Comprehensive yet engaging, and welcoming of newcomers to the vine, the 2026 Platter’s by Diners Club Wine Guide released today is the perfect independent companion for anyone who lifts a glass of South African wine.
The new edition celebrates a remarkable 46 years of the guide showcasing South Africa’s winegrowers and grape-spirit distillers, through winery profiles, wine descriptions and ratings, wine-country maps and much more.
All the best-selling features of the collectible editions are present and fully updated for the 2026 guide, in which well over 900 producers, merchants and brands are featured, including more than 30 new ones, and over 8,000 locally produced wines, as well as brandies, husk spirits and sherry-style wines.
The guide’s descriptions and ratings, compiled in association with a team of leading experts, make it easy to find the right wine for any occasion, while the good-value indicators highlight those bottlings which are especially budget friendly across all quality levels.
Platter’s 2026 also packs extensive information on where to go and what to do in wine country. Winetasting options are covered in detail, along with many winery amenities, attractions and activities, plus dining and accommodation options in Cape Town and the winelands. Easy-to-use maps and quick look-up tables provide invaluable help for visitors planning their own wineland rambles, while listings of specialised wine tour operators offer a variety of alternatives for those who prefer a guided experience.
Fully updated notes on the major winegrowing regions, grape varieties, winemaking styles, winetasting terms, and the major wine competitions and awards, as well as listings of wine educators country-wide form part of a wide-ranging offering.
As always, the new guide is prefaced by an insightful and thought-provoking overview of important developments and trends in South Africa and the wider wine world.
A much-anticipated feature of the guide is the reveal of the cover look. This year it is a vibrant orange and white combination, which the Platter’s team named “Table Bay Sunset”.
A highlight of any new editionis the five star wines line-up – the exceptional bottlings which emerge from a second round of tasting of the wines with the highest rating on the Platter’s scale of 0 – 5 stars (“Somewhat less than ordinary” to “Superlative. A South African classic”). In this edition 316 wines, brandies and husk spirits receive a five-star rating, equating to 95 or more on the 100-point international scale.
Of the five-star-awarded wines, the highest scorers within each category receive the sought-after accolade,Wines of the Year. This time there are 36 such category winning wines.
Also noteworthy are 430 Highly Recommended wines, brandies and husk spirits which narrowly miss five stars but are nonetheless extremely fine and collectable in their own right, earning a rating of 94 on the 100-point scale.
Then there are the just over 130 red and white wines showing particular potential for cellaring (they appear under the banner “Buy Now, Drink Later”); the 168 Hidden Gems, wines which tasters feel are particularly worthy of note, being interesting, attractive, unique or representative of an important trend; and the 115 Superquaffers, wines that are exceptionally drinkable and well-priced.
The three prestigious Winery of the Year awards are the highest accolades bestowed by Platter’s. The Top Performing Winery of the Year goes to the winery that achieves the most five stars after the annual final tasting round. This year the recipient is Diemersdal Estate.
The Editor’s Award Winery of the Year award recognises a winegrowing individual or team who, based on performance in the current edition as well as track record, are ambassadors par excellence for South African wine. This year the award goes to Alheit Vineyards, which has shown consistently stellar form since its debut in the 2012 edition.
The Newcomer Winery of the Year is awarded to a producer who debuted in Platter’s this year and achieved the highest scores. The well-deserved recipient of this distinction is The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co, with two stunning wines earning 95 and 96 points.
Platter’s 2026 hardcover is available from selected bookstores and retailers nationwide from early December 2025. The recommended retail price is R429.00 incl VAT.
A subscription to the digital editions, namely the web-based version as well as the apps for Apple and Android devices, is available from www.wineonaplatter.com/products or the app stores (a single subscription unlocks all digital versions).
Wines Of The Year 2026
Cabernet Franc
Raats Vlag 2023
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oldenburg Per Se 2022
Carignan
Torero The Suit of Lights 2024
Cinsault Noir
Bosman Family Twyfeling 2024
Grenache Noir
De Kleine Wijn Hoendertande 2023
Malbec
Paul Wallace Black Dog 2021
Merlot
Fleur du Cap Series Privée Unfiltered 2022
Petit Verdot
KWV The Mentors 2022
Pinotage
Tokara Limited Release 2023
Pinot Noir
Crystallum Mabalel 2024
Shiraz/Syrah
Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2022
Red Blends, Cape Bordeaux
Constantia Glen Five 2022
Red Blends, With Pinotage
Bellingham Pod 2022
Red Blends, Shiraz/Syrah-Based
Flagstone Velvet Red Blend 2023
Red Blends, Other
Anysbos Tesame 2023
Chardonnay
Crystallum Clay Shales 2024
Chenin Blanc
Botanica Mary Delany 2024
Grenache Blanc
Scions of Sinai Gramadoelas 2024
Grenache Gris
Pilgrim 2025
Palomino
Riebeek Valley RAAR 2024
Riesling
Saurwein Chi 2024
Roussanne
De Kleine Wijn Liefling 2024
Sauvignon Blanc
Strandveld Pofadderbos 2024
Semillon
Wildeberg White 2023
Semillon Gris
Terracura Smiley Spesiale 2024
Viognier
Tamboerskloof 2025
White Blends, Cape Bordeaux
Steenberg Magna Carta 2023
White Blends, Other
Mullineux Roundstone White 2024
Cap Classique
Silverthorn Jewel Box 2019
Late Harvest
Thelema Vin de Hel Muscat 2024
Natural Sweet
Stellenrust Chenin d’Muscat 2023
Noble Late Harvest
Neethlingshof Maria 2025
Vin de Paille/Straw Wine
Fairview La Beryl Blanc 2024
Dessert Wine, Fortified
The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co Hanepoot #4 2014
Port-Style
Niel Joubert Cape Late Bottled Vintage 2004
Sherry-Style
The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co Pale Dry #9 NV
Five Star Wines 2026
Cabernet Franc
Beaumont Ariane 2023
David Finlayson Camino Africana 2023
De Meye 2021
De Trafford 2023
Gabriëlskloof Landscape 2023
Holden Manz Reserve 2022
Kaapzicht 2022
Niel Joubert Reserve 2022
Oldenburg 2023
Raats Eden 2023
Raats Family Reserve 2023
Raats Vlag 2023
Rainbow’s End 2023
Rainbow’s End Limited Release 2023
Ridgeback 2022
Stellenrust Barrel Selection 2022
Warwick 2022
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cederberg Five Generations 2023
David Finlayson GS 2023
Delaire Graff Laurence Graff Reserve 2021
Le Riche 2023
Le Riche CWG Auction Reserve 2022
Leeu Passant Stellenbosch 2023
Miles Mossop Sam 2022
Oldenburg Per Se 2022
Rainbow’s End 2023
Simonsig Labyrinth 2022
Simonsig The Garland 2021
Stark-Condé Stellenbosch 2023
Strydom Rex 2021
Zorgvliet 2023
Carignan
Torero The Suit of Lights 2024
Cinsault Noir
Bosman Family Twyfeling 2023
Bellevue Heritage 2024
Grenache Noir
De Kleine Wijn Hoendertande 2023
Piekenierskloof Carel Van Zyl 2024
Savage Thief In The Night 2024
Malbec
Paul Wallace Black Dog 2021
Merlot
Fleur du Cap Privée Unfiltered 2022
Petit Verdot
Hidden Valley 2020
KWV The Mentors 2022
Pinotage
Alvi’s Drift Verreaux 2021
Bellevue Reserve 2022
Diemersdal Reserve 2024
Diemersdal The Journal 2023
KWV The Mentors 2022
Lanzerac Pionier 2022
McFarlane Saturday’s Child 2024
Survivor Reserve 2023
Tokara Limited Release 2023
Wellington La Cave 2022
Pinot Noir
Bartho Eksteen CWG Auction Fluister 2023
Bosman Hermanus 2024
Botanica Mary Delany 2024
Crystallum Cuvée Cinéma 2024
Crystallum Mabalel 2024
Crystallum Peter Max 2024
Oak Valley PN777 2022
Paul Clüver Estate 2024
Paul Clüver Seven Flags 2023
Shiraz/Syrah
AA Badenhorst Turksvy Syrah 2024
Boschkloof Epilogue 2023
Ernie Els Proprietor’s Syrah 2023
Fairview Lanner Hill Syrah 2022
Fairview The Beacon Shiraz 2022
Flagstone Dark Horse Shiraz 2021
Joostenberg Klippe Kou Syrah 2023
Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2022
Old Road Pepper Wind 2024
Quoin Rock Shiraz 2021
Ridgeback Shiraz 2021
Saga Sons of Sugarland Syrah 2024
Savage Girl Next Door 2024
Saxenburg Select Syrah 2021
Staanspoor Syrah 2023
Van Wyk Syrah 2023
Waterkloof Syrah 2023
Red Blends, Cape Bordeaux
Alto MPHS 2021
Anthonij Rupert 2017
Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar 2023
Constantia Glen Five 2022
Delaire Graff The Banghoek 2020
Diemersdal Private Collection Reserve 2023
Ernie Els Signature 2022
Glenelly Lady May 2020
Hidden Valley Hidden Gems 2022
Jordan Cobblers Hill 2022
Keet First Verse 2022
Meerlust Rubicon 2023
Mvemve Raats MR de Compostella 2022
Oldenburg 8th Element 2022
Spier Frans K. Smit Red 2019
Taaibosch Crescendo 2021
Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2022
Vergelegen Estate Red 2022
Vergelegen V 2021
Zonnebloem Lauréat 2022
Zorgvliet Richelle 2021
Red Blends, With Pinotage
Bellingham Pod 2022
The Vinoneers No. 42 Cape Red Blend 2023
Red Blends, Shiraz/Syrah-Based
ArtiSons Eight Pillars 2022
Black Pearl The Mischief Maker 2024
Fairview Caldera 2023
Fairview Cyril Back 2022
Flagstone Velvet Red Blend 2023
Ken Forrester Renegade 2022
Lingen 2023
Mullineux Roundstone Red 2023
Rall Red 2023
Saronsberg Full Circle 2023
Sijnn Red 2023
The Bothey Syrah-Grenache 2024
Red Blends, Other
Alto La Residence Heritage Blend 2022
Anysbos Tesame 2023
Bacco iL Sovrano 2022
Baleia Calcarea 2021
Dalla Cia Teano 2023
Ernie Els CWG Auction Wine 2022
Hermanuspietersfontein Arnoldus 2021
Hogan Divergent 2024
Idun Carmélite 2023
Klein Graniet Tribute 2021
Le Sueur Paradoks 2023
Leeu Passant The Leeu Passant 2022
Nico van der Merwe Mas Nicolas Stellenbosch 2021
Stellenzicht Acheulean Red 2019
Thistle & Weed Nastergal 2023
Van Wyk Rebecca May 2024
Villiera The Clan 2021
Waterford The Jem 2020
Chardonnay
Almenkerk 2023
Atlas Swift Wine of Origin Robertson 2024
Bartinney Hourglass 2023
Benguela Cove 2024
Benguela Cove Vinography 2024
Capensis Fijnbosch 2021
Creation The Art Of Chardonnay 2024
Crystallum Clay Shales 2024
Crystallum Ferrum 2024
Crystallum The Agnes 2024
Delaire Graff Terraced Block 2024
DeMorgenzon Reserve 2022
Draaiboek Kinkel 2024
Draaiboek Onskuld 2024
GlenWood Grand Duc 2023
Hartenberg The Eleanor 2023
Iona Kloof 2023
Journey’s End Destination 2024
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2024
Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection 2024
Leeu Passant Radicales Libres 2019
Leeu Passant Stellenbosch 2023
Litigo 2024
Longridge Organic Clos du Ciel 2023
Lourensford Kleipot 2023
Neil Ellis Whitehall 2023
Oak Valley CY548 2022
Oldenburg Una V 2024
Paul Clüver Colline du Matin 2024
Paul Clüver CWG Auction The Wagon Trail 2024
Paul Wallace Reflection 2024
Quoin Rock 2022
Stellenrust Cape Wildling 2024
Terra Loci Fé 2023
Tesselaarsdal 2024
Thelema 2023
Tokara Reserve 2024
Whalehaven Seascape 2023
Chenin Blanc
AA Badenhorst Grensloos 2023
Alheit Fire By Night 2024
Alheit Huilkrans 2024
Alheit Magnetic North 2024
Alheit Nautical Dawn 2024
Angus Paul Fantamtango 2024
ArtiSons The Mothership 2024
Axle 2024
Belle Rebelle Intrepid 2024
Bellingham Cape Town Old Vine 2024
Botanica Mary Delany 2024
Carinus Polkadraai 2024
Carinus Rooidraai 2024
David & Nadia Plat’bos 2024
De Trafford Skin Macerated 2024
DeMorgenzon Reserve 2023
Durbanville Hills The Cape Garden 2024
Fairview Old Vine Project Steen 2024
Gabriëlskloof Elodie 2024
Hogan 2024
JC Wickens Swerwer 2024
Jordan Timepiece 2024
Ken Forrester The FMC 2024
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2024
Le Sueur Kluisenaar 2024
Leeuwenkuil Reserve 2024
Miles Mossop Stellenbosch 2024
McFarlane Monday’s Child 2024
Off The Record 2024
Old Road Stone Trail 2024
Opstal Bergsteen 2024
Opstal Eenvoud 2024
Paulus Bartàs 2024
Sadie Mev. Kirsten 2024
Sadie Skurfberg 2024
Sakkie Mouton Revenge Of The Crayfish 2024
Scions of Sinai Granietsteen 2024
Stark-Condé Monk Stone 2024
Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo 2024
Stellenrust Old Bushvine Secrets & Lies 2024
The Ahrens Family Koffieklip OVC 2023
The Bothey Harmony 2024
Wolf & Woman 2024
Zevenwacht Z-Collection 2024
Grenache Blanc
KWV The Mentors 2023
Scions of Sinai Gramadoelas 2024
Terra Loci Déjà Vu 2024
Grenache Gris
Pilgrim 2025
Palomino
Riebeek Valley RAAR 2024
Riesling
Saurwein Chi 2024
Roussanne
De Kleine Wijn Liefling 2024
Sauvignon Blanc
Buitenverwachting Hussey’s Vlei 2024
Cape Point Reserve 2024
Constantia Glen 2024
Diemersdal The Journal 2024
Diemersdal The Globe 2024
Diemersdal Winter Ferment 2025
Klein Constantia Clara 2024
Klein Constantia Perdeblokke 2024
Mellish Blanc Fumé 2024
Miles Mossop Stellenbosch 2024
Neil Ellis Amica 2022
Spier 21 Gables 2024
Strandveld Pofadderbos 2024
Thorne & Daughters Snakes & Ladders 2024
Warwick Professor Black 2025
Zevenwacht Z-Collection 2024
Semillon
Alheit Monument 2024
Catherine Marshall Ode To Arges 2023
Lokaia Pound Of Flesh 2024
Sadie Kokerboom 2024
The Vineyard Party Daisy If You Do 2023
Thorne & Daughters Paper Kite 2024
Wildeberg Amphora 2023
Wildeberg White 2023
Semillon Gris
Terracura Smiley Spesiale 2024
Viognier
Tamboerskloof 2025
White Blends, Cape Bordeaux
Cederberg The Bowline 2024
Constantia Glen Two 2023
Durbanville Hills Tangram Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2024
Journey’s End Ad Infinitum 2023
Kershaw Cape South Coast Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2023
Steenberg Magna Carta 2023
Tokara Director’s Reserve White 2022
Vergelegen Estate White 2024
Wade Bales Constantia White 2023
White Blends, Other
AA Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein 2023
Alheit Hemelrand Vine Garden 2024
Beaumont New Baby 2024
Boekenhoutskloof Goldmine 2024
Brookdale Bradbourne 2024
Cape Collective Epic White 2024
Cavalli Reserve White 2024
David & Nadia Aristargos 2024
Mullineux Roundstone White 2024
Sadie Palladius 2023
Sadie Skerpioen 2024
Sijnn White 2024
Solms-Delta Amalie 2024
Stark-Condé The Field Blend 2024
The Ahrens Family Soutsteen 2023
Vuurberg White 2024
Wildeberg Coterie Chenin Blanc-Grenache Blanc 2023
Cap Classique
Anthonij Rupert Blanc de Blancs 2021
Colmant Absolu Blanc de Blancs Zero Dosage NV
Graham Beck Cuvée Clive 2019
Graham Beck Cuvée Clive X 2015
Le Lude Brut Magnum 2015
Newstead Lund Blanc de Blancs 2018
Pieter Ferreira Blanc de Blancs 2019
Silverthorn CWG Auction Mad as the Mist and Snow Brut Nature 2019
Silverthorn Jewel Box 2019
The House of JC le Roux Scintilla 2016
Waterford Blanc de Blancs 2018
Late Harvest
Thelema Vin de Hel Muscat 2024
Natural Sweet
Buitenverwachting 1769 2023
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2022
Stellenrust Chenin d’Muscat 2023
Noble Late Harvest
Boekenhoutskloof 2022
Nederburg The Winemasters 2024
Neethlingshof Maria 2025
Vin de Paille/Straw Wine
Fairview La Beryl Blanc 2024
Klawer Villa Esposto 2023
Savage Not Tonight Josephine 2024
Mullineux Olerasay 5° NV
Dessert Wine, Fortified
Jakkalsvlei Hanepoot 2025
The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co Hanepoot #4 2014
Daschbosch Gevonden Hanepoot 2022
Port-Style
Niel Joubert Cape Late Bottled Vintage 2004
De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2023
Sherry-Style
The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co Pale Dry #9 NV
The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co Amontillado #11 NV
Brandy
Avante Founders’ Fifteen
Boplaas Potstill Reserve 20 Years
Boplaas Potstill Reserve 12 Years
KWV Centenary
KWV Nexus
KWV 20 Year Old
KWV 15 Year Old Alambic
KWV 12 Year Old Barrel Select
KWV 10 Year Old Vintage
KWV Cellar Reserve XO Potstill
KWV Signature Release VS
Tokara XO Potstill
Van Ryn 20 Year Old Potstill
Van Ryn 15 Year Old Potstill
Husk Spirit
Dalla Cia 10 Year Old Celebration Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot
