We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Best South African wines 2023, expert-rated
From chenin blanc to shiraz, these are the bottles to buy as recommended by the Good Housekeeping Institute
Tested by Callum BlackFood and Drink Testing Manager
With a wonderfully diverse climate, a wide range of grape varieties and a rich history of winemaking dating back to the 17th century, South Africa is one of the most exciting wine producing regions in the world.
As part of this year’s Good Housekeeping Wine Awards, our experts have rounded up their best buys from across the region, and they start from just £6.15
Best South African wine 2023
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
South Africa is probably best known for its “New World” chenin blanc or signature pinotage (a cross between pinot noir and cinsault, similar to a light shiraz or malbec), but there’s plenty more to consider.
“I’ve been visiting South Africa’s Western Cape as a buyer for Virgin Wines on and off for over a decade. With each harvest, the progress made in both style and quality has been truly inspiring,” says South African wine buyer, Dave Roberts.
“Varieties to keep tabs on outside of chenin blanc include both red and white grenache, either solo or as part of a blend. Cinsault has also firmly taken root in the Cape and is rapidly becoming one of the country’s flagship varieties. Its light strawberry and raspberry fruit character and mouth-coating juiciness make it a great partner for pizza and pasta. Alternatively, try chilling it a little and enjoy by the glass with a few simple nibbles.”
How we test South African wine
As part of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s annual Wine Awards, our panel of 10 WSET-accredited experts and consumers sampled 13 bottles of South African wine.
They considered a range of styles, looking for wines that were a good representation of their grape variety. Each was assessed on its complexity, flavour and finish.
Here’s our pick of the best South African wine for 2023.
Score: 90/100
Albariño is more often associated with Portugal; however, this zesty white from South Africa’s Stellenbosch region impressed the panel with tart gooseberry, apricot and long-lasting salinity. Its zesty, mineral quality means that it’s ideal with seafood.
Key specifications
| Grape | Albariño |
|---|---|
| ABV | 13% |
Score: 89/100
This show-stopping chenin blanc is made from grapes that are hand-picked from old bush-vines, meaning the flavour — think, creamy vanilla, peach and tropical fruit — is more concentrated. The richness, and contrasting acidity, make this the perfect partner for roast pork.
Key specifications
| Grape | Chenin Blanc |
|---|---|
| ABV | 12.5% |
Score: 78/100
The Western Cape climate brings out the very best of merlot grapes, ensuring each sip is fresh and full of vibrant fruit. Keep it casual with a plate of spag bol, for the perfect mid-week wine pairing.
Or, if white is more your style, this aromatic chenin-blend from the same producer, is richly textured and bursting with complexity.
Key specifications
| Grape | Merlot |
|---|---|
| ABV | 14% |
Score: 78/100
The party season wouldn’t be the same without a fabulous sauvignon blanc on standby – and this crisp, mouthwatering treat from South Africa is ideal for the big day. Perfect alongside goat’s cheese starters, it’s deliciously savoury and grown-up, with elements of asparagus and freshly cut grass.
Key specifications
| Grape | Sauvignon Blanc |
|---|---|
| ABV | 13.5% |
Klein Constantia Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Score: 77/100
A reminder that great sauvignon blanc can come from outside of New Zealand, this South African white has more of a savoury edge. Displaying green bell pepper, asparagus and an herbaceous hint of cut grass, we’d pair this with chicken or light pasta dishes.
Key specifications
| Grape | Sauvignon Blanc |
|---|---|
| ABV | 13.5% |
Score: 72/100
Next time you’re in the supermarket, it’s worth adding a bottle of this easy drinking shiraz to the trolley. Pairing with BBQ food through to steak, testers felt it was well-priced, with classic notes of blackcurrant and cherry.
Key specifications
| Grape | Shiraz |
|---|---|
| ABV | 14% |
Score: 70/100
Despite being our best budget buy, this well-priced sauvignon blanc also happens to be Fairtrade. Unlike New Zealand examples, here we have a slightly sweeter style, with sharp green apple and gooseberry.
Despite the short finish, we think this is a great mid-week option, or try serving with canapés for low-cost entertaining.
Key specifications
| Grape | Sauvignon Blanc |
|---|---|
| ABV | 12% |
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
16 best wine gifts to shop in 2025
9 best pink gins to try in 2025
Best gin gift sets for every occasion
12 best sakés for sipping this summer
