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Four vintages. Wooded and unwooded. Three wards and six districts across three regions. This is the story of the 2025 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10.

In a closely contested challenge, featuring 167 wines entered by 98 producers, the judging panel of the 19th annual FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 Competition awarded top honours to the finest examples of South Africa’s most versatile cultivar.

Sauvignon Blanc South Africa announced the recipients on Wednesday, 15 October, at Vergelegen Wine Estate. At a lunch beside the river, masters of ceremonies Ryan O’Connor and Success Lekabe led guests on an FNB Top 10 “mystery road trip” to reveal the winning wines from 20 finalists. Guests navigated an illustrated map and decoded a mixtape playlist featuring Adele, Bon Jovi, David Kramer and others in a celebration of regional discovery.

The 2025 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 showcases remarkable regional diversity: four wines from the Coastal Region, three from the Cape South Coast, two from the Breede River Valley and one from the Western Cape. 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 of technical specialist Dr Carien Coetzee as tasting panel convenor, supported by Winespace’s pioneering TASTEE judging platform. 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.

2025 Highlights: A First Book, First Aroma Wheel and 19th Competition

“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. “Highlights include our participation in CapeWine, the launch of the first-ever definitive book on South African Sauvignon Blanc, The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc, as well as the introduction of the first aroma wheel for the cultivar, developed in collaboration with Stellenbosch University, South Africa Wine and other local and international partners.”

“This year’s 19th FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 is a mirror of the excellence that defines our cultivar. These wines reflect our winemakers’ craftsmanship in shaping texture, layers and ageing potential from this noble grape. We proudly showcase both younger and older vintages and an exciting diversity of styles from cool and warm regions alike. Our gratitude goes to all participating producers, our Top 10 title partner, FNB, platinum partner, EVER Solutions, and all other partners for their continued support of the only competition fully dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc. We look forward to the 20th competition in 2026.”

Stephan Claassen, FNB Commercial’s Provincial Head for the Western and Eastern Cape, congratulated the Top 10 winners and highlighted the value of collaboration between business and agriculture. “Our partnership with Sauvignon Blanc SA reflects far more than sponsorship – it’s a shared vision for excellence, innovation and long-term sustainability in one of South Africa’s most dynamic and globally recognised industries. The exceptional quality of our Sauvignon Blanc not only strengthens wine exports but also attracts international visitors to our winelands, reinforcing the cultivar’s growing stature on the world stage.

Through initiatives like the Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10, we’re proud to invest in an industry that drives rural development, job creation and economic growth across the value chain. The future of Sauvignon Blanc is bright, and FNB remains committed to supporting its continued innovation and success.”

Taste, buy and learn more

• A Top 10 booklet with tasting notes as well as the Sauvignon Blanc aroma wheel is free to download at https://sauvignonblanc.com/.
• Buy the 2025 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 collection online via https://www.wineofthemonth.co.za/ as well as at Wine Stellenbosch TOPS.
• The coffee table book The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc costs R450 (plus courier fees). Order at https://sauvignonblanc.com/ or contact info@sauvignonblanc.com or 082 808 1114.
• The annual Sauvignon Blanc SA Seminar and Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 12 November 2025 at Hazendal Wine Estate.
• Join the conversation with #FNBTop10 #SauvignonBlancSA and follow Sauvignon Blanc SA on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn as @sauvignonblancsa and on X @SauvignonSA