Tim Atkin Rating

South Africa Special Report 2025

Dive into the fascinating world of South Africa’s finest wines! The Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report 2025 vividly shows why the Cape has become one of the most exciting wine regions in the world – featuring unique ratings, analyses, and highlights.

The internationally renowned wine critic Tim Atkin MW (Master of Wine) once again dedicates his comprehensive Special Report to the South African wine scene in 2025. Across more than 300 pages, he presents tasting notes, producer portraits, rankings, and in-depth analyses that capture the incredible diversity of South African wine.

During his extensive visits to the Cape, Atkin tasted hundreds of wines – from established top estates to rising stars. His verdict is clear: South Africa is producing the best wines in its history.

A special focus lies on anniversaries and milestones within the industry – from the revival of the Swartland Revolution, a movement of passionate winemakers who, since the 2000s, have redefined South African wine through minimal intervention, old vines, and a strong focus on terroir, to reflections on the “New Wave” movement in London, where young, innovative Cape winemakers first gained international attention for their fresh and authentic styles. These developments highlight how dramatically the image and quality of South African wine have evolved over the past two decades.

Among the highlights are once again the outstanding 2017 and 2021 vintages, described by Tim Atkin as true benchmarks. Yet current releases from regions such as Stellenbosch, Swartland, Hemel-en-Aarde, and Elgin also shine with exceptional depth, character, and ageing potential.

The report not only celebrates individual wines and producers, but also illustrates how deeply South Africa’s wine culture is intertwined with its history, terroir, and people. From historic estates like Groot Constantia, Meerlust, and Vergelegen to the country’s bold New Wave producers, Tim Atkin offers a unique perspective on the dynamism and potential of the Cape.

Discover the highlights of the Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report 2025 and find out which wines earned the highest ratings – many of which are available right here in our selection.