The winners of the 2025 Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top Ten Challenge have been announced – and once again Stellenbosch has stolen the spotlight, claiming four spots on the list. Three of those belong to Stellenrust, the most awarded producer in the history of the competition. Other regions represented include Franschhoek, Paarl, the Swartland, and Breedekloof, showcasing the breadth of South Africa’s Chenin Blanc talent.
All ten wines come from the 2024 vintage, with retail prices ranging from a very accessible R99 to a collector-worthy R925. Each winning producer also receives a R25 000 cash prize, directed towards projects that benefit local wine-worker communities. Since its launch in 2014, the challenge has contributed almost R3 million to initiatives in education, housing, youth development, and health.
For the first time, wine lovers won’t have to chase down individual producers to enjoy the full line-up. From 30 September, all ten winners will be available at Tops! at SPAR stores nationwide, as well as directly from the wineries. The wines will also be showcased at CapeWine in September and later at ProWine Shanghai, where they’ll introduce global buyers to South Africa’s flagship varietal.
Chenin Blanc is enjoying a global moment, with industry reports predicting it as one of the top three white varieties set for strong international growth alongside Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. South Africa, home to over half of the world’s Chenin vineyards, is perfectly positioned to ride this wave.
“Chenin has always been South Africa’s flagbearer,” says Ken Forrester, co-founder and chair of the Chenin Blanc Association. “The world is turning more and more to whites, and Chenin’s freshness and versatility make it the perfect fit.”
2025 Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top Ten Winners
- Alvi’s Drift Private Cellar – 221 Chenin Blanc 2024
- Chamonix Wine Farm – Old Vine Steen 2024
- Du Toitskloof Winery – Pierre Du Mont 2024
- Joostenberg Wines – Die Agteros Chenin Blanc 2024
- Ken Forrester Wines – The FMC 2024
- Roodekrantz Wines – Die Kliphuis 2024
- Stellenrust – Stellenbosch Manor Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2024
- Stellenrust – Stellenbosch Manor Chenin Blanc 2024
- Stellenrust – B28 Chenin Blanc 2024
- Stettyn Family Vineyards – Shackleton Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2024
With growing international recognition, increased accessibility for local consumers, and continued investment in community upliftment, the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top Ten Challenge has become more than just a competition. It is a celebration of excellence, a driver of opportunity, and a reminder that South Africa’s Chenin Blanc is not only world-class but also deeply rooted in the people and places that make it possible.