WeeklySA_AdminThe results of the 2025 Shiraz SA Challenge, South Africa’s benchmark awards for Shiraz and Shiraz-based blends, were announced on August 7. The awards celebrated the richness, range and rising excellence of South African Shiraz across its many expressions.
Pictured as some the winners are (front) Daniela Jansen (Saronsberg), Tom Lennon (MAN Vintners), Mari Branders (Diemersdal), Thea van der Merwe (Journey’s End), Danielle Marais (Babylonstoren), Klaas Stoffberg (Babylonstoren), Kaylin Willscott (Journey’s End). Back: Natasha van der Merwe (MC), Johan Jordaan (Spier), Tertius Boshoff (Stellenrust), Morgan Steyn (De Grendel), Riaan Möller (Shiraz SA Chairperson), Ursula Erasmus (Tokara), Rudi von Waltsleben (Von Wines), Andrew de Groot (Fermentis Lesaffre), Dean Fourie (Guardian Peak), Gerhard Swart (Flagstone) Johan Conradie (Vinventions), Susan Erasmus (Eerste Hoop).
Altogether, 18 winners were named in the three categories. De Grendel performed exceptionally by achieving an unprecedented three places in the Top 12 Shiraz. Diemersdal and Stellenrust also performed well, each placing with two wines in the Top 12, while Saronsberg and Babylontoren each won a Shiraz and Shiraz Blend.
The 2025 Top 12 Shiraz winners were: Babylonstoren Shiraz 2022; De Grendel Op die Berg Syrah 2023; De Grendel Op die Berg Syrah 2022; De Grendel Shiraz 2021; Diemersdal Shiraz 2023; Diemersdal Syrah 2023; MAN Vintners Skaapveld Syrah 2024; Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz 2023; Stellenrust ArtiSons Blueberry Hill Shiraz 2023; Stellenrust ArtiSons Missing Link Shiraz 2023; Tokara Shiraz 2022; and Von The Sir Shiraz 2023.
