For more than three decades, the prestigious Diners Club SA Winelist Awards have recognised restaurants and hospitality establishments that demonstrate exceptional dedication to wine excellence. In 2025, the awards once again highlighted the country’s top venues where thoughtfully curated wine lists elevate the dining experience and showcase South Africa’s vibrant wine culture.
Recognised across five tiers—Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and the coveted Icon Award—the competition continues to set the benchmark for wine presentation in the local hospitality industry. The Icon Award represents the pinnacle of achievement, reserved for establishments with wine lists of international calibre.
Four Restaurants Achieve Icon Status
This year, four outstanding restaurants earned the highly sought-after Icon distinction, reflecting exceptional wine programmes and impeccable curation.
The 2025 Icon winners are:
- Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate, Pretoria
- Verdicchio Restaurant & Wine Cellar, Fourways
- Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, Sandton
- Rooi, One&Only Cape Town
Introduced in 2018, the Icon Award is presented to restaurants that meet all the stringent Diamond-level requirements while also offering an extensive international selection, strong representation across wine categories, impressive vintage and reserve collections, and the presence of a dedicated full-time sommelier.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Country
Beyond the Icon category, numerous establishments across South Africa were recognised for their exceptional wine offerings. In total, seventeen restaurants received Diamond Awards, eight achieved Platinum status, twenty-two earned Gold, and three were awarded Silver.
Among the Diamond winners were Signature Restaurant in Sandton, Brasserie de Paris in Pretoria, and Signature Restaurant in Umhlanga, while the Eastern Cape enjoyed strong representation with several Diamond awards including Hacklewood Hill Country House, Ginger The Restaurant and The Beach Hotel in Gqeberha.
Mpumalanga also stood out with Diamond honours going to Kuka Café, Magnolia Restaurant and Hippo Hollow Restaurant, while the Northern Cape’s Kimberly Anne Small Luxury Hotel in Kimberley earned Diamond recognition.
Western Cape Shines on the National Stage
The Western Cape once again demonstrated its status as a culinary and wine powerhouse, with several establishments earning accolades across multiple categories.
Leading the provincial winners was Rooi at One&Only Cape Town, which secured the prestigious Icon Award for its world-class wine programme and expertly curated cellar.
Hermanus’ Bientang’s Cave received a Diamond Award, highlighting the venue’s dedication to pairing exceptional wines with its iconic oceanfront dining experience.
Further recognition went to Swartberg Country Manor in Oudtshoorn, which earned a Platinum Award for its carefully crafted wine list.
Three Western Cape establishments achieved Gold status:
Morii Restaurant at The Vineyard Hotel, Newlands
Thava Indian Restaurant, GrandWest
Turn ‘n Tender, Majik Forest, Bellville
A Benchmark for Wine Culture
The Diners Club SA Winelist Awards remain a respected benchmark for wine excellence in the hospitality industry. Judged by a distinguished panel of experts from the wine, food and hospitality sectors, the awards recognise venues that prioritise thoughtful wine curation and exceptional service.
As South Africa continues to strengthen its reputation as a global wine destination, these awards play a vital role in celebrating restaurants that champion the country’s diverse wine heritage while offering diners world-class experiences.
For wine lovers and diners alike, the 2025 winners represent some of the best places in the country to enjoy expertly paired wines and memorable culinary moments.
