SOUTH AFRICA'S showing at the 2026 International Wine Challenge in the UK “reinforced the country's strength across classic Cabernet Sauvignon, premium white blends and modern Shiraz”, as was borne out by what the judges chose to elevate from gold to trophy status – their favourites among the Cape beauties scored 95 points. Besides the three trophies and 11 gold medals, SA producers also won 101 silvers and 109 bronze medals.
The IWC is said to be one of the three largest wine competitions in the world, with some 200 critics tasked with judging thousands of entries (the exact number is not made public). Every wine is assessed ‘blind' in London by international tasting panels of industry experts, All decisions are “scrutinised by the co-chairs Sam Caporn MW, Oz Clarke, Dr Jamie Goode, Peter McCombie MW and Helen McGinn,” the medal-winning wines reviewed multiple times before the awards are confirmed.
There were 39 countries represented on the tasting benches. France was the most successful nation in terms of the number of golds and trophies won, followed by Spain, Portugal, Australia, Italy and South Africa. Newcomers included Switzerland, Montenegro, Sweden, India, Malta and Ireland. For the full results, click here.
TROPHY WINNERS
Babylonstoren Shiraz 2023
R380pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Paarl
Constantia Glen Two 2024 (White Blend)
R370pb ex-cellar, Constantia-Cape Town
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
R510pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch
GOLD MEDALLISTS
Boschendal Elgin Chardonnay 2024
R575pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Boschendal Elgin Chardonnay 2023
R550pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Boschendal Suzanne 2025 (White Blend)
R320pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Boschendal Suzanne 2024 (White Blend)
R320pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2025
R340pb ex-Cederberg cellar, Cederberg
Oak Valley Groenlandberg Pinot Noir 2024
R350pb ex-cellar, Grabouw-Elgin
Old Road Anemos Chenin Blanc 2024
R260pb ex-producer, Franschhoek
Old Road Pepper Wind Syrah 2024
R450pb ex-producer, Franschhoek
Quoin Rock Black Series Cap Classique 2018
R750pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
Quoin Rock Shiraz 2022
R750pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
Warwick Trilogy 2021 (Red Blend)
R700pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch