Strauss & Co proudly presents Tim Atkin’s Vintage Highlights, a landmark auction honouring the wines and vintages that have defined South Africa’s rise as a global fine wine powerhouse. Curated in collaboration with internationally acclaimed wine critic, photographer, and Master of Wine Tim Atkin, this special event brings together bottles that tell the story of passion, provenance, and a nation’s winemaking evolution.

A Celebration of Provenance and Passion

“I’m very flattered that Strauss & Co chose to highlight many of the wines I love, and in many cases, those I’ve championed from the start,” .

says Tim Atkin from his office in London

Following the recent release of his 2025 South African Special Report, Atkin reflected on the transformation of the country’s winemaking scene, praising a new generation of producers who are redefining South African wine with remarkable depth, energy, and authenticity.

“The new wave of South African wines is more expressive, more confident, and shows the maturity of a country coming into its own,. Many of these wines have aged beautifully and stand proudly on the global stage.”

he shared

Rising Stars and Blue-Chip Icons

The auction offers an extraordinary range — from South Africa’s most iconic producers to dynamic rising stars. Collectors will find treasures from Sadie Family Wines, Alheit Vineyards, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, David & Nadia, and Trizanne Signature Wines, alongside exciting new voices like Scions of Sinai and Damascene.

Among Tim Atkin’s personal highlights are:

• Porseleinberg Vertical (2016–2021) – “I believed early on it would be South Africa’s greatest Syrah site, and time has proved that right.”
• Taaibosch Crescendo 2018 – A brilliant revival of the legendary Cordoba property.
• Sadie Family T’Voetpad 2017 – From the oldest vineyard in South Africa; “rare, historic, and worth a bid.”
• David & Nadia Plat’bos 2019 and Donovan Rall’s Ava Syrah – Benchmarks of modern South African finesse.

Atkin also highlighted the exceptional value South African wines continue to offer.

“When you compare these wines to top French or Napa equivalents, aged in the right conditions, you’re paying a fraction of the price for comparable quality. Now is the time to buy South African wine — the world is going to discover these wines, and prices will rise.”

A Golden Era for South African Wine

Throughout his 40-year career, Tim Atkin has been one of the most vocal champions of South African winemaking. Having witnessed its transformation from strength to strength, he believes we are currently in a “golden period” for South African wine — one defined by innovation, authenticity, and excellence.

“One of the great joys of my work is spotting talent early. I started writing about winemakers like Chris Alheit, Duncan Savage, David & Nadia, and Donovan Rall since their early releases, and it’s been wonderful to see their wines reach such heights.”

he said

Atkin also commended producers such as Tokara, Cape Point Vineyards, Newton Johnson, and Hamilton Russell, calling them “reliable estates whose wines can be bought with confidence.”

A Toast to Legacy and Excellence

“I’m proud to have my name associated with this auction. It’s a celebration of the people, the wines, and the country that I believe are shaping the future of fine wine.”

Atkin concluded

Tim Atkin’s Vintage Highlights Auction closes for bidding on Monday, 20th October, from 6 PM. Collectors and wine enthusiasts from around the globe are invited to join this extraordinary event and raise a glass to the enduring legacy of South African winemaking.