In September in Cape Town, on vineyards taking on autumn hues before the arrival of spring, an event took place at Cavalli Estate in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Winemakers, industry representatives, and stakeholders gathered there to celebrate the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 competition for 2026.
The competition highlighted the high quality and diversity of Chenin Blanc produced in South Africa. Regions from which wines were presented included Bot River, Swartland, Breedekloof, Stellenbosch, Wellington, Paarl, and Elim.
Carel Jordan, Head of Agribusiness and Commercial Clients at Standard Bank, noted that success in the wine industry depends not only on cost control. Farmers and winemakers must effectively utilize their resources while producing wines that meet market demands.
Philip Maiburg, Executive Head of Trade and Business with Clients from Africa and China at Standard Bank, stated that improved access to China could open new opportunities for South African wine producers. He added: 'We are very hopeful that improving zero-tariff conditions allows us to gain an additional channel and export market into China.'
Maiburg also suggested that changing consumer habits in China could benefit Chenin Blanc, as more consumers buy wine for home use and opt for white wines for social events.
Ginette de Fleurie, a member of CWM and chair of the jury, emphasized that Chenin Blanc is in a strong position due to South Africa's old vineyards, diverse terroirs, and growing international reputation. She noted that many wines in the top 10 and top 20 were sourced from old vines, and South Africa's certified historic vineyards enrich the country's wine heritage.
De Fleurie stated: 'Our task now is to continue raising the bar and ensuring that commercial success is never achieved at the expense of individuality and quality.'
The list of ten winners includes: Beaumont Family Wines Hope Marguerite 2025 from Bot River, Walker Bay; City on a Hill Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024 from Swartland; DaschBosch Mossiesdrift Steen 2025 from Breedekloof; Groot Phesantekraal Anna de Koning 2024 from Cape Town, Durbanville; Painted Wolf Wines Lightning Chenin Blanc 2024 from Wellington; Stettyn Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2025 from Stettyn; Stellenrust ArtiSons Mothership Chenin Blanc 2025 from Stellenbosch; Stellenrust 61 Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2025 from Stellenbosch; Wildeberg Terroirs Chenin Blanc 2024 from Paarl; and Zoetendal Chenin Blanc 2022 from Coastal Region.
For Denzel Jonathan Swarts of Zoetendal Vineyards & River Estate in Elim, recognition is part of his personal journey in the wine industry. Swarts grew up in a farming family in Koelenhof, Stellenbosch, where he handled general farm duties, pest control, and water pipe clearing before moving into management. He now works at Zoetendal as the Executive Director of Sales and Branding, as well as a wine consultant. The Zoetendal Chenin Blanc 2022 reflects the coastal character of Elim and made it into the top 10.
Swarts stated: 'The award belongs to the whole team. It is not about the farm or me; it is about what becomes possible when people are given the opportunity to dream, work, and grow.'
The DaschBosch Mossiesdrift Steen 2025 also attracted attention due to its connection to old vines. It is made from 1962 bush vines in Breedekloof and undergoes six months of lees aging, followed by eight months in old oak barrels. Willem (WS) Visagi, Head of Winemaking and Order Fulfillment for the branded portfolio at Daschbosch, reported that this wine embodies the character and history of his vineyard.
Visagi explained: 'Daschbosch Mossiesdrift Steen stands out primarily because of its history and meticulous, slow winemaking process that honors its origins.' He added that this wine is part of a broader shift in the perception of South African Chenin Blanc, driven by old vineyards, research, and growing international interest.
Fred Löffler, National Sales Manager for Painted Wolf Wines, also took an unconventional path in winemaking. Before entering the field, he was a musician in Nelspruit, teaching guitar and performing with local bands. His uncle, wine collector Daryl Belfour, introduced him to the world of wine, later connecting him with co-founders of Painted Wolf Wines, Jeremy and Emma Borg. Löffler joined the winery as a harvest intern in 2023, then became assistant winemaker and sales representative before moving to his current role as national sales manager. Lightning Chenin Blanc 2024 comes from 50-year-old old vines in Wellington. Löffler noted: 'Lightning Chenin 2024 is one of the wines whose production I value the most.'
These three wines reflect the overall story of this year's top 10: old vineyards, unique regions, and individuals whose life paths have helped shape the story of South African Chenin Blanc.