé 2024
Rooiberg Winery The Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Rooiberg Winery Rooiberg Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Rooiberg Winery Rooiberg Winery Pinotage 2023
Rooiberg Winery Rooiberg Winery Red Muscadel 2023
Sands Traders TA Wineways Coral Reef Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Sands Traders TA Wineways Coral Reef Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Sands Traders TA Wineways De Villiers Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Sands Traders TA Wineways Coral Reef Merlot 2023
Sands Traders TA Wineways Coreal Reef Shiraz 2022
Sands Traders TA Wineways Coral Reef Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2023
Schenkfontein Farm Schenkfontein Chenin Blanc 2023
Schenkfontein Farm Schenkfontein Grenache Blanc 2023
Schenkfontein Farm Cap Vino Chenin Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Schenkfontein Farm Cap Vino Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2022
Silkbush Mountain Vineyards Silkbush Rosé 2024
Simonsvlei International Simonsvlei Pinto Blanc 2024
Simonsvlei International Simonsvlei Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc 2024
Simonsvlei International Lifestyle Chenin Blanc 2024
Simonsvlei International Lifestyle Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Simonsvlei International Lifestyle Pinotage Rosé 2024
Simonsvlei International Simonsvlei Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Simonsvlei International Simonsvlei Vineyard Selection Pinotage 2022
Simonsvlei International Simonsvlei Zeffer Red Blend 2021
Slanghoek Wine Cellar Slanghoek Legends Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2023
Slanghoek Wine Cellar Slanghoek Private Selection Chenin Blanc 2024
Slanghoek Wine Cellar Slanghoek Private Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Slanghoek Wine Cellar Slanghoek Private Selection Rosé 2024
Slanghoek Wine Cellar Vinay Vin Rosé NV
Summerhill Wines Summerhill Chenin Blanc 2024
Thor Vintners GENTIS BADLANDS Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Thor Vintners GENTIS BADLANDS Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Thor Vintners THOR Age of The Rebel Cabernet Franc 2022
Thor Vintners THE FUBAR Petite Sirah Pinot Noir NV
Time Anchor Distillery Mirari Exotic Citrus Gin NA
Time Anchor Distillery Mirari Celebration Gin NA
Time Anchor Distillery Mirari Orient Spice Gin NA
Time Gin Time Gin NA
Tulbagh Winery Groot Tulbagh Chenin Blanc 2024
Von Wines Von Soul Pinot Noir Pinot Gris 2024
Vondeling Wines Vondeling Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Vondeling Wines Vondeling Rosé 2024
Vondeling Wines Vondeling Baldrick Shiraz 2022

Details about the 2025 Vitis Vinifera Awards will be announced in the last week of January 2025.