Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
South Africa’s Sauvignon Blanc wines are gaining growing international recognition, as demonstrated by the 2026 Sauvignon Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) results, which show higher participation alongside impressive quality outcomes.
The competition, held from 7 to 9 April in Varaždin, Croatia, is one of the world’s leading benchmarks for Sauvignon wines. This year’s edition attracted close to 1 000 entries from 25 countries, all assessed by a panel of more than 50 international judges through blind tasting – reinforcing the contest’s high standards and global relevance.
South Africa recorded a 12,5% increase in entries compared to the previous year, signalling growing confidence among producers. Even more telling was the medal outcome, as the country secured 30 medals in total, including one grand gold and 13 gold medals, confirming that the category’s expansion is firmly anchored in quality.
Alvi’s Drift leads the field
Standout honours went to Alvi’s Drift Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2024, which received the Vinolok Trophy for South Africa Revelation as well as a grand gold medal. Only 18 wines achieved grand gold status across the entire competition, placing the South African wine among a very select group recognised for exceptional overall performance.
Gold medal winners from South Africa:
- Sweef Sauvignon Blanc 2025.
- Convergence Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2025.
- Diemersdal The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2024.
- Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe Sauvignon Blanc 2024.
- Alvi’s Drift 221 Sauvignon Blanc 2025.
- Alvi’s Drift Signature Sauvignon Blanc 2025.
- Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2025.
- Ghost Corner Wild Ferment 2024.
- Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc 2025.
- Escapades Sauvignon Blanc 2023.
- Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2025.
- Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2024.
- Zorgvliet Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2025.
In addition, 16 South African wines received silver medals.
Strong performance in the CMB Merit category
This years competition also introduced the CMB Merit label, awarded to wines scoring 86 points or more without reaching medal status (with medals limited to the top 33% of entries). South African producers performed strongly here as well, with 31 local wines earning this distinction.
Confidence and consistency on the world stage
According to the organisers of the CMB, South Africa’s results reflect an industry that is not only expanding, but doing so with increasing assurance and consistency. While traditional Sauvignon leaders such as France, Austria, Italy, and New Zealand again delivered strong performances, South Africa continues to carve out a distinctive and competitive identity.
Elunda Basson, chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa and cellar master at Steenberg Vineyards, says international judging remains the ultimate measure of success for the category.
“Local recognition matters, but it is on the international stage where the real test lies. When our wines are evaluated by judges who understand global Sauvignon Blanc styles and still achieve top honours, it confirms that South Africa belongs among the world’s best.” – Press release by Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, reworked by Plaas Media
For the full results, visit https://sauvignonselection.com/en/. For more about Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, visit https://sauvignonblanc.com/.
