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South African Sauvignon Blanc has evolved considerably over the past two decades, earning recognition for its quality, stylistic diversity and growing premium appeal. The 20th FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 competition celebrates this progress, with ten winning wines showcasing the versatility of the cultivar and the distinctive character of South Africa’s wine regions.

Nine of the ten winning wines are from the 2025 vintage, with one from 2026. Together, the winners reflect the diversity of styles being explored by South African winemakers and pay tribute to a 2025 vintage that delivered exceptional results despite challenging conditions.

Sauvignon Blanc South Africa announced the winners on Wednesday, 14 October, at Weltevreden Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. The garden celebration brought together wine, art and music, with masters of ceremonies Ryan O’Connor and Success Lekabe leading guests on a sculpture hunt that culminated in the announcement of the ten winners from the 20 finalists.

The 2026 competition attracted 159 entries from 95 producers. It remains South Africa’s only competition dedicated exclusively to Sauvignon Blanc.

This year’s selection comprises six wooded and four unwooded wines, reflecting the breadth of styles being explored by winemakers. Cape Town and Elgin are particularly well represented.

The 2026 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10

Listed in alphabetical order:

• Carmen Stevens Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (wooded) – Cape Town, Coastal Region
• De Grendel Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (wooded) – Cape West Coast, Coastal Region
• Groot Phesantekraal Marizanne 2025 (wooded) – Cape Town, Coastal Region
• Iona Elgin Highlands Sauvignon Blanc 2026 (unwooded) – Elgin, Cape South Coast
• La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (wooded) – Cape South Coast
• Lomond Seven Rows Ben Nevis Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (wooded) – Cape Agulhas, Cape South Coast
• Quoin Rock Nicobar Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (wooded) – Western Cape
• Steenberg Black Swan 2025 (unwooded) – Constantia, Coastal Region
• Tokara Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (unwooded) – Elgin, Cape South Coast
• Wildeberg Terroirs Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (unwooded) – Stellenbosch, Coastal Region

“The presence of wooded expressions alongside fresher, unwooded wines shows that South African producers are not tied to a single formula,” says oenologist Dr Carien Coetzee, who convened the 2026 judging panel.

“Winemakers are exploring texture and complexity while retaining the vibrancy that makes Sauvignon Blanc so appealing. Across all styles, these wines share precision, clear varietal character and a strong sense of place. Together, they confirm what many of us suspected: that 2025 was an exceptional year for Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa.”

Dr Coetzee led an expert judging panel comprising Dr Winifred Bowman, Cape Wine Master and international judge; Anton Swarts, Cape Wine Master, procurement manager and senior winemaker at Spier Wine Estate; Morgan Steyn, winemaker at De Grendel Wine Estate and Sauvignon Blanc SA committee member; Johann Fourie, cellarmaster at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate; and Cape Winemakers Guild protégés Reneilwe Senosha and Marché Hendricks, who participated as guest judges.

20 years of growing the category

The 20th edition marks an important milestone for a competition that has helped showcase the development and diversity of South African Sauvignon Blanc.

“This 20th edition of the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 is an opportunity to recognise how far South African Sauvignon Blanc has progressed,” says Elunda Basson, chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc SA.

“Over two decades, the competition has helped producers showcase their wines, explore new possibilities and build recognition for the quality and diversity of our cultivar. As producers continue to refine their craft and push stylistic boundaries, we are broadening perceptions of what South African Sauvignon Blanc can be.

“This milestone belongs to the producers who continue to raise the bar and to our partners, whose support enables us to invest in the reputation and future of South African Sauvignon Blanc. We extend our sincere thanks to our title partner, FNB, our platinum partner, EVER Solutions, and all our other partners. We look forward to the next twenty years of discovery, diversity and distinction.”

Stephan Claassen, FNB Commercial’s provincial head for the Western and Eastern Cape, congratulated the winners and highlighted the value of long-term collaboration between business and agriculture.

“Over the past 20 years, our partnership with Sauvignon Blanc SA has reflected a shared commitment to innovation, excellence and long-term sustainability in one of South Africa’s most dynamic and globally recognised industries. The wine sector continues to evolve, creating opportunities for growth while adapting to changing consumer expectations and embracing new possibilities.

“The exceptional quality of our Sauvignon Blanc strengthens South Africa’s position in international markets and attracts visitors to our winelands. Through initiatives like the Top 10, we are proud to support an industry that contributes to rural development, job creation and economic growth across the value chain. As the category continues to grow and premiumise, FNB remains committed to supporting its innovation and success.”

Taste, buy and discover more

Look out for the ten winning wines displaying the distinctive, cultivar leaf-shaped logo on their labels.

The 2026 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 collection is available online at GetWine and at Wine Stellenbosch TOPS and Kwikspar Somerset West at Lion’s Square.

A booklet featuring tasting notes for the winning wines and the Sauvignon Blanc aroma wheel is available as a free download from Sauvignon Blanc SA.

The coffee-table book The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc, priced at R350 plus delivery, is also available through the Sauvignon Blanc SA website.

Sauvignon Blanc SA Seminar and AGM in November

The annual Sauvignon Blanc SA Seminar and Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, at Hazendal Wine Estate.

For more information, visit sauvignonblanc.com, email admin@sauvignonblanc.com or call 082 808 1114.

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