South Africa’s Wine Industry Earns Global Recognition

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen celebrated the strong performance of the South African wine industry after six local vineyards earned places on the World’s 50 Best Vineyard 2025 Awards top 100 list. He noted that the results confirm the high standards and innovation driving the country’s wine tourism.

Two vineyards reached the global top ten. Klein Constantia Wine Estate in the Western Cape ranked sixth in the world. It also won the Best Vineyard in Africa title and the Highest Climber Award after rising 35 places from its 2024 position. Creation in the Hemel en Aarde area ranked seventh worldwide. It has repeatedly dominated regional rankings and previously held the Best Vineyard in Africa position.

Four other vineyards secured spots in the extended 51 to 100 list. Tokara Wine and Olive Estate in Stellenbosch ranked 71. Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch ranked 79. La Motte Wine Estate in the Franschhoek Valley entered the list for the first time at 94. Hamilton Russell Vineyards in Hemel en Aarde also entered the list for the first time at 99.

Minister Steenhuisen praised the teams behind all six estates. He said their work strengthens the South African brand, builds global competitiveness and attracts more visitors to the country’s wine regions. He added that their achievements reflect a commitment to quality and a strong drive for excellence.

The minister highlighted the economic impact of wine tourism. The sector contributed R9.3 billion to South Africa’s GDP in 2022. It created about 11 000 jobs at the farm gate and supported more than 40 000 employment opportunities. Wine tourism now contributes 17.3 percent of the total turnover at grape crushing cellars in the country.

He noted that domestic visitors remain the core of the sector. Local travellers accounted for 58 percent of Cape Winelands room nights in 2024. He said this stable base helps the sector maintain resilience and steady demand.

South Africa produces about 4 percent of the world’s wine. In 2024 the country ranked as the seventh largest wine producer globally.