Platter's by Diners Club South African Wine Guide launches milestone 45th edition

Eben Sadie of Sadie Family Wines with the Platter's 2025 Top Performing Winery of the Year award.

The 45th edition of South Africa's original and still favourite wine adviser, Platter's by Diners Club South African Wine Guide, was launched yesterday (20 November 2024) at an awards function at Sadie Family Wines in Swartland. The 2025 book has an elegant blue-green cover colour that speaks of South Africa's vineyards' unique location between two oceans.

The guide's founders, journalists and wine lovers John and Erica Platter, in the late 1970s were inspired by Hugh Johnson's pioneering Pocket Wine Book to compile a local version with wine tasting notes, ratings, potted winery profiles, and general information useful to consumers. Ignoring the advice of a compositor at their printing company not to "waste money on a boring book", they launched the first edition in 1980 and went on to grow the title into a perennial top seller.

The landmark 45th edition features well over 900 producers, merchants and brands, including 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.

This year's expert tasters were: Winnie Bowman, Greg de Bruyn, Ndaba Dube, Nomonde Kubheka, Malu Lambert, Angela Lloyd, Cathy Marston, Fiona McDonald, Christine Rudman, Penny Setti, Cathy van Zyl, and Meryl Weaver. The associate tasters were Shon Kumar, Inika Minnie, and Kenny Nassen.

Platter’s 2025 also packs extensive information on where to go and what to do in wine country. Wine tasting options are covered in detail, along with many winery amenities, attractions and activities, plus dining and accommodation in Cape Town and the winelands. Easy-to-use maps and quick look-up tables provide invaluable help for visitors planning their own winelands 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, wine tasting 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 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 colour. This year it is a stylish cyan and silver combination, which the Platter’s team named "Cape of Storms".

A highlight of any new edition is 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 259 wines, brandies and husk spirits receive five stars, equating to 95 or more on the 100-point international scale.

Of the 5-star-awarded wines, the highest scorers within each category receive the sought-after accolade, Wines of the Year. This time there are 27 category winning wines. Also noteworthy are 344 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; just over 170 reds and whites showing particular potential for cellaring (they appear under the banner "Buy Now, Drink Later"); 167 Hidden Gems, wines which tasters feel are particularly worthy of note, being interesting, attractive, unique or representative of an important trend; and 48 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-star ratings after the annual final tasting round. This year the recipient is Sadie Family Wines, Platter's highest-achieving winery on four previous occasions, this time with six maximum ratings.

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 Hamilton Russell Vineyards, in its 50th anniversary year, for pushing beyond the established winegrowing areas into cooler climates, while maintaining focus, the highest standards of quality and ongoing refinement.

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 Terra Loci, with a stunning 95-point Elgin Chardonnay.

Left: Anthony Hamilton Russell, proprietor of Hamilton Russell Vineyards, with 2025 Editor's Award Winery of the Year | Right: Johann Fourie of Terra Loci with the Newcomer Winery of the Year 2025 award.

The Platter's 2025 hardcover is available from selected bookstores and retailers nationwide from early December 2024. The recommended retail price is R427 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).

Platter's 2025 category winners

Wines of the Year 2025

Cabernet Franc

Raats Cabernet Franc 2022

Cabernet Sauvignon

Simonsig The Garland Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Cinsault Noir

Leeu Passant Wellington Old Vines Basson Cinsault 2022

Grenache Noir

Swartberg Wingerde Holism Garnacha 2023

Merlot

Holden Manz Merlot Reserve 2021

Pinotage

Diemersdal The Journal Pinotage 2022

Pinot Noir

Julian Schaal Mountain Vineyards Pinot Noir 2023

Shiraz/Syrah

Saronsberg Shiraz 2022

Red Blends, Cape Bordeaux

Buitenverwachting Christine 2017

Red Blends, with Pinotage

The Vinoneers No. 42 Cape Red Blend 2022

Red Blends, Shiraz/Syrah-Based

Erika Obermeyer Syrah-Grenache Noir-Cinsault 2021

Red Blends, Other

Anysbos Tesame 2022

Chardonnay

Iona Elgin Highlands Chardonnay 2022

Chenin Blanc

Stellenrust Old Bushvine Secrets and Lies Chenin Blanc 2023

Grenache Blanc

Glen Heatlie The Frontier Grenache Blanc 2023

Grenache Gris

Momento Grenache Gris 2023

Sauvignon Blanc

Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Sémillon

Boekenhoutskloof Sémillon 2022

Sémillon Gris

Thorne and Daughters Tin Soldier Sémillon Gris 2023

White Blends, Cape Bordeaux

Constantia Glen Two 2022

White Blends, Other

Momento Chenin Blanc-Verdelho 2023

Cap Classique

Charles Fox Prestige Cuvée Cipher Blanc de Noirs 2018

Natural Sweet

Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2021

Noble Late Harvest

Miles Mossop Kika 2023

Vin de Paille/Straw Wine

Mullineux Straw Wine 2023

Dessert Wine, Fortified

Nuy Barbieri Idro 2016

Port-Style

Bergsig Cape Late Bottled Vintage 2018

Five-star wines 2025

Cabernet Franc

• Botanica Big Flower 2022
• David Finlayson Camino Africana 2022
• Great Heart Franschhoek 2022
• Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskaap 2020
• Hogan Mirror For The Sun 2023
• Holden Manz Reserve 2021
• KWV The Mentors 2021
• Leeu Passant CWG Auction Franschhoek Hillside2022
• Oldenburg 2022
• Raats 2022
• Raats Eden 2022
• Raats Vlag 2022
• Rainbow's End Limited Release 2022
• Ridgeback 2021
• Warwick 2021
• Zorgvliet 2022

Cabernet Sauvignon

• Anthonij Rupert 2020
• Benguela Cove Wild At Heart 2021
• Beyerskloof Eerste Ry 2020
• Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch 2022
• David Finlayson GS 2022
• Diemersdal The Journal 2022
• Erika Obermeyer 2020
• Le Riche 2022
• Le Riche CWG Auction 2020
• Le Riche Jonkershoek 2021
• Le Riche Reserve 2021
• Muratie Martin Melck 2021
• Nico van der Merwe Nico 2020
• Rustenberg Peter Barlow 2021
• Simonsig The Garland 2020
• Stellenrust Reserve 2020
• Stony Brook Ghost Gum 2021
• Thelema 2021
• Thelema The Mint 2022
• Tokara Reserve 2021
• Waterford Library Collection 2015

Cinsault Noir

• Eenzaamheid 2023
• Leeu Passant Wellington Old Vines Basson 2022
• Rickety Bridge Paulina's Reserve 2023
• Sadie Pofadder 2023

Grenache Noir

• ArtiSons The Phantom 2022
• Savage Thief In The Night 2023
• Swartberg Wingerde Garnacha 2023

Merlot

• Holden Manz Reserve 2021
• Shannon The Shannon Black 2020
• Villiera Monro 2022

Pinotage

• Bellevue 1953 2021
• Bellevue Reserve Collection 2021
• De Grendel Amandelboord 2023
• Diemersdal The Journal 2022
• Francois van Niekerk 2022
• Kaapzicht Steytler 2021
• Kanonkop Black Label 2022
• KWV The Mentors 2021
• Lanzerac Commemorative 2020
• Lanzerac Pionier 2021
• Survivor Reserve 2022
• Wellington La Cave 2021

Pinot Noir

• Julien Schaal Mountain Vineyards 2023
• Kara-Tara Reserve 2022
• MVH Signature 2021
• Oak Valley Tabula Rasa PN114 2021

Shiraz/Syrah

• ArtiSons Blueberry Hill Shiraz 2022
• Bellingham Basket Press Syrah 2022
• Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2022
• Boschkloof Epilogue 2022
• Carinus Syrah 2023
• Cederberg Shiraz 2021
• Diemersdal Reserve Syrah 2023
• Fairview The Beacon Shiraz 2021
• Mullineux Signature Syrah 2022
• Porseleinberg 2022
• Rall Ava Syrah 2023
• Riebeek Valley Raar Carbonic Shiraz 2023
• Rust en Vrede Estate Vineyards Syrah 2022
• Saga Sons of Sugarland Syrah 2023
• Sakkie Mouton Dawn of the Salty Tongues 2023
• Saronsberg Shiraz 2022
• Scions of Sinai Swanesang 2023
• Stark-Condé Stellenbosch Syrah 2022
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Shiraz 2022
• Stellenrust Peppergrinder's Shiraz 2021
• Trizanne Signature Wines Elim Syrah 2023

Red Blends, Cape Bordeaux

• Alto MPHS 2018
• Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar 2022
• Buitenverwachting Christine 2017
• Constantia Glen Five 2021
• De Grendel Rubáiyát 2020
• Harry Hartman Mosi 2021
• Hartenberg The Mackenzie 2020
• Keet First Verse 2021

Red Blends, with Pinotage

• KWV Perold 2021
• The Vinoneers No. 42 Cape Red Blend 2022

Red Blends, Shiraz/Syrah-Based

• Boschendal Black Angus 2021
• Erika Obermeyer Syrah-Grenache Noir-Cinsault 2021
• Neil Ellis Rodanos 2021
• Sadie Columella 2022

Red Blends, Other

• AnysbosTesame 2022
• Boschkloof Conclusion 2021
• Ernie Els CWG Auction 2021
• Ernie Els Proprietor’s Blend 2021
• Fairview Caldera 2022
• Glenelly Red 2018
• Idun Carmélite 2022
• Van Wyk Rebecca May 2022

Chardonnay

• Almenkerk 2022
• Bartinney Hourglass 2022
• Benguela Cove Vinography 2023
• Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Crocodile'sLair 2023
• Callender Peak 2023
• Capensis Fijnbosch 2020
• Cap Maritime 2023
• Delaire Graff Terraced Block Reserve 2023
• Dorrance Cuvée Anaïs 2023
• Draaiboek Kinkel 2023
• Draaiboek Onskuld 2023
• Hamilton Russell 2023
• Hogan The Galvanised 2023
• Iona Elgin Highlands 2022
• Iona Fynbos 2022
• Iona Kloof 2022
• Kara-Tara 2023
• Kershaw Clonal Selection Elgin 2022
• Kershaw Kogelberg Sandstone CY76 2022
• Kershaw Lower Duivenhoks River 2021
• La Bri Barrel Select 2023
• Longridge Organic Clos du Ciel 2022
• Neil Ellis Whitehall 2022
• Oak Valley Groenlandberg 2023
• Oak Valley Tabula Rasa CY548 2021
• Paul Clüver Estate 2022
• Rustenberg Five Soldiers 2022
• Terra Loci Fé 2022
• Vergelegen Reserve 2023
• Whalehaven Seascape 2021

Chenin Blanc

• Alheit Cartology 2023
• Alheit Huilkrans 2023
• Alheit Magnetic North 2023
• Alheit Nautical Dawn 2023
• ArtiSons The Mothership 2023
• Bellingham Cape Town Old Vine 2023
• Botanica Mary Delany 2023
• City on a Hill Earth 2023
• City on a Hill Old Vine 2023
• Creation Cool Climate 2023
• David and Nadia Hoë-Steen 2023
• David and Nadia Rondevlei 2023
• De Trafford Skin Macerated 2023
• Gabriëlskloof Elodie 2023
• Hogan 2023
• Kaapzicht Kliprug 2023
• Kaapzicht The 1947 2023
• Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2023
• Le Sueur Kluisenaar 2023
• Lievland Old Vine 2023
• McFarlane Monday's Child 2023
• Miles Mossop CWG Auction Saskia-Jo 2022
• Mulderbosch Block W 2023
• Mullineux Granite 2023
• Nederburg The Anchorman 2023
• Noble Hill Simonskop 2023
• Pilgrim 2023
• Raats Eden 2023
• Rall Noa 2023
• Sadie Mev. Kirsten 2023
• Sadie Rotsbank 2023
• Sadie Skurfberg 2023
• Saga Patatsfontein Steen 2023
• Scions of Sinai Granietsteen 2023
• Spice Route Tarragon 2023
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo 2023
• Stellenrust 59 Barrel Fermented 2023
• Stellenrust Old Bushvine Secrets and Lies 2023
• Vinevenom Skin NV
• Zevenwacht Z Collection 2023

Grenache Blanc

• Glen Heatlie The Frontier 2023
• Rall 2023
• Riebeek Valley Raar 2023

Grenache Gris

• Momento 2023

Sauvignon Blanc

• Callender Peak Winterhoek 2023
• Bloemendal Suider Terras 2018
• Diemersdal The Journal 2023
• Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe 2023
• Groot Phesantekraal Marizanne 2023
• Klein Constantia Perdeblokke 2023
• Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2023
• Miles Mossop Stellenbosch 2023
• Strandveld Pofadderbos 2023
• The Giant Periwinkle Wind Scorpion 2023
• Thorne and Daughters Snakes and Ladders 2023
• Vriesenhuijs 2023
• Z Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Semillon

• Boekenhoutskloof 2022
• De Kleine Wijn Debutant Wit 2023
• Leeu Passant Franschhoek 2022
• Old Road Grand-Mère 2022
• Sadie Kokerboom 2023
• The Vineyard Party Daisy If You Do 2022
• Thorne and Daughters Paper Kite 2023

Semillon Gris

• Thorne and Daughters Tin Soldier 2023

White Blends, Cape Bordeaux

• Constantia Glen Two 2022
• Journey's End Ad Infinitum 2022
• Nitida Coronata Integration 2023
• Savage White 2023

White Blends, Other

• Alheit Hemelrand Vine Garden 2023
• Brookdale Bradbourne 2023
• Brookdale Sixteen Field Blend 2023
• Fairview Beryl Back 2023
• Keermont Terrasse 2023
• Momento Chenin Blanc-Verdelho 2023
• Mullineux Roundstone White 2023
• Stark-Condé The Field Blend 2023
• Thelema Sutherland Viognier-Roussanne 2023
• Thistle and Weed Khakibos 2023

Cap Classique

• Anthonij Rupert L'Ormarins Blanc de Blancs 2019
• Belle Rebelle Chardonnay 2017
• Charles Fox Prestige Cuvée Cipher Blanc de Noirs 2018
• Colmant Absolu Zero Dosage NV
• Colmant Blanc de Blancs NV
• Domaine des Dieux Anna Louise Cuvée Blancde Blancs 2012
• Graham Beck Pinot Meunier 2022
• La Bri Sauvage La Bri 2018
• Silverthorn Jewel Box 2019
• Spier Prestige Cuvée 2016
• Waterford Blanc de Blancs 2017

Natural Sweet

• Klein Goederust Chenin Blanc 2021
• Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2021
• Stellenrust Chenin d’ Muscat 2022

Noble Late Harvest

• Boekenhoutskloof 2021
• Delheim Edelspatz 2022
• Miles Mossop Kika 2023
• Waterford Library Collection 2018

Vin de Paille/Straw Wine

• Donkiesbaai Hooiwijn 2023
• Keermont Fleurfontein 2023
• Mullineux Olerasay 4° NV
• Mullineux Straw Wine 2023

Dessert Wine, Fortified

• Nuy Barbieri Idro 2016

Port-Style

• Bergsig Cape Late Bottled Vintage 2018
• Boplaas Cape Tawny NV
• Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2022
• De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2022
• KWV Cape Tawny 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
• Van Ryn 12 Year Old Potstill

Husk Spirit

• Dalla Cia 10 Year Old Celebration Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot