Entries Open for 20th Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 Awards
Entries Open for 20th Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 Awards. Entries have officially opened for the 20th edition of the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10, marking a significant milestone in a programme dedicated exclusively to recognising excellence in South African Sauvignon Blanc wines.
The competition is presented by Sauvignon Blanc South Africa in partnership with FNB and Ever Solutions, and remains the only wine competition in the country focused solely on the Sauvignon Blanc varietal.
Celebrating 20 years of Sauvignon Blanc recognition
The 2026 edition of the competition marks two decades of showcasing the diversity, quality and regional expression of Sauvignon Blanc wines produced in South Africa.
According to Sauvignon Blanc South Africa chairperson and Steenberg Vineyards cellarmaster Elunda Basson, the milestone reflects the ongoing development of the cultivar within the country’s wine industry.
She noted that over the past 20 years, the competition has helped highlight improvements in winemaking quality and encouraged producers to continue refining their craft.
Basson also referenced recent initiatives by the organisation, including the release of The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc coffee table book and the introduction of the country’s first Sauvignon Blanc Aroma Wheel in 2025, both aimed at deepening understanding of the varietal.
Judging process and panel
Entries for the 2026 competition will be assessed between 25 and 27 August at Bontevlei in Stellenbosch. A panel of winemakers and Sauvignon Blanc specialists will evaluate submissions under the convenorship of Dr Carien Coetzee.
The judging panel includes Dr Winifred Bowman (CWM), Morgan Steyn of De Grendel Wines, RJ Botha of Kleine Zalze Wines, and Johann Fourie of Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, alongside two protégé judges.
Following the evaluation process, 20 finalists will be announced in September, with the Top 10 winners revealed at the annual awards ceremony scheduled for 14 October.
Entry details and deadlines
Entries can be submitted online via the official Sauvignon Blanc South Africa platform.
Fees are set at R1,800 per wine for members and R2,300 per wine for non-members.
The final entry deadline is 11 August 2026, with late entries accepted until 18 August 2026 at an additional fee.
