31 October @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
South Africa’s wine industry is about more than what ends up in your glass. Behind every bottle is a story of creativity, technical skill, experimentation and the people pushing local winemaking forward.
On Saturday, 31 October 2026, wine lovers will have an opportunity to explore that world firsthand when the Diners Club Winemaker and Young Winemaker of the Year finalists bring their acclaimed wines to Cavendish Square in Cape Town.
The tasting experience will showcase 12 finalists and 12 wines, offering an opportunity to discover the talent shaping South Africa’s wine culture before the competition’s overall winners are announced later in November.
Twelve Finalists, Two Generations of Winemaking Talent
The 2026 awards bring together six established winemakers competing for the prestigious 46th Diners Club Winemaker of the Year title and six emerging talents vying for the 26th Young Winemaker of the Year award.
This year, the spotlight falls on White Blends in the main Winemaker of the Year category, while Red Wine takes centre stage in the Young Winemaker of the Year competition.
The two categories offer an interesting look at different approaches to the craft. White blends create opportunities to combine varieties, balance flavours and develop distinctive expressions, while red wines demand their own careful decisions around structure, texture, fruit and ageing.
For visitors, the appeal is simple: rather than reading about the finalists or waiting for the awards results, they can taste the wines that earned these winemakers a place in the final.
More Than a Glass: Discovering the Craft Behind the Wine
Wine appreciation can sometimes feel intimidating, especially for younger consumers who are still exploring the industry and developing their palates.
Events like this create a more accessible entry point. Tasting several finalists’ wines in one setting allows visitors to explore different styles, discover personal preferences and engage with South Africa‘s winemaking culture beyond familiar labels.
It also puts the work of both established professionals and rising talent in the spotlight. The Young Winemaker category is particularly significant in recognising the next generation of people building careers in an industry where technical knowledge, patience and creative decision-making all matter.
For Cape Town‘s urban crowd, the event offers a chance to turn an ordinary shopping-centre visit into a discovery of local craftsmanship.
Where and When to Taste the Finalists
Hosted by Diners Club in collaboration with Wine Tonight?, the specialist wine store on Cavendish Square‘s lower ground floor, the tasting will take place at Cavendish Centre Court on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
Two tasting sessions are advertised, at 11am and 2pm, with the event running between 11am and 2pm. No advance booking is required, and attendance is open to adults aged 18 and older.
Diners Club cardholders can taste for free by presenting their card. Other wine lovers can purchase a tasting glass for R50. All featured wines will also be available to purchase at Wine Tonight? on the day, with Diners Club cardholders receiving a 15% discount. Payments are accepted by credit card, debit card and SnapScan; cash is not accepted.
The Road to the November Awards
The tasting comes ahead of the awards gala dinner scheduled for later in November at Arabella Golf Estate, where the overall winners will be announced.
Until then, the 12 finalists have a different kind of introduction to make: through the wines themselves.
Whether you’re already passionate about South African wine or simply curious about what local producers are creating, this is an opportunity to explore the people, styles and ideas behind some of the country’s recognised winemaking talent.
Event details at a glance
- Venue: Cavendish Centre Court, Cavendish Square, Cape Town
- Tasting: Free for Diners Club cardholders; R50 per glass for other attendees
- Age restriction: 18+
- Bookings: No pre-booking required
For the finalist list and further information, visit the or its .
