Tim Atkin MW reveals 2025 South Africa wine award shortlist

For the first time in 13 years, renowned wine critic Tim Atkin MW has released a shortlist of contenders ahead of his annual South Africa Special Report, produced in partnership with Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth. The report, set to be published on 2 September, will reveal the winners across five key categories and detail the country’s top-scoring wines.

15 Aug 2025

Tim Atkin MW

Atkin said the decision to release the shortlist is a “shout-out” to the talent sustaining South Africa’s wine industry, despite economic, structural, geopolitical, and climatic challenges:

"South Africa’s excellence in wine-growing, winemaking and tourism continues to soar. This is despite the many structural, economic, geo-political and climatic setbacks the industry faces. To me, it seems an opportune moment to acknowledge the breadth of talent underpinning the sector. Identifying the top four candidates in each of these five key categories is my shout-out for their role in maintaining the country’s pre-eminence."

He noted that many nominees have worked with one another or with previous Roll of Honour recipients, highlighting the collaborative nature of the local winemaking community.

The next generation of winemakers

The Rising Star and Young Winemaker of the Year nominees reflect a dynamic new wave of talent in South African wine.

Rising Star of the Year

• Angus Paul (Angus Paul Wines) — Previously worked under Chris and Andrea Mullineux and Johan Reyneke. Since 2020, he has been making wines under his own label, focusing on Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, and Cinsault, grapes he calls intrinsic to the South African landscape.
• Duncan Stuart (Kloovenburg Wine & Olives) — Winemaker since 2021, specialising in Mediterranean varieties and highlighting new grapes like Garnacha Peluda.
• Banele Vakele (Tembela Wines) — Former Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé and assistant winemaker at Savage Wines. Produces his personal range under the Tembela Wines label using only organically grown fruit.
• Megan van der Merwe (Beau Constantia) — Viticulturist and winemaker whose limited-edition wines are frequently showcased at the winery’s Chef’s Warehouse restaurant. She has also modernised Beau Constantia’s social media and cellar door operations.
Young Winemaker of the Year
• Stuart Botha (Tokara) — Joined Tokara in 2017, succeeding Miles Mossop. Known for versatility across whites and reds and for overseeing Tokara’s icon wine, Telos.
• Jolandie Fouché (Wolf & Woman Wines) — Left Kloovenburg in 2020 to focus on her own label, working with Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. One of her Chenins was chosen as White Wine Discovery of the Year in Atkin’s 2019 report.
• Franco (“Poenie”) Lourens (Lourens Family Vineyards) — Runs the family winery in Paarl, sourcing fruit from Stellenbosch, Swartland, and Piekenierskloof, with a focus on Chenin Blanc and Mediterranean grapes.
• Emul Ross (Hamilton Russell Vineyards) — Winemaker since 2015, also producing Tesselaarsdal wines. Member of the Cape Winemakers Guild.

Winemaker and Viticulturist of the Year

The Winemaker and Viticulturist of the Year categories celebrate seasoned professionals whose work underpins the country’s reputation.

Winemaker of the Year

• Richard Kershaw MW (Kershaw Wines) — Based in Elgin, specialises in site-specific Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. One of a small group of international Wine Masters who are also winemakers.
• Miles Mossop (Miles Mossop Wines) — Spent almost two decades at Tokara and sources grapes from across the Western Cape for his eponymous brand, established in 2004.
• Gordon Newton Johnson (Newton Johnson Family Vineyards) — Took over his family’s Upper Hemel-en-Aarde estate in 1999. Works with his wife Nadia to produce acclaimed Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, and has pioneered Albariño in South Africa.
• Donovan Rall (Rall Wines) — Formerly under Eben Sadie, works with previously neglected vineyards, collaborating with local communities. Excels with Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, and white blends.

Viticulturist of the Year

• Fritz Breytenbach — Based in Robertson, a pioneer in regenerative agriculture and soil health. Now in his eighties, he remains active in the industry.
• Danie Carinus (Bluegum Grove) — Produces his own respected wines while supplying grapes to leading South African winemakers.
• Wilhelm Joubert (Hartenberg Estate) — A leading regenerative grower in Stellenbosch, enhancing soil, vine health, and biodiversity. Hartenberg is the first South African winery certified under the Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV) framework.
• Nico Walters (Quoin Rock Wines) — Joined in 2012 and revitalised Stellenbosch vineyards. Works with old vines and has recently expanded operations to Cape Agulhas.