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South African winemaking legends, rising stars and industry stakeholders gathered at Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West on 1 September for Tim Atkin MW’s South Africa 2026 Special Report Wines of the Year showcase.

A record 247 wines received 95 points or more, Atkin’s equivalent of a gold medal. The tastings were held in partnership with Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth.

“Looking back over the last two and a half decades, from now to my first visit in 1990, I am constantly amazed at, and delighted by, the progress the industry has made and continues to make,” said Atkin, an internationally acclaimed British wine journalist, critic and Master of Wine.

“I was very impressed by the quality of what I tasted in 2026, especially from the 2025 vintage, which I would rate between nine and ten out of ten, making it the best harvest since 2017.”

Atkin said he hoped that his reviews and scores, as well as medals of excellence for wines scoring over 90 points, would boost awareness of the outstanding quality of South African wines. “More than ever, we need to tell the world what’s happening in the Cape.”

Vergelegen enjoyed impressive results, with nine wines scoring 91 points or higher. The 2025 Vergelegen Estate White and 2024 Vergelegen V both scored an outstanding 95 points, while the 2024 Vergelegen Estate Red followed closely with 94. Three wines – the 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, 2025 Chardonnay Reserve and 2024 Merlot Reserve – each earned 93 points, with the 2024 The Mill scoring 92. The 2025 Florence Rosé and Wild Winds Sauvignon Blanc rounded out the strong showing with 91 points.

Vergelegen wines are available directly from the estate, through its online shop, and local and international stockists.

Order the Tim Atkin South Africa 2026 Special Report at https://timatkin.com/product/2026-south-africa-special-report/