2025 Shiraz SA Challenge Winners Announced!
I was honoured to crack the nod for an invitation to the 2025 Shiraz SA Challenge Winners awards ceremony held at the scenic Blacksmith's Estate in Paarl on 7 August. I was thoroughly impressed by the range of Shiraz, Shiraz blends and Shiraz Rosé that entered this year. I had the fortunate opportunity to taste the wines before the announcement and had some favourites for sure.
De Grendel received a whopping, and record breaking, 3 wins in the top 12 this year and I could not be more proud, being a Durbanville Wine Valley local myself.
Samarie Smith-Meletiou gave a wonderful breakdown of the judging process and findings. What I loved about this is that the judging panel were tasting all different wines at different times to avoid any influence from others which I thought was great.
South Africa’s Best Shiraz
The Shiraz SA Challenge started in 2008, that’s 17 years ago, and today is recognised as THE competition for Shiraz, Shiraz-based blends, and Shiraz rosé in South Africa.
This year had 173 entries from wine regions all across the country – especially Stellenbosch – the competition showcased just how versatile and expressive South African Shiraz can be.
Riaan Möller, Chair of Shiraz SA, commented that:
“We’re seeing a continued rise in innovation and terroir focus. The quality across the board has never been stronger.”
The Judging
This year’s judging panel – which included some of SA’s top wine professionals like Edmund Terblanche, Elzette du Preez, Morgan Steyn, Samarie Smith-Meletiou, and Georgio Meletiou – assessed entries using Shiraz SA’s unique, non-discussion tasting format to ensure complete impartiality.
Held at Nederburg in Paarl, the judging process was independently audited and supported by Wine MS, Crystal Direct, and Lebone Paarl Labels. The Pebbles Project also benefitted from donated, unopened bottles – a heartwarming touch!
According to Samarie, the best wines were the ones that had minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to shine through and going with the style of the fruit. She did say it in better words :)
The 2025 Shiraz SA Challenge Winners
A total of 18 wines were awarded top honours across three categories – Shiraz, Shiraz blends, and shiraz rosé.
🍷 Top 12 Shiraz Wines (Alphabetical Order)
Babylonstoren Shiraz 2022
De Grendel Op die Berg Syrah 2022 & 2023
De Grendel Shiraz 2021
Diemersdal Shiraz 2023 & Syrah 2023
MAN Vintners Skaapveld Syrah 2024
Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz 2023
Stellenrust ArtiSons Blueberry Hill Shiraz 2023
Stellenrust ArtiSons Missing Link Shiraz 2023
Tokara Shiraz 2022
Von The Sir Shiraz 2023
🥂 Top Shiraz-Based Blends
Babylonstoren Babel 2023
Flagstone Velvet Shiraz Blend 2023
Guardian Peak SMG 2022
Saronsberg Full Circle 2022
Spier Creative Block 3 2021
🌸 Rosé Category Winner
Eerste Hoop Shiraz Rosé 2025
De Grendel made history by placing three wines in the Top 12 Shiraz list. Diemersdal and Stellenrust also walked away with two winning entries each. Congratulations to all the winners!
Bernard Podlashuk Shiraz Trophy Goes to Journey’s End
The 2025 winner of the Bernard Podlashuk Shiraz Trophy (and R30,000 cash prize) is Journey’s End. It was only the other day that I was enjoying this wine at The Wes Bistro Dine with Wine event in July.
Also named as finalists were DeMorgenzon and Stellenrust, with Stellenrust receiving a nod for the second year running.
Buy the Wines Online
Port2Port is now the official online partner for Shiraz SA, making it easier than ever to get your hands on the awarded wines.
Keep an eye out for a curated 12-bottle pack featuring this year’s Top 12 Shiraz winners – selected by Pieter Badenhorst from For the Love of Wine.
National Shiraz Day – 21 August 2025
Did you know that National Shiraz Day is celebrated on Thursday, 21 August? What good timing I would say!
In this photo from left to right: Gaynor (Tulips & Phoenix), Leanne (The Wine Girl Cape Town), Roxanne (The Witty Wine Woman) & Jonell (Simply Miss Jo).
Contact Shiaz SA
For more information, visit www.shirazsa.co.za
Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn: @ShirazSouthAfrica
Join the conversation with the hashtag #ShirazSAAwards
For any queries, please contact info@shirazsa.co.za
