Entries Open for 2026 Diners Club Winemaker and Young Winemaker of the Year Awards
South Africa‘s wine industry is once again preparing to celebrate its finest talent as entries officially open for the 2026 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year and Young Winemaker of the Year Awards. Widely regarded as two of the country’s most prestigious wine industry honours, the awards recognise the exceptional individuals behind South Africa‘s outstanding wines.
Unlike many wine competitions that reward individual wines, the Diners Club awards celebrate the winemakers whose passion, creativity and expertise produce award-winning vintages. The annual competition continues to highlight excellence in South African winemaking while inspiring innovation across the industry.
For the 46th Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Award, the featured category is White Blends, while the 26th Young Winemaker of the Year Award will focus on Red Wine. As in previous years, winemakers may be shortlisted for multiple submissions.
The competition is open to all eligible South African winemakers at no cost, ensuring equal opportunities for entrants from across the industry. The deadline for submissions is Monday, 31 August 2026.
The Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Award was established to encourage local winemakers to continually raise the quality and reputation of South African wines. Meanwhile, the Young Winemaker of the Year Award recognises talented winemakers under the age of 30, encouraging them to develop their craft while helping strengthen the global reputation of South African wine.
Finalists for both awards will be announced ahead of the prestigious black-tie gala dinner on Saturday, 21 November 2026, where the winners will be crowned.
The overall Winemaker of the Year will receive R75,000, while the Young Winemaker of the Year will take home R45,000. Both winners will also receive a return air ticket to visit any wine-producing region in the world, subject to the presenting sponsor’s terms and conditions.
South African winemakers looking to showcase their talent and compete for one of the industry’s highest honours are encouraged to submit their entries before the closing date. These awards continue to celebrate the craftsmanship, innovation and dedication that have made South African wines respected around the world.
