Cape Town, 25 August 2025: Tim Atkin MW, the internationally acclaimed British Master of Wine, will crown the best South African wine when he unveils his 2025 Wines of the Year, selected from over 200 of South Africa’s top producers. The event brings together two powerhouses of purpose and precision: Tim Atkin, with a lifelong pursuit of vinicultural excellence, and Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth, a trusted partner in bespoke wealth management. Just as the finest wines are carefully curated, Private Clients helps discerning individuals curate, grow and protect their legacies across generations.
“We are proud to partner with Tim Atkin for the second year running, and on the launch of his 13th South Africa Special Report – a definitive guide to the country’s finest wines,” says Jean Minnaar, Managing Director at Private Clients. “Much like winemaking, wealth management requires patience, expertise and foresight. Our collaboration with Tim is a celebration not only of South Africa’s winemakers, but also of the values of craftsmanship, legacy and long-term thinking that we share with our clients.”
The launch of the 2025 report is a multi-city celebration of South Africa’s most exceptional wines. A respected wine critic, journalist, and judge with over 40 years of experience, Atkin brings deep insight and global influence to his reviews. Each of the 217 wines available for public tasting scores at least 95 out of 100 points, which is equivalent to a gold medal. This year’s edition is his most comprehensive to date, featuring 2 250 wines from 420 producers, making it the ultimate guide to the best the country has to offer - a reflection of both depth and variety.
“The excellent scores reinforce my belief that South Africa is producing some of the best wines globally,” says Atkin. “This success is driven by the country’s diverse terroirs, innovative winemaking techniques, and unwavering commitment to quality. I’m also thrilled to cement my partnership with Private Clients.”
Guests will be served South Africa’s finest wines by the winemakers themselves over three days. These intimate tastings and exclusive winemaker events will be hosted in selected venues, including the Norval Foundation in Tokai, Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West and Strauss & Co in Houghton, Johannesburg.
“Alongside the tastings, awards will also be presented to trailblazers in the wine industry including Viticulturist of the Year, Cellar Door of the Year, Winemaker of the Year, Young Winemaker and Rising Star, celebrating those who are shaping the future of South African wine,” adds Atkin.
The hands behind the harvest are the backbone of the industry, and their efforts go into every bottle we enjoy. Therefore, a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Pebbles Project, an organisation dedicated to improving education and health outcomes for children in South Africa’s wine regions. It’s a way to give back to the very people who contribute so much to the excellence we honour and to build lasting relationships with these communities.
“People will come to the events for the wine but will stay for the story. For us, this is more than an event. It’s about building connections, celebrating excellence and leaving a legacy – values that lie at the heart of both South Africa’s wine industry and our approach to wealth,” Minnaar concludes.
Public tastings tickets went on sale on 1 August via Quicket. The full 2025 South Africa Special Report will be publicly released on 2 September via www.timatkin.com
Ahead of the launch, we are pleased to present the shortlist, showcasing the finest wines that define South Africa’s exceptional vintages this year.
2025 SOUTH AFRICA SPECIAL REPORT SHORTLIST
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
Angus Paul, Angus Paul Wines
Duncan Stuart, Kloovenburg Wine & Olives
Banele Vakele, Tembela Wines
Megan van der Merwe, Beau Constantia
YOUNG WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR
Stuart Botha, Tokara
Jolandie Fouché, Wolf & Woman Wines
Franco Lourens, Lourens Family Vineyards
Emul Ross, Hamilton Russell Vineyards
WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR
Richard Kershaw MW, Kershaw Wines
Miles Mossop, Miles Mossop Wines
Gordon Newton Johnson, Newton Johnson Family Vineyards
Donovan Rall, Rall Wines
VITICULTURIST OF THE YEAR
Fritz Breytenbach
Danie Carinus, Bluegum Grove
Wilhelm Joubert, Hartenberg Estate
Nico Walters, Quoin Rock Wines
BEST CELLAR DOOR EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR
Gabriëlskloof
Jordan Wine Estate
Steenberg Vineyards
Vondeling