Comprehensive yet engaging, and welcoming to newcomers, the 2026 Platter’s by Diners Club Wine Guide is the ideal independent companion for anyone who lifts a glass of South African wine.
Celebrating 46 years of showcasing South African wine
The new edition marks 46 years of profiling the country’s winegrowers and grape-spirit distillers through winery profiles, wine descriptions, ratings, wine-country maps and more.
All best-selling features return for the 2026 guide, which includes well over 900 producers, merchants and brands, more than 30 of them new. The guide features over 8,000 locally produced wines, along with brandies, husk spirits and sherry-style wines.
Expert ratings and helpful guidance for consumers
Descriptions and ratings compiled with leading experts make it easy to find the right wine for any occasion. Good-value indicators highlight bottles that offer standout affordability across quality levels.
Platter’s 2026 includes extensive information on wine-country travel. Wine-tasting options are detailed, along with winery amenities, attractions and activities, plus dining and accommodation options across Cape Town and the winelands. Maps and quick look-up tables assist visitorsin planning their wineland adventures. Listings of specialised wine tour operators offer alternatives for those seeking a guided experience.
A complete reference to South Africa’s wine landscape
The guide includes updated notes on major winegrowing regions, grape varieties, winemaking styles, wine-tasting terms, and the country’s major wine competitions and awards. It also lists wine educators nationwide.
The annual overview offers insight into key developments and trends shaping South African wine and the global industry.
A new edition with a striking cover
A much-anticipated element each year is the cover reveal. For 2026, the guide features a vibrant orange and white combination named “Table Bay Sunset”.
Recognising excellence: five-star wines and top achievers
A highlight of every edition is the five-star line-up. These exceptional bottlings emerge from a second round of tasting of the highest-rated wines on Platter’s 0–5 star scale. In the 2026 edition, 316 wines, brandies and husk spirits receive five stars, equating to 95 points or more on the 100-point international scale.
The highest scorers in each category receive the Wines of the Year accolade. There are 36 category winners this year.
Also included are 430 Highly Recommended wines, brandies and husk spirits with ratings of 94 points, considered extremely fine and collectable. Over 130 red and white wines appear under “Buy Now, Drink Later” for their cellaring potential. The guide also recognises 168 Hidden Gems and 115 Superquaffers for their drinkability and value.
Honouring the top wineries of 2026
The three prestigious Winery of the Year awards remain standout honours.
• Top Performing Winery of the Year: Diemersdal Estate
• Editor’s Award Winery of the Year: Alheit Vineyards, recognised for excellence since debuting in 2012
• Newcomer Winery of the Year: The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co, earning 95 and 96 points with two debut wines
Availability and pricing
Platter’s 2026 hardcover is available from selected bookstores and retailers nationwide from early December 2026. The recommended retail price is R429.00 including VAT.
A subscription to the digital editions – the web-based version and the Apple and Android apps – is available at www.wineonaplatter.com/products or via app stores. A single subscription unlocks all digital versions.