The 45th edition of South Africa’s original and still favourite wine adviser, Platter’s Guide, is here, with an elegant blue-green cover-colour that speaks of South Africa’s vineyards’ unique location between two oceans.
The guide’s founders, journalists and winelovers John and Erica Platter, in the late 1970s were inspired by Hugh Johnson's pioneering Pocket Wine Book to compile a local version, with wine tasting notes, ratings, potted winery profiles and general information useful to consumers. Ignoring the advice of a compositor at their printing company not to ‘waste money on a boring book’, they launched the first edition in 1980 and went on to grow the title into a perennial top seller.
The landmark 45th edition features well over 900 producers, merchants and brands, including 30 new ones, and over 8,000 locally produced wines, as well as brandies, husk spirits and sherry-style wines.
The guide’s descriptions and ratings, compiled in association with a team of leading experts, make it easy to find the right wine for any occasion, while the good-value indicators highlight those bottlings which are especially budget friendly across all quality levels.
Platter’s 2025 also packs extensive information on where to go and what to do in wine country. Winetasting options are covered in detail, along with many winery amenities, attractions and activities, plus dining and accommodation in Cape Town and the winelands. Easy-to-use maps and quick look-up tables provide invaluable help for visitors planning their own wineland rambles, while listings of specialised wine tour operators offer a variety of alternatives for those who prefer a guided experience.
Fully updated notes on the major winegrowing regions, grape varieties, winemaking styles, winetasting terms, and the major wine competitions and awards, as well as listings of wine educators country-wide form part of a wide-ranging offering.
As always, the guide is prefaced by an insightful and thought-provoking overview of important developments and trends in South Africa and the wider wine world.
A much-anticipated feature of the guide is the reveal of the cover colour. This year it is a stylish cyan and silver combination, which the Platter’s team named “Cape of Storms”.
A highlight of any new edition is the five star wines line-up – the exceptional bottlings which emerge from a second round of tasting of the wines with the highest rating on the Platter’s scale of 0 - 5 stars (“Somewhat less than ordinary” to “Superlative. A South African classic”). In this edition 259 wines, brandies and husk spirits receive five stars, equating to 95 or more on the 100-point international scale.
Of the 5-star-awarded wines, the highest scorers within each category receive the sought-after accolade, Wines of the Year. This time there are 27 category winning wines. Also noteworthy are 344 Highly Recommended wines, brandies and husk spirits which narrowly miss five stars but are nonetheless extremely fine and collectable in their own right, earning a rating of 94 on the 100-point scale; just over 170 reds and whites showing particular potential for cellaring (they appear under the banner “Buy Now, Drink Later”); 167 Hidden Gems, wines which tasters feel are particularly worthy of note, being interesting, attractive, unique or representative of an important trend; and 48 Superquaffers, wines that are exceptionally drinkable and well-priced.
The three prestigious Winery of the Year awards are the highest accolades bestowed by Platter’s. The Top Performing Winery of the Year goes to the winery that achieves the most five stars after the annual final tasting round. This year the recipient is Sadie Family Wines, Platter’s highest-achieving winery on four previous occasions, this time with six maximum ratings.
The Editor’s Award Winery of the Year award recognises a winegrowing individual or team who, based on performance in the current edition as well as track record, are ambassadors par excellence for South African wine. This year the award goes to Hamilton Russell Vineyards, in its 50th anniversary year, for pushing beyond the established winegrowing areas into cooler climates, while maintaining focus, the highest standards of quality and ongoing refinement.
The Newcomer Winery of the Year is awarded to a producer who debuted in Platter’s this year and achieved the highest scores. The well-deserved recipient of this distinction is Terra Loci, with a stunning 95-point Elgin Chardonnay.
Platter’s 2025 hardcover is available from selected bookstores and retailers nationwide from early December 2024. The recommended retail price is R427.00 incl VAT.
A subscription to the digital editions, namely the web-based version as well as the apps for Apple and Android devices, is available from www.wineonaplatter.com/products or the app stores (a single subscription unlocks all digital versions).
Ends
Published by: John Platter SA Wine Guide (Pty) Ltd
Managing director and editor: Philip van Zyl (pvz@wineonaplatter.com)
Tasters for 2025: Winnie Bowman, Greg de Bruyn, Ndaba Dube, Nomonde Kubheka, Malu Lambert, Angela Lloyd, Cathy Marston, Fiona McDonald, Christine Rudman, Penny Setti, Cathy van Zyl and Meryl Weaver. The associate tasters are Shon Kumar, Inika Minnie and Kenny Nassen.
Pages: 720
ISBN 978-0-7961-5080-6
Suggested retail price: R427.00 incl VAT
Website: www.wineonaplatter.com
Microsite https://bit.ly/3CCh8ba
Wines Of The Year 2025
Cabernet Franc
Raats 2022
Cabernet Sauvignon
Simonsig The Garland 2020
Cinsault Noir
Leeu Passant Wellington Old Vines Basson 2022
Grenache Noir
Swartberg Wingerde Garnacha 2023
Merlot
Holden Manz Reserve 2021
Pinotage
Diemersdal The Journal 2022
Pinot Noir
Julian Schaal Mountain Vineyards 2023
Shiraz/Syrah
Saronsberg Shiraz 2022
Red Blends, Cape Bordeaux
Buitenverwachting Christine 2017
Red Blends, With Pinotage
The Vinoneers No. 42 Cape Red Blend 2022
Red Blends, Shiraz/Syrah-Based
Erika Obermeyer Syrah-Grenache Noir-Cinsault 2021
Red Blends, Other
Anysbos Tesame 2022
Chardonnay
Iona Elgin Highlands 2022
Chenin Blanc
Stellenrust Old Bushvine Secrets & Lies 2023
Grenache Blanc
Glen Heatlie The Frontier 2023
Grenache Gris
Momento 2023
Sauvignon Blanc
Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe 2023
Semillon
Boekenhoutskloof 2022
Semillon Gris
Thorne & Daughters Tin Soldier 2023
White Blends, Cape Bordeaux
Constantia Glen Two 2022
White Blends, Other
Momento Chenin Blanc-Verdelho 2023
Cap Classique
Charles Fox Prestige Cuvée Cipher Blanc de Noirs 2018
Natural Sweet
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2021
Noble Late Harvest
Miles Mossop Kika 2023
Vin de Paille/Straw Wine
Mullineux Straw Wine 2023
Dessert Wine, Fortified
Nuy Barbieri Idro 2016
Port-Style
Bergsig Cape Late Bottled Vintage 2018
Five Star Wines 2025
Cabernet Franc
Botanica Big Flower 2022
David Finlayson Camino Africana 2022
Great Heart Franschhoek 2022
Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskaap 2020
Hogan Mirror For The Sun 2023
Holden Manz Reserve 2021
KWV The Mentors 2021
Leeu Passant CWG Auction Franschhoek Hillside 2022
Oldenburg 2022
Raats 2022
Raats Eden 2022
Raats Vlag 2022
Rainbow's End Limited Release 2022
Ridgeback 2021
Warwick 2021
Zorgvliet 2022
Cabernet Sauvignon
Anthonij Rupert 2020
Benguela Cove Wild At Heart 2021
Beyerskloof Eerste Ry 2020
Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch 2022
David Finlayson GS 2022
Diemersdal The Journal 2022
Erika Obermeyer 2020
Le Riche 2022
Le Riche CWG Auction 2020
Le Riche Jonkershoek 2021
Le Riche Reserve 2021
Muratie Martin Melck 2021
Nico van der Merwe Nico 2020
Rustenberg Peter Barlow 2021
Simonsig The Garland 2020
Stellenrust Reserve 2020
Stony Brook Ghost Gum 2021
Thelema 2021
Thelema The Mint 2022
Tokara Reserve 2021
Waterford Library Collection 2015
Cinsault Noir
Eenzaamheid 2023
Leeu Passant Wellington Old Vines Basson 2022
Rickety Bridge Paulina's Reserve 2023
Sadie Pofadder 2023
Grenache Noir
ArtiSons The Phantom 2022
Savage Thief In The Night 2023
Swartberg Wingerde Garnacha 2023
Merlot
Holden Manz Reserve 2021
Shannon The Shannon Black 2020
Villiera Monro 2022
Pinotage
Bellevue 1953 2021
Bellevue Reserve Collection 2021
De Grendel Amandelboord 2023
Diemersdal The Journal 2022
Francois van Niekerk 2022
Kaapzicht Steytler 2021
Kanonkop Black Label 2022
KWV The Mentors 2021
Lanzerac Commemorative 2020
Lanzerac Pionier 2021
Survivor Reserve 2022
Wellington La Cave 2021
Pinot Noir
Julien Schaal Mountain Vineyards 2023
Kara-Tara Reserve 2022
MVH Signature 2021
Oak Valley Tabula Rasa PN114 2021
Shiraz/Syrah
ArtiSons Blueberry Hill Shiraz 2022
Bellingham Basket Press Syrah 2022
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2022
Boschkloof Epilogue 2022
Carinus Syrah 2023
Cederberg Shiraz 2021
Diemersdal Reserve Syrah 2023
Fairview The Beacon Shiraz 2021
Mullineux Signature Syrah 2022
Porseleinberg 2022
Rall Ava Syrah 2023
Riebeek Valley Raar Carbonic Shiraz 2023
Rust en Vrede Estate Vineyards Syrah 2022
Saga Sons of Sugarland Syrah 2023
Sakkie Mouton Dawn Of The Salty Tongues 2023
Saronsberg Shiraz 2022
Scions of Sinai Swanesang 2023
Stark-Condé Stellenbosch Syrah 2022
Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Shiraz 2022
Stellenrust Peppergrinder's Shiraz 2021
Trizanne Elim Syrah 2023
Red Blends, Cape Bordeaux
Alto MPHS 2018
Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar 2022
Buitenverwachting Christine 2017
Constantia Glen Five 2021
De Grendel Rubáiyát 2020
Harry Hartman Mosi 2021
Hartenberg The Mackenzie 2020
Keet First Verse 2021
Red Blends, With Pinotage
KWV Perold 2021
The Vinoneers No. 42 Cape Red Blend 2022
Red Blends, Shiraz/Syrah-Based
Boschendal Black Angus 2021
Erika Obermeyer Syrah-Grenache Noir-Cinsault 2021
Neil Ellis Rodanos 2021
Sadie Columella 2022
Red Blends, Other
Anysbos Tesame 2022
Boschkloof Conclusion 2021
Ernie Els CWG Auction 2021
Ernie Els Proprietor’s Blend 2021
Fairview Caldera 2022
Glenelly Red 2018
Idun Carmélite 2022
Van Wyk Rebecca May 2022
Chardonnay
Almenkerk 2022
Bartinney Hourglass 2022
Benguela Cove Vinography 2023
Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Crocodile's Lair 2023
Callender Peak 2023
Capensis Fijnbosch 2020
Cap Maritime 2023
Delaire Graff Terraced Block Reserve 2023
Dorrance Cuvée Anaïs 2023
Draaiboek Kinkel 2023
Draaiboek Onskuld 2023
Hamilton Russell 2023
Hogan The Galvanised 2023
Iona Elgin Highlands 2022
Iona Fynbos 2022
Iona Kloof 2022
Kara-Tara 2023
Kershaw Clonal Selection Elgin 2022
Kershaw Kogelberg Sandstone CY76 2022
Kershaw Lower Duivenhoks River 2021
La Bri Barrel Select 2023
Longridge Organic Clos du Ciel 2022
Neil Ellis Whitehall 2022
Oak Valley Groenlandberg 2023
Oak Valley Tabula Rasa CY548 2021
Paul Clüver Estate 2022
Rustenberg Five Soldiers 2022
Terra Loci Fé 2022
Vergelegen Reserve 2023
Whalehaven Seascape 2021
Chenin Blanc
Alheit Cartology 2023
Alheit Huilkrans 2023
Alheit Magnetic North 2023
Alheit Nautical Dawn 2023
ArtiSons The Mothership 2023
Botanica Mary Delany 2023
City on a Hill Earth 2023
City on a Hill Old Vine 2023
Creation Cool Climate 2023
David & Nadia Hoë-Steen 2023
David & Nadia Rondevlei 2023
De Trafford Skin Macerated 2023
Gabriëlskloof Elodie 2023
Hogan 2023
Kaapzicht Kliprug 2023
Kaapzicht The 1947 2023
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2023
Le Sueur Kluisenaar 2023
Lievland Old Vine 2023
McFarlane Monday's Child 2023
Miles Mossop CWG Auction Saskia-Jo 2022
Mulderbosch Block W 2023
Mullineux Granite 2023
Nederburg The Anchorman 2023
Noble Hill Simonskop 2023
Pilgrim 2023
Raats Eden 2023
Rall Noa 2023
Sadie Mev. Kirsten 2023
Sadie Rotsbank 2023
Sadie Skurfberg 2023
Saga Patatsfontein Steen 2023
Scions of Sinai Granietsteen 2023
Spice Route Tarragon 2023
Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo 2023
Stellenrust 59 Barrel Fermented 2023
Stellenrust Old Bushvine Secrets & Lies 2023
Vinevenom Skin NV
Zevenwacht Z-Collection 2023
Grenache Blanc
Glen Heatlie The Frontier 2023
Rall 2023
Riebeek Valley Raar 2023
Grenache Gris
Momento 2023
Sauvignon Blanc
Callender Peak Winterhoek 2023
Bloemendal Suider Terras 2018
Diemersdal The Journal 2023
Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe 2023
Groot Phesantekraal Marizanne 2023
Klein Constantia Perdeblokke 2023
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2023
Miles Mossop Stellenbosch 2023
Strandveld Pofadderbos 2023
The Giant Periwinkle Wind Scorpion 2023
Thorne & Daughters Snakes & Ladders 2023
Vriesenhuijs 2023
Zevenwacht Z-Collection 2023
Semillon
Boekenhoutskloof 2022
De Kleine Wijn Debutant Wit 2023
Leeu Passant Franschhoek 2022
Old Road Grand-Mère 2022
Sadie Kokerboom 2023
The Vineyard Party Daisy If You Do 2022
Thorne & Daughters Paper Kite 2023
Semillon Gris
Thorne & Daughters Tin Soldier 2023
White Blends, Cape Bordeaux
Constantia Glen Two 2022
Journey's End Ad Infinitum 2022
Nitida Coronata Integration 2023
Savage White 2023
White Blends, Other
Alheit Hemelrand Vine Garden 2023
Brookdale Bradbourne 2023
Brookdale Sixteen Field Blend 2023
Fairview Beryl Back 2023
Keermont Terrasse 2023
Momento Chenin Blanc-Verdelho 2023
Mullineux Roundstone White 2023
Stark-Condé The Field Blend 2023
Thelema Sutherland Viognier-Roussanne 2023
Thistle & Weed Khakibos 2023
Cap Classique
Anthonij Rupert L'Ormarins Blanc de Blancs 2019
Belle Rebelle Chardonnay 2017
Charles Fox Prestige Cuvée Cipher Blanc de Noirs 2018
Colmant Absolu Zero Dosage NV
Colmant Blanc de Blancs NV
Domaine des Dieux Anna Louise Cuvée Blanc de Blancs 2012
Graham Beck Pinot Meunier 2022
La Bri Sauvage La Bri 2018
Silverthorn Jewel Box 2019
Spier Prestige Cuvée 2016
Waterford Blanc de Blancs 2017
Natural Sweet
Klein Goederust Chenin Blanc 2021
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2021
Stellenrust Chenin d’ Muscat 2022
Noble Late Harvest
Boekenhoutskloof 2021
Delheim Edelspatz 2022
Miles Mossop Kika 2023
Waterford Library Collection 2018
Vin de Paille/Straw Wine
Donkiesbaai Hooiwijn 2023
Keermont Fleurfontein 2023
Mullineux Olerasay 4° NV
Mullineux Straw Wine 2023
Dessert Wine, Fortified
Nuy Barbieri Idro 2016
Port-Style
Bergsig Cape Late Bottled Vintage 2018
Boplaas Cape Tawny NV
Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2022
De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2022
KWV Cape Tawny NV
Brandy
Avante Founders' Fifteen
Boplaas Potstill Reserve 20 Years
Boplaas Potstill Reserve 12 Years
KWV Centenary
KWV Nexus
KWV 20 Year Old
KWV 15 Year Old Alambic
KWV 12 Year Old Barrel Select
KWV 10 Year Old Vintage
KWV Cellar Reserve XO Potstill
KWV Signature Release VS
Tokara XO Potstill
Van Ryn 20 Year Old Potstill
Van Ryn 15 Year Old Potstill
Van Ryn 12 Year Old Potstill
Husk Spirit
Dalla Cia 10 Year Old Celebration Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot
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