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.