What is the best wine in South Africa? Any wine connoisseur will tell you there’s no such thing, and that wine lovers each look for something different in their glass.

However, there are always certain wine trends that emerge, and in 2026, South African wine drinkers are looking for wine with a story.
“People want to understand where it comes from, how it was farmed, who made it, and what makes that particular site or vintage meaningful,” says Janine van Zyl, Cape Wine Master, qualified sommelier, chef and wine judge. “Whether it is a layered Chenin Blanc, a finely oaked Chardonnay, a fragrant Cinsault, a poised Pinot Noir, I am drawn to wines that speak clearly of origin.

Winter wine or summer wine?

Consumers are also doing away with old adages like “white in summer, red in winter.” Cap Classique, for example, is being positioned as an all-day, all-year drink, paired just as easily with breakfast or cake as it is with a creamy seafood dinner.
Wine judge and Brand Ambassador to Beck Family Estates Mandla Mathonsi shares his insight: “We are seeing a huge trend in drier, zero dosage styles of Cap Classique”, he says, meaning no sugar is added right before the bottle is corked, allowing the wine's pure, natural flavours to shine. It’s even trendy again to cook with sparkling wine. Mandla’s Instagram bio backs up how many South Africans seem to feel: #NeverSayNoToBubbly.

ALSO READ: How to enjoy red wine in summer 

“People are moving away from those heavy, over-oaked, and totally weighed-down wines,” says Rene Groenewald, WCellar Product Specialist and international wine and cheese judge. “Instead, everyone is hunting for cool-climate bottles that are all about fresh, electric energy. I’m talking super clean, minimal-intervention style that lets the vineyard do the talking.”

Another emerging trend is lower-alcohol wines that don’t sacrifice quality or flavour, as well as lighter red styles such as Grenache, Cinsault and Pinot Noir.

Here are seven of the most trendy wines in South Africa, recommended by some of the most prominent experts in the industry.

7 wine recommendations for 2026

1. Pandemonium Flying Dog Grenache Blanc 

 

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While Grenache Blanc doesn't necessarily spring to mind in the middle of winter, this variety can be incredibly versatile. This bottle offers enough texture to pair with elegant dishes like a creamy fish pie or a late afternoon snack platter with soft cheeses and olives.
“What I love most about Grenache Blanc is its balance,” says Tristan Maske, wine communicator and account manager at wine distributor Ex Animo.

“The best examples have layers of stone fruit, citrus peel, herbs, and a lovely mineral character that keeps drawing you back for another sip. It feels both familiar and exciting at the same time.”

RECIPE: Creamy fish pie  

2. Steenberg Blanc 2024  

 

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Bright acidity and gentle spice are the standout features of this light white wine, complemented by a smooth texture. Notes of citrus, vanilla and apricot give it freshness and richness.

“It speaks to the art, expression and creativity of the winemaker,” Mandla says. “The winemaking team is given a blank canvas to produce a unique wine shaped by place and hand.

“What I like about it is that even a Chardonnay consumer can open a bottle of the Blanc and enjoy it because of that touch of oak, which makes it more textured.”

3. Erika Obermeyer Syrah Grenache Cinsault

 

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This lofty red has a refined, well-balanced character. Aromas of red cherries, wild berries, fynbos, pepper and black olives stand out on the nose, while the palate is rich and layered.

Elton Damon, Head Sommelier at La Petite Colombe (and winner of the  Eat Out Wine Service Award 2026), recommends the Erika Obermeyer Syrah Grenache Cinsault 2019 because he says it has a striking balance between elegance and honesty.

“It has the perfume and freshness you want from the Grenache and Cinsault. But the Syrah brings depth and structure. There is a real sense of restraint to it. Nothing feels forced or overworked, and its freshness brings you back to the glass.”

It pairs well with slow-roasted pork belly, smoked braai chicken, and even biltong.

“It's the kind of bottle that doesn't need a special occasion, but somehow creates one anyway,” Elton adds.

RECIPE: Pork belly with Rice Krispie chilli crisp

4. Silverthorn Green Man 

 

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This sophisticated bottle of joy delivers aromas of baked apple and has a nutty layer to it. It’s described as giving a “gentle explosion of bubbles on the palate”, not a bad way to experience a Cap Classique.

“It's fresh, vibrant and beautifully balanced,” says Siobhan Thompson, CEO of Wines of South Africa. “In fact, if sunshine, green apples, and tiny, elegant bubbles could be bottled, it would taste a lot like Silverthorn Green Man.”

It’s also the type of bottle that can be enjoyed anywhere, she adds. “Great wine is about more than what's in the glass; it's about the people, the place and the memories you create along the way.”

5. Spier Chardonnay Pinot Noir

 

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Understated and unassuming, this lovely bottle works harder than you think. It’s easy drinking, but doesn’t mind going with a wholesome soup in the wintertime. On the nose, you’ll meet fresh strawberries, raspberries and white peach, but there’s more to it.

As Janine van Zyl says: “A favourite bottle is seldom only about the wine itself. It is also about the moment it belongs to.” And so it is with this wine, which can form a seamless part of any moment.

This wine is at home by the poolside on summer’s evening, on a picnic blanket in spring, or at a cosy campsite next to the fire.

6. Baobab Lalela Cinsault

 

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Lalela is a collaborative project between the two acclaimed young winemakers who endeavour to tell untold stories of the Western Cape. Lalela means “Listen” in IsiZulu and is an invitation to hear the stories of the locals.

It’s a favourite for Tsepang Molisana, wine writer and connoisseur. “I first tasted this wine, alongside the rest of the Lalela portfolio, at home, in our family’s Johannesburg kitchen with its visionary and intrepid winemakers Natasha Williams and Wade Sander,” she says.

“The wine has an intense nose of red fruit, spice and flowers, and has elegance and finesse. It also has ageability, so it’s the perfect gift.”

Find the Baobab Lalela Cincault here.

7. Woolies Low Alcohol Light White

Many modern wine drinkers are aware of health and well-being aspects, like the alcohol levels and amount of calories in wine. So, winemakers have had their work cut out for them to produce varieties that are low in alcohol, yet still belong at the same table as heavier and top-quality wines.

It’s no easy feat, but it’s safe to say it has been achieved by several brands by now. This Low Alcohol Light White, produced by Spier, delivers the expected fruity flavours but also surprises with floral notes on the nose and is zesty without being overly dry.

It’s a great summer wine, best served cold, with salads, sushi or vegetarian pasta dishes.

For more recipes to pair with light white wines, have a look at our salad recipe guide here.

The wines recommended by those in the know are fantastic inspirations. But we all know the wine you should drink is the wine you actually enjoy. Wine is about creating memories, connections, and the moments around the wine bottle as much as it is about what’s inside the bottle.

Images: Getty Images | TASTE | Woolworths