The 2026 Platter’s South African Wine Guide by Diners Club has officially launched, offering an updated, independent and accessible companion for anyone interested in South African wine. Now in its 46th year, the guide continues to highlight the country’s leading winegrowers and grape-spirit distillers through detailed winery profiles, expert ratings, wine descriptions and practical travel information.
A Landmark Edition Covering More Than 900 Producers
The 2026 edition features profiles of more than 900 producers, merchants and brands, including over 30 new entries. More than 8,000 wines, brandies, husk spirits and sherry-style wines are assessed. The value indicators help readers identify budget-friendly options across all quality levels, making the helpful guide for both seasoned collectors and newcomers.
A Trusted Reference for Wine Ratings and Tasting Notes
Compiled with the support of a team of respected wine experts, the guide’s ratings and descriptions make it easier to select the right wine for any occasion. The clear layout, quick-look tables and maps give readers an accessible overview of South Africa’s vast wine landscape and its regional characteristics.
A Complete Travel Companion for Wine Country
Platter’s 2026 includes updated information on where to go and what to do in Cape Town and the winelands. Readers will find:
• Detailed wine-tasting options
• Dining and accommodation listings
• Attractions, activities and amenities at various estates
• Maps and easy reference tools
• Listings of specialised wine tour operators
This practical structure supports both self-guided trips and curated wine experiences.
Insights Into Regions, Grapes and Industry Trends
The edition offers updated notes on major winegrowing regions, grape varieties, winemaking styles and key industry awards. A country-wide listing of wine educators is included. The guide also opens with a thought-provoking annual overview covering developments and trends in the South African wine sector and the global wine environment.
A Fresh Cover: “Table Bay Sunset”
Each year the new cover design becomes a talking point. For 2026, the guide features a vibrant orange and white cover titled “Table Bay Sunset” — a standout addition to any wine lover’s library.
Five-Star Wines and Wines of the Year
A highlight of the new edition is the five-star line-up, awarded to wines rated 95 points or higher on the 100-point scale. This year, 316 wines, brandies and husk spirits earn five stars.
Among these, 36 receive the top honour of Wines of the Year, representing the highest-performing bottlings within their respective categories.
Additionally, the guide features:
• 430 Highly Recommended wines (94 points)
• Over 130 “Buy Now, Drink Later” cellar-worthy wines
• 168 Hidden Gems
• 115 Superquaffers
These categories help readers discover value, uniqueness and age-worthy options.
Top Winery Awards Announced
The three Platter’s Winery of the Year titles for 2026 are:
Top Performing Winery of the Year
Diemersdal Estate is recognised for securing the highest number of five-star wines.
Editor’s Award Winery of the Year
Alheit Vineyards has been celebrated for consistent excellence since first appearing in the 2012 edition.
Newcomer Winery of the Year
The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co. was honoured for debuting with two top-scoring wines rated 95 and 96 points.
Where to Get the 2026 Guide
The Platter’s 2026 hardcover edition will be available from selected bookstores and retailers nationwide from early December 2025. The recommended retail price is R429.
Digital subscriptions for the web version and the Apple and Android apps are available at www.wineonaplatter.com/products or via app stores. A single subscription provides access across all digital formats.