The SA Shiraz 2026 awards took place on 6th August at The Venue, Blacksmith's in Paarl. It was a perfect chilly afternoon to taste through the top Shirazes for the year. Categories were Rose, Blends and Shiraz. The wines were arranged into separate tables to taste the finalises, and there was a table specifically for Syrah - but when the awards were announced, there was no category for Syrah, so perhaps there is an opportunity to do that next year. They really were very different and it should have its own day in the sun! Well done to Spier for receiving two awards - their Seaward 2024 and the Creative Block 3 2022 (blend). Congrats also to Tertius Boshoff from Stellenrust, winning the prestigious Bellingham Podlashuk massive Trophy, which relates to innovation, sustainability, creativity, and social responsibility. The Top 12 Shirazes of 2026 are: Cederberg Teen die Hoog Shiraz 2023 De Grendel op die Berg Syrah 2024 Driehoek Syrah 2023 Fairview Cyril Back 2023 Groot Phesantekraal Syrah 2024 Rickety Bridge Foundation Stone Shiraz 2025 Riebeek Raar Shiraz Carbonic Maceration 2025 Rooiberg Shiraz Reserve 2023 Rust & Vrede Estate Vineyards Syrah 2022 Spier Seaward Shiraz 2024 Stellenbosch Hills Shiraz 2024 Windmeul Shiraz 2023 The 5 2026 Shiraz blend winners are: Black Elephant Vintners Free Bird Bush Vines Red 2024 Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Joseph’s Legacy 2024 Quoin Rock Simonsberg Blend 2023 Spier Creative Block 3 2022 Zevenwacht Tin Mine Red 2023 The 2026 Shiraz Rosé winner is: Benguela Cove Lighthouse Rosé 2026