Four SA brands included in ‘World’s Most Admired Wine Brands’ 2023
The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands, now in its 13th year, is a ranking of the top 50 wineries in the world.
· 3 min read
To be named in the Top 50 is a mark of true respect and acknowledgement from within the global wine trade. Brands are ranked according to votes received from academy members, who include wine professionals, journalists, educators and Masters of Wine. Academy members are given three votes and presented with a list of previous winners and other well-known brands and asked to vote according to the quality of wines, be it through consistency or improvement, the accurate reflection of country of origin, responsiveness to needs and tastes of its target audience, level of marketing and wide demographic appeal.
With 32 spots on the list and France again taking the top spot (representing more than a quarter of the overall rating), Europe has continued to be the mecca of admired wine brands for 2023. Spain, which is next door, performed exceptionally well, earning eight brands — one more than Italy — on the list.
Although no new entries were entered in 2023, French Chateau D’Yquem won the Highest Climber award, and Ridge in the US took home the Most Admired Wine Brand in North America award. This leaves one more special award for Most Admired Wine Brand in Africa & Middle East, which went to South Africa’s KWV.
South African brands make the list
South Africa’s Bruce Jack, Nederburg, and Kanonkop were ranked 49, 45, and 43 respectively as the Most Admired Wine Brands, while KWV was ranked 38 on the list for the Most Admired Wine Brand in Africa & the Middle East.
“We’re exceptionally proud to be included in this definitive list of the world’s most admired wine brands,” says KWV marketing executive for wine Liandra Kotzé. “To be recognised alongside the most respected wine brands globally is an honour and reflects our team’s resolute commitment to achieve excellence in all aspects of the business. It’s indicative of the respect the brand has earned in the hearts of consumers, not only locally but internationally.”
“We’re humbled by this award which doesn’t merely recognise an individual brand in the KWV portfolio, but our collective efforts in all areas of the business to create a consistent, inspiring and recognised brand,” Loomes says. “This recognition allows our team members to celebrate how the punchy three-letter KWV brand is perceived on the global stage. Since the grapes for KWV’s wines and spirits are sourced from various vineyard pockets across South Africa, this award also credits the astounding beauty and quality of our Winelands – and the world stage is taking note.”
WATCH: World’s Most Admired Wine Brands 2023
More from
Markets, business and trade
Does Government know what it’s costing you?
A decision made in Pretoria can change the way a wine business operates. But who makes sure the people making those decisions understand what happens on the ground? South Africa Wine’s Jordyn Goeieman takes us inside the often unseen work of influencing the policies that affect the industry.
All roads lead to Wine Paris
With professionals from more than 169 countries attending Wine Paris in 2026, the exhibition has become an increasingly important meeting point for the global wine trade. Nicolas Cuissard, Director of Wine Paris, speaks to WineLand about the exhibition’s growing international influence, opportunities for South African producers and what it takes to turn participation into business.
Before you bottle it, can you sell it?
A good wine and an attractive label are not enough to build a sustainable business. South Africa Wine’s Phil Bowes explains why finding customers, testing assumptions and understanding the numbers should come before committing to a new wine brand.