By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The results of this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) have been revealed, with South Africa achieving its highest total of 45 Gold medals since the inception of the awards.
The awards highlight exceptional quality, a record number of first-time wins, rising stars and remarkable performances from both classic and emerging wine regions.
At this year’s awards wines from 57 countries were evaluated by 248 top international wine experts, from 35 countries – including 22 Master Sommeliers and 72 Masters of Wine – the highest in the competition’s history.
Medals awarded at DWWA range from the top-tier 50 Best in Show, then Platinum and Gold (all scoring 95+ points) followed by Silver and Bronze. This year the 50 Best in Show medals represented just 0.30% of wines tasted.
South Africa celebrated a great performance at DWWA 2025 posting 49 top-tier medals (95+ points), improving on last year’s results. These included one Best in Show, three Platinum and the record breaking 45 Gold medals.
Stellenbosch was the best performing region with 169 medals overall. These included the coveted Best in Show for Knorhoek, Cabernet Sauvignon, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch 2021. Judges commented: “Three of South Africa’s three previous appearances in our Best in Show selection have involved Stellenbosch and a member of the Cabernet family … so no one will be surprised to see that this year’s laureate is, once again, a Stellenbosch Cabernet.’ The region was also awarded one Platinum and 16 Golds.
Walker Bay recorded its first Platinum medal since 2016 for a 100% Pinotage – Hasher Family, Batrachella Pinotage, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 2022. The same producer also picked up a Gold medal for Cyriel Cabernet Franc, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 2022.
The final Platinum was awarded to Cape Town for Groot Constantia Estate, Grand Constance, Constantia 2020. The region also picked up four Gold medals, including one for producer Groot Constantia Estate, this time for a 2022 Merlot.
A wine from Worcester was awarded its first ever Gold for a sweet 100% Muscat Blanc À Petits Grains, Alvi’s Drift, Nectarinia Muscat Blanc À Petits Grains 2017. Overall the region picked up nine medals.
Elsewhere, Robertson received its first-ever Gold for a sparkling wine Christina, Brut NV highlighting the country’s diversity. Swartland regained momentum, picking up three Gold medals. There were also three Golds for Elgin and two for Cape Coast all awarded to white wines.
South African wines offer exceptional value with several falling in the Value category (wines under £15 a bottle). These included two Gold winners from Franschoek and Paarl, the latter which is a sweet wine from 100% Chenin Blanc.
DWWA Co-Chair Andrew Jefford commented: ‘Value Gold medals are more difficult to find than Gold medals in other price bands because you need more confidence to get behind those wines. There’s always a real frisson of excitement when you find them!’
See the full list of winners here awards.decanter.com.