The Niche Varieties Challenge took place again in 2026 to give innovative niche wines a more visible platform and to highlight the diversity developing beyond South Africa’s mainstream cultivars. Judging took place on 6 August 2026.

The panel comprised two Cape Wine Masters: Janine van Zyl CWM as chair and Colin Frith CWM. Christine Rudman CWM, who had been scheduled to join the panel, was unable to attend due to the flu that has been going around. The wines were evaluated blind under the supervision of auditor Bridget Loxton, using the international 100-point scale. Discussion took place only after independent scoring had been completed, allowing the panel to confirm its overall impressions and final medal decisions.

Overall impressions

The Gold medal line-up reflected a broad and increasingly confident approach to niche varieties in South Africa. Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, Viognier, Touriga Nacional, Grenache Noir, Roobernet, Grüner Veltliner and Tinta Barocca were represented among others, alongside red blends featuring Tannat and Shiraz.

White varieties also made their mark through Kranskop Single Vineyard Viognier 2025 and Niel Joubert Grüner Veltliner 2025. The Gold-medal vintages ranged from 2018 to 2025, representing wines at different stages of development.

Tannat was a recurring thread throughout the line-up, appearing in both blends and single-variety expressions. Its use across different wines underlined the willingness of producers to explore the variety beyond a single stylistic interpretation.

The geographic spread was equally encouraging. Gold-medal wines came from Worcester, Swellendam, Klaasvoogds, Franschhoek, Simonsberg and Swartland, as well as wines carrying the broader Western Cape designation.

Overall, the tasting showed that niche varieties are no longer simply experimental additions to wine portfolios. At their best, they are producing serious, distinctive wines that can stand on quality rather than novelty alone. The results reinforce the value of specialist judging in helping producers and consumers navigate a category that continues to broaden.

Audited by Cecil Kilpin & Co.