2025 Awards shows a new commitment to both quality and innovation
This year was the second year that this event was held under its new look and name, and the 7th year in total. Everyone agrees that it was a positive change, helping to propel the event to new heights in the future.
This wine and spirits awards celebrates fresh ideas, bold styles, and techniques that push the industry forward. It values tradition where it still matters but also embraces change and creativity. Innovation keeps things exciting, without it progress stalls. This event honours both new thinking and the high standards that define quality today.
This year, the event took place at the stunning Neethlingshof wine farm near Stellenbosch, the perfect setting to uncover the industry’s best.
Wine and spirits makers often blend tradition with fresh ideas, creating something new. This event does the same, evolving to stay meaningful for producers.
Top judges with open minds boldly go into the depth of the present, to discover the future.
This year we contacted some of the best tasters, but also some of the most open-minded people to evaluate products. The judges were as follows.
Quality is the only objective measure used, but when combined with price, can tell a different story
Today’s consumers enjoy trying new styles, but quality must always be top-notch. Judges carefully swirled, sniffed, and tasted each entry to ensure fair evaluations. The finest wines and spirits earned gold and double gold awards. While quality is non-negotiable, price also matters, so exceptional value products were recognised too.
Wines priced at R180 or less, sparkling wines at R220 or less, and spirits at R320 or less were also eligible for value and quality awards.
All award stickers have a double-circle shape and measure 47x25mm.
Tasting comments and some of the top wines
The Sauvignon Blanc tasting highlighted the 2025 vintage, with a few 2024 wines in the mix. The 2025 selections stood out for their balance, crisp acidity, and expressive fruit character. Aromas ranged from ripe gooseberry and passion fruit to subtle floral and green pepper notes, reflecting the grape’s diverse profile. On the palate, many wines offered a bright, juicy freshness with hints of stone fruit, lime zest, and a touch of salinity. The 2024 wines showed greater depth, with rounded textures and softened edges. Overall, the tasting reinforced 2025 as a promising year, delivering wines with vibrancy, complexity, and ageing potential.
The Chenin Blanc tasting centred on the 2025 vintage, which displayed a striking depth of character. These wines balanced zesty freshness with well-defined aromas, ranging from honeysuckle and orange blossom to juicy pear, quince, and baked apple. Many showed hints of honeyed richness and subtle spice, adding layers of complexity. On the palate, vibrant acidity supported flavours of citrus, melon, and a touch of almond, creating a smooth yet lively texture. With their refined structure and lingering finish, these Chenins showed great promise for ageing, reflecting both skillful winemaking and the strength of the vintage.
The Chardonnay tasting showcased the grape’s remarkable adaptability, with wines ranging from crisp and fresh to rich and layered. Cooler climate examples featured bright citrus, green pear, and wet stone notes, while warmer styles leaned into ripe peach, pineapple, and a touch of toasted hazelnut. The palate varied from zippy and mineral-driven to round and silky, with acidity providing a firm backbone. Oak influence was thoughtfully applied, adding hints of butterscotch, spice, or a subtle smokiness without overwhelming the fruit. The balance between malolactic fermentation and natural acidity played a key role, with some wines offering a creamy, buttery mouthfeel, while others remained lean and vibrant.
We asked our tasters what new trends they are currently seeing in the white wine market, and here are some of their observations:
- Niche white cultivars
- Alternative packaging
- Fresh, fruit forward styles
- Lower alcohol wines
- Adapting vineyards to climate change
- Complex saline character in wines
The red blend tasting showcased a wide range of styles, each revealing careful craftsmanship and thoughtful blending. These wines brought together different grape varieties to create depth, balance, and complexity. Aromas spanned from bright red berries and ripe plum to darker notes of blackberry and cassis, with hints of mocha, tobacco, and dried herbs adding intrigue. Oak influence added layers of vanilla, spice, and smoky cedar, enhancing but never overpowering the fruit. Tannins varied from silky and polished to firm and structured, shaping the overall mouthfeel. The balance between fresh fruit, savoury undertones, and well-integrated oak highlighted the skill behind each blend, proving how expert winemaking can create wines with both harmony and character.
The Shiraz tasting showcased a rich tapestry of dark fruit, with bold blackberry, black cherry, and ripe plum leading the way. Subtle oak influence added depth, from gentle vanilla to warm spice and hints of smoked cedar. Tannins ranged from smooth and plush to firm and lingering, shaping the wine’s structure. On the palate, the balance of juicy fruit, savoury spice, and well-judged oak created a layered, expressive experience. This tasting highlighted the dedication of winemakers to crafting high-quality Shiraz, capturing its power, elegance, and depth with both precision and respect for the varietal.
The Merlot tasting highlighted the grape’s inviting character and adaptability. Aromas of juicy raspberry, cherry, and plum filled the glass, complemented by soft hints of cocoa and spice. The palate was smooth and supple, with gentle tannins enhancing its plush texture. Merlot’s easy-drinking nature stood out, balancing ripe fruit with just enough depth to keep things interesting. This tasting reinforced Merlot’s reputation as a reliable favourite, offering wines that are both enjoyable and effortlessly approachable.
We asked the tasters what trends they are currently seeing in red wines, and here are some of their comments:
- Niche red cultivars
- Elegant medium body wines
- Less oak
- Earlier release wines
- Lighter, more fruit forward wines
- Premiumisation
We asked our tasters to rate the importance of the following criteria when a consumer chooses a product, and the importance, from most to least important are as follows:
- Intrinsic quality
- Backstory
- Packaging
- How well it is known
Tasting comments on the spirits
The gin tasting revealed an exciting spectrum of flavours, each bottle telling its own unique story. Traditional London Dry gins impressed with crisp juniper, earthy angelica, and zesty citrus, while modern craft expressions pushed boundaries with floral, herbal, and spiced infusions. Some showcased fragrant lavender and chamomile, others leaned into bold peppercorn and cardamom warmth. Barrel-aged gins added depth, with hints of caramel, toasted oak, and a whisper of vanilla softening the sharp botanical edges. From bright and refreshing to rich and layered, the tasting highlighted the endless creativity in gin-making. This experience underscored the spirit’s remarkable versatility, proving there’s a perfect pour for every palate.
This year saw quite a few liqueurs entered, which surprised and delighted the judges.
This year also included a surprising number of brandies that showed very well. The tasters were thrilled with the age range, and this was a standout group.
We asked our tasters in which areas spirits producers have the most opportunity to innovate, and the areas were as follows:
- Educating a younger generation of brandy drinkers
- Non-alcoholic spirits
- Ready-to-drink format
- Authentic ingredients and processes that allow for story telling
We also asked our tasters to rate the following factors in order of importance, when consumers choose a spirits product. From most to least important, the factors were:
- Packaging
- Intrinsic quality
- Backstory
- How well it is known
Conclusion
If this year’s tasting is a sign of what’s to come, the future of quality and variety looks exciting. A huge thank you to Michelle Grimbeek for her flawless organisation and to the dedicated tasters who brought their expertise and passion to this remarkable journey.
Details about the 2026 event will be revealed by January 2026. For all enquiries, please contact Sanet van Heerden at hello@vogueawards.com, or 084 446 0412.
Full results
| Participant | Product Name | Vintage | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Horse Distillery | Limoncello | NA | Gold |
| Break Free Beverages | Avante VS Cape Brandy | NA | Double Award |
| Break Free Beverages | Avante VSOP Cape Brandy | NA | Gold |
| Break Free Beverages | Avante Founders' Fifteen XV Cape Brandy | NA | Gold |
| Cordier | Lazy Bay Merlot | 2025 | Double Award |
| Cordier | Lazy Bay Rosé | 2025 | Double Award |
| Cordier | Whispering Mountain Chenin Blanc | 2025 | Double Award |
| Cordier | Whispering Mountain Sauvignon Blanc | 2025 | Double Award |
| Cordier | Whispering Mountain The Chosen Sauvignon Blanc | 2024 | Gold |
| Die Uil Craft Stookhuis | Buskruit Gin | NA | Gold |
| Gravel Junction | Three Peaks Cantata | NV | Double Award |
| Gravel Junction | Three Peaks Merlot | 2024 | Double Award |
| Gravel Junction | Three Peaks Chardonnay | 2025 | Gold |
| Gravel Junction | Three Peaks Rosé | 2025 | Double Award |
| Hoopenburg | Hoopenburg Blanc De Blanc | NV | Double Award |
| Hoopenburg | Guru Shiraz | 2022 | Gold |
| Hoopenburg | Guru Pinotage | 2023 | Gold |
| Hoopenburg | Guru Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot | 2022 | Double Award |
| Hoopenburg | Guru Merlot | 2021 | Gold |
| Hoopenburg | Guru Sauvignon Blanc | 2023 | Double Award |
| Hoopenburg | Guru Chenin Blanc | 2024 | Double Award |
| Hoopenburg | Hoopenburg Chenin Blanc | 2024 | Gold |
| Hoopenburg | Hoopenburg Pinot Noir | 2021 | Double Award |
| Karibib Wine Estate | Estate Cabernet Sauvignon | 2023 | Gold |
| Karibib Wine Estate | Estate Syrah | 2023 | Gold |
| Niel Joubert Wine Estate | Sauvignon Blanc | 2025 | Double Award |
| Niel Joubert Wine Estate | Chenin Blanc | 2025 | Double Award |
| Niel Joubert Wine Estate | SCG | 2024 | Gold |
| Rocket Distillery | Ponce de Leon | Joven Agave Spirit (Blend) | NA | Gold |
| Rocket Distillery | Isabella's London Fog Martini - Espresso Martini Liqueur | NA | Double Award |
| Tahlia Farm Distillery | Tahlia Farm Barrel Aged Gin | NA | Gold |
| Tahlia Farm Distillery | Tahlia Farm Two Figs | NA | Double Award |
| Tahlia Farm Distillery | Tahlia Farm Cactus Leaf Gin | NA | Double Award |
| TIme Anchor Distillery | Mirari Barrel Aged Gin | NA | Gold |
| TIme Anchor Distillery | Mirari Celebration Gin | NA | Gold |
| TIme Anchor Distillery | Gincello | NA | Gold |
| TIme Anchor Distillery | Mirari African Botanics Gin (Amber) | NA | Gold |
| Walker Bay Vineyards | Llyswen Syrah | 2023 | Gold |