WeeklySA_AdminPRIME: Maastricht and Cederberg wines make the cultivar’s crème de la crème list for the second year running…
By Own Correspondent
The 2025 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 wines have been announced.
Announced at Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West on Wednesday, the best of South Africa’s Sauvignon Blanc wines showcase regional diversity: four from the Coastal Region, three from the Cape South Coast, two from the Breede River Valley and one from the Western Cape.
The only representative from South Africa’s Sauvignon Blanc destination in this year’s line-up – Maastricht Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Durbanville) – has made the Top 10 for the second year running. Last year, the same winery clinched a place in the Top 10 in the same competition with its Maastricht The Contour Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (wooded), along with Diemersdal Winter Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – both from the Durbanville Valley.
Surely on the Cloud Nine over the latest news is Thys Louw, winemaker at family-owned Maastricht Wines in the Durbanville wine valley, who joined his father on the farm in 2015 after gaining international winemaking and marketing experience in regions like Bordeaux and Napa Valley. The Louw family has been involved in the business for over 35 years.
Another second timer is David Nieuwoudt, the owner and winemaker of Cederberg Wines, whose Cederberg Wines Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (wooded) (Elim, Cape Agulhas) is again in this year’s Top 10 line-up – a year after scooping the same prize with Cederberg Wines Ghost Corner Wild Ferment 2023 (wooded) – Elim, Cape Agulhas in the 2024 edition.
This year’s Top 10 (in alphabetical order) are:
• Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Cape South Coast)
• Cederberg Wines Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (wooded) (Elim, Cape Agulhas)
• Delaire Graff Coastal Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Coastal Region)
• Groote Post Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Darling)
• Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (wooded) (Western Cape)
• Maastricht Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Durbanville)
• Merwida Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Breedekloof)
• Rietvallei John B Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Robertson)
• Steenberg Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (wooded) (Constantia)
• Vrede en Lust Artisan Range Blanc Fumé 2021 (wooded) (Elgin)
This year marked the debut for technical specialist Dr Carien Coetzee as tasting panel convenor, joining her were Dr Winifred Bowman, Cape Wine Master and international judge; Praisy Dlamini, winemaker and CEO of Adama Wines and HER Wine Collection; winemakers Morgan Steyn of De Grendel Wines and Juandré Bruwer of Diemersdal Wine Estate; and guest judges Liezl Richards, Cape Wine Master and national sales and export manager of Gabriëlskloof, and Lauren Segers-Jewell of Wine Cellar.
“We have achieved tremendous milestones this year to strengthen our message to the world about the premium quality and versatility of South African Sauvignon Blanc,” says Elunda Basson, Chairman of Sauvignon Blanc SA. – Additional reporting by Len Maseko
EVENTS
ROWLENE AT JC LE ROUX
The House of JC Le Roux is opening its doors once again on October 31, for a dazzling performance by South African Music Awards (SAMA) winner Rowlene.
Known for her soothing vocals and confessional lyrics, she’ll be adding a soulful touch of sparkle to your Friday celebration.
“Friday isn’t just a day, it’s a feeling. We’re bringing it to life with J.C. Fridays, a call to make every Friday one to celebrate with J.C. Le Roux. And where better – once a month – than at our home in the picturesque Devon Valley near Stellenbosch?” says brand spokesperson Siphokazi Solani.
Devised as a masterclass in fun, flavour and sparkle, JC Fridays will take place on the last Friday of every month until the end of the year, with line-ups for November and December still to be announced.
The experience includes a glass of bubbly on arrival, a tasting of five sparkling wines paired with decadent mini cakes by Château Gâteaux, and an electrifying live performance in the garden overlooking the valley as the sun sets.
Tickets: R350 per person, available via https://jcleroux.howler.co.za
A.R.T. WINE EXHIBITION
Western Cape’s Dunstone Country Estate is to host the renowned luxury-infused lifestyle event – the A.R.T WINE Exhibition – again in Wellington on November 1.
This year, the day promises outstanding food, fine wine, design, fashion and live music entwined with life-affirming artwork. With just 200 tickets available, the Dunstone A.R.T WINE Exhibition will once again be among the premier wineland gatherings of the year.
“We’re incredibly excited to be hosting the Dunstone A.R.T ‘WINE Exhibition again,” says Dirk Vaeye, co-owner of Dunstone Country Estate with Maudie Marie Smit. “For us, this is more than just a showcase – it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the beauty, creativity, and warm hospitality that define Wellington”.
On top of getting a first-hand view of distinctive design, art and fashion, guests will taste wines from producers across the region as well as top-end brandies and whiskies made in this picturesque part of the world too. Alongside Dunstone, participating producers include Wolvenhoek, Jacaranda Wines, Bela-Bela, Doolhof Wine Estate, Canetsfontein, Hildebrand Wines & Olive Oil and Tempel Wines.
The star attraction is a five-course tasting menu paired with wines from Wellington. Along with a décor exhibition, there will be a red-carpet fashion show too, where designers will exhibit the latest styles. The event will take place from 11:30 to 18:00. Tickets: cost R950 per person. Bookings via Dineplan
CAROLINE’S REVIEW
The 2025 edition of Caroline’s White Wine & Cap Classique Review will be staged at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on November 6 (17h00 to 21h00).
It will be hosted in the Members’ Lounge on the 4th Floor of the DHL Stadium, Fritz Sonnenberg Road in Green Point.
Hosted by Caroline Rillema of the legendary Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar, this world-class showcase offers wine enthusiasts the rare opportunity to experience an unparalleled line-up of the Cape’s flagship white wines and Cap Classiques. Only 70 accolade-achieving winemakers, the crème de la crème of South African wine producers, are invited to present just one wine – their best of the best – on the night.
The ticket price is R350 per person, and secure, undercover parking is available at R70 per car. Purchase tickets at: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/339864-carolines-white-wine-review-2025/#/tickets
Winex – 25 years later
Standard Bank WineX, the Southern hemisphere’s spectacular wine celebration, returns to transform Johannesburg for three nights. The show is expected to attract 9 000 wine enthusiasts gathering for the largest consumer wine event under one roof on October 29, 30 and 31. The show, which has evolved over 25 years of existence at the Sandton Convention Centre, into a multi-sensory celebration that combines wine appreciation with art, music and entertainment.
What distinguishes the event is the line-up of 700 wines from more than 120 exhibitors – featuring everyone from legendary award-winning cellars to exciting boutique discoveries that could become tomorrow’s cult favourites.
They can explore an array of wines so vast that even the most dedicated cannot hope to cover everything on offer – discover rare gems, limited releases, and exclusive tastings that aren’t available anywhere else. It starts at 17h00 and 21h00.
Tickets are available via Webtickets. Early Bird tickets available now and up to 19 October: Thursday 30 October R260; Friday 31 October R290 per ticket. Full rate tickets from 20 October and at the door: Thursday 30 October R295; Friday 31 October R375 per ticket. Standard Bank clients will receive a discount of up to 30% on their ticket purchase, limited to four tickets per transaction.
Afternoon of Constantia Wines
The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa will present its inaugural Tastes of the Valley event on November 15, celebrating Constantia’s finest wines paired with a delectable cuisine.
This relaxed, elegant wine tasting event will unfold in the hotel’s celebrated gardens, offering guests the opportunity to explore the wines of six Constantia Valley wine estates in one location. Guests will be exposed to a relaxed tasting journey, featuring a range of wines from Beau Constantia, Eagles’ Nest, Buitenverwachting, Groot Constantia, Steenberg Vineyards, and Constantia Glen, each showcasing three to four of their signature wines.
This deftly curated collection will highlight the diversity, quality, and character of Constantia’s wine offering, from elegant whites to reds and everything in between.
Tickets costing R485 per person include a tasting glass. Only 100 tickets are available to the adults-only event split into two tasting sessions: the first from 12:00 to 15:00 and the second from 14:00 to 17:00. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the event responsibly. Booking available via Quicket.
Debut Darling Whisky Show
The first-ever Darling Whisky Weekend, to be held from 21 to 23 November, will showcase the splendour of the picturesque West Coast town. This event will include select masterclasses and whisky tastings from some of the world’s most renowned distilleries. Inspired by the successful McGregor Whisky Weekend, founded by Hector McBeth, the event aims to unite whisky aficionados, distillers, and newcomers to celebrate craftsmanship and culture on South Africa’s Cape West Coast.
McBeth, owner of WhiskyShop.co.za and Retail stores in Woodstock and Fourways, states: “The Darling Whisky Weekend offers a unique flavour journey up South Africa’s West Coast, where event guests can savour exceptional whiskies, sample exquisite whiskies from around the globe, including Scotland’s Aberlour and Ardbeg, Ireland’s Dunvilles and Foxes Bow, Japan’s Nikka and Suntory, India’s Indri and Paul John, and South Africa’s very own TOOR and Darling Brew Reminisce.” Tickets range from R150 for Masterclasses to R495 (Early Bird) or R550 (General) for the main event, with a Sunday Whisky Brunch at R1 000 and Dedicated Driver Tickets at R295. Shuttles will run from 12:00 PM for safe and easy travel. Tickets are available from www.darlingwhiskyweekend.co.za
Cape2Clarens Wine Fest
The inaugural Clarens2Clarens Wine Festival will host two days of indulgence, discovery, and delight in the heart of the charming village of Clarens tonight and tomorrow.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maloti Mountains in the Eastern Free State, Cape2Clarens is a brand-new premium wine festival that promises an unforgettable celebration of South African wine.
Designed to bring the Cape’s most exceptional wines directly from their vineyards to one of the country’s most beloved destinations, Cape2Clarens offers guests the opportunity to taste, explore, and purchase wines from top Western Cape estates.
Tickets cost R295 a person. Visit www.cape2clarens.co.za for more information… – Compiled by Len Maseko
