AS OFTEN happens in the Global Wine Masters competitions focusing on various categories throughout the year, the results of the 2026 Global Chardonnay Masters in the UK were made available in advance of the tasting report – judging took place mid-October, awards announced end-October, report to be published in November. The panel of judges comprised Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and senior wine buyers in the UK retail trade, but, at the time that the awards were announced the tasters’ identites and comments about the entries had not yet been made public. Nor had the total number of entries. However, South Africa fared fantastically!
Of the 139 medallists, 37 wines earned gold medals and 6 achieved Master awards, with no fewer than 13 of the gold medallists and 4 of the Master award winners from South Africa’s Cape winelands! The other two Master awards went to Spain and California in the USA, with the other golds going to Argentina (3), Australia (6), Austria (2), Canada (2), Chile (1), France (1), Italy (2), Mexico (1), New Zealand (1), Spain (1) and the USA (4). At the time of writing, the Grand Master Award for the judges’ favourite among the Master Award winner had not yet been announced.
The Masters’ definition of a gold medallist (93 to 96 points): A brilliant wine that is a benchmark for its type; this wine has lasting appeal and shows great balance, complexity and intensity. Their definition of a Master Award winner (97 to 100 points): An outstanding example of its type, showing impeccable winemaking; this wine delights for its wonderful texture, perfect balance and broad range of delicious, persistent flavours.
For the most highly rated Cape wines at the 2026 Global Chardonnay Masters, see below, with those having the best track records in the top panel tastings internationally over the past 10 years highlighted in red.
SA MASTER AWARD WINNERS
Clüver Prieur Colline du Matin 2024
R1350pb ex-Paul Cluver cellar, Elgin
Journey’s End Legatum Chardonnay 2024
R750pb ex-cellar, Sir Lowry’s Pass-Somerset West
Oak Valley Tabula Rasa CY548 2022
R800pb ex-cellar, Elgin
Tokara Reserve Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2025
R325pb ex-cellar, Helshoogte-Stellenbosch
SA GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
Almenkerk Chardonnay 2024
R360pb ex-cellar, Elgin
Cavalli Chardonnay 2025
R285pb ex-cellar, Helderberg-Stellenbosch
Creation Glenn’s Chardonnay 2025
R1212pb ex-cellar, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Chardonnay 2025
R490pb ex-cellar, Banghoek-Stellenbosch
GlenWood Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay 2025
R330pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Hartenberg Eleanor 2024
R625pb ex-cellar, Bottelary-Stellenbosch
Holden Manz Avant-garde Chardonnay 2023
R345pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Kershaw Clonal Selection Chardonnay 2024
R895pb ex-producer, Elgin
Lanzerac Mrs English Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2025
R625pb ex-cellar, Jonkershoek-Stellenbosch
Oak Valley Tabula Rasa CY95 2022
R800pb ex-cellar, Elgin
Paul Clüver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2024
R1250pb ex-cellar, Elgin
Weltevrede Place of Rocks Chardonnay 2025
R337pb ex-cellar, Bonnievale-Robertson
Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay 2025
R405pb ex-cellar, Hemel-en-Aarde Village-Hermanus