F & B
SIPPED, POURED AND LOVED
SOUTH AFRICA’ S BRIGHTEST PALATES SHARE THE BOTTLES THAT SHAPED THEIR YEAR, THE WINEMAKERS THEY’ RE CHAMPIONING, THE WINES THEY’ RE CELLARING AND THE SOUNDTRACKS THEY SIP TO.
From windswept Malgas whites to crunchy Swartland reds, 2025 has delivered wines that comforted, challenged and inspired some of the country’ s most influential sommeliers. We asked leading voices in the F & B world what they kept returning to, what surprised them and which bottles deserve a spot in the vault. Their answers reveal a year defined by curiosity, character and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship.
Caroline Ngwenya
Owner of Majesty Wines, certified sommelier, founder of The High Cellar and the mind behind The Black Wine Renaissance
1. Comfort pour My comfort pour this year has been the
2018 Sijnn White by Charla Haasbroek and David Trafford in the windswept region of Malgas. It is a Chenin Blancdominant blend with Roussanne and Viognier. The deep golden hue reflects both maturity and terroir. It’ s layered, soulful and beautifully assembled, working just as well on its own as it does with food, which makes it a versatile and comforting choice.
2. Biggest surprise of 2025 The 2014 67 Imizuzu by 4G Wines.
52 TRADE & TASTE / 2026