On Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at Weltevreden Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s premier white wine showcase reached a landmark milestone as Sauvignon Blanc South Africa revealed the coveted winners of the 2026 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 awards. Marking its 20th anniversary edition, the country’s only competition dedicated exclusively to the variety celebrated two decades of winemaking innovation, texture, and regional diversity.
The journey to the top began with a competitive pool of 159 entries submitted by 95 leading producers across the country. Evaluated by an expert panel convened by oenologist Dr Carien Coetzee, the shortlist of 20 finalists—announced in September—highlighted the impressive evolution of South African Sauvignon Blanc. A major narrative defining this year’s lineup was the subtle mastery of oak. Exactly half of the finalist entries incorporated wooded elements, with winemakers applying judicious restraint to add structural depth and tactile complexity while preserving the grape’s natural freshness.
Following a shortlist that bridged three distinct vintages (2024, 2025, and 2026) and spanned microclimates from Constantia to the Cape West Coast, masters of ceremonies Ryan O’Connor and Success Lekabe guided guests through an elegant garden celebration and a unique sculpture hunt, culminating in the formal reveal of the 2026 Top 10 line-up.
This year’s winning selection features six wooded and four unwooded expressions, underscoring the versatile style spectrum being explored by local cellars. Coastal terroirs proved particularly dominant, with strong representations from Cape Town and Elgin.
The 2026 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 (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
As the competition enters its third decade, these ten standout wines illustrate why South African Sauvignon Blanc continues to command international acclaim—blending technological precision, terroir-driven character, and masterful cellar craftsmanship into every glass.
