World’s finest wines: 6 South African wine estates among top global vineyards 2025

Topping the African list is Klein Constantia, one of the Cape’s oldest wine estates, which leaped an impressive 35 places to claim the No. 6 spot worldwide.

The estate also earned the titles of Best Vineyard in Africa and Highest Climber.

Klein Constantia CEO Pascal Asin attributes the recognition to a combination of tradition and meticulous care. “Klein Constantia’s Top 10 ranking is a proud achievement, not only for our vineyard but also for the entire Constantia Wine Valley.”

“For centuries, our region has been recognised for producing exceptional wines, and this honour shows that our commitment to quality, from how we nurture our vines to how we welcome every guest, continues to shine.”

“It reflects the passion of our team, the heritage we’re proud to uphold, and the world-class wine experiences for which we are celebrated,” Asin says.

The other South African wineries featured on the list are Creation (Hemel-en-Aarde), Tokara Wine and Olive Estate (Stellenbosch), La Motte Wine Estate (Franschhoek Valley), Delaire Graff Estate (Stellenbosch), and Hamilton Russell Vineyards (Hemel-en-Aarde).

“We have always known we have great wine, and this exceptional performance, with six of our winery estates securing places amongst the world’s best, is a resounding endorsement of our wine tourism’s consistent standards and innovation,” Steenhuisen said.

Rico Basson, CEO of South African Wine, said the global recognition benefits the entire industry.

“Global recognition at this level strengthens our collective positioning, driving greater demand, deeper tourism interest, and meaningful B2C opportunities across all our wine regions. When one part of the industry shines, we all rise,” he said.

Industry experts note that this recognition comes at a time when South African producers are seeking to expand export markets and attract more tourism.

By showcasing its quality and heritage, South Africa is not only leading Africa’s wine sector but also carving out a prominent place on the global stage.