2026 NFB Old Vine Report Recognises South Africa's Leading Old Vine Wines
The third annual NFB Old Vine Report by Winemag.co.za has been released, recognising ten outstanding wines produced from South Africa's Certified Heritage Vineyards.
The report received 77 entries from 48 producers, with all wines assessed through a blind tasting by a three-person panel. Of the wines entered, 69% achieved scores of 90 points or higher, demonstrating the quality being achieved from South Africa's older vineyards.
The report, sponsored by NFB Private Wealth Management, focuses exclusively on wines produced from Certified Heritage Vineyards - vineyards aged 35 years or older, registered with SAWIS and approved by the Old Vine Project.
FRAM Stagmanskop Chenin Blanc Named Best Overall
The FRAM Stagmanskop Chenin Blanc 2025, produced from a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted in 1987, received the highest score of 96 points and was named Best Overall Wine.
A further seven wines received 95 points, while two achieved 94 points, completing the Top 10.
The 2026 Top 10 Old Vine Wines
Wine | Score |
FRAM Stagmanskop Chenin Blanc 2025 | 96 |
Flagstone Paradigm Chenin Blanc 2025 | 95 |
Joostenberg Die Agteros Chenin Blanc 2025 | 95 |
Klawer Cellars Hanepoot 2026 | 95 |
Knorhoek Chenin Blanc 2025 | 95 |
Old Road Wine Co. The Rix Dollar Single Vineyard Cinsault 2025 | 95 |
Rickety Bridge Regna Loca Cinsault 2025 | 95 |
Thistle & Weed Duwweltjie Chenin Blanc 2025 | 95 |
Delheim Iconoclast Versed Vines 2024 | 94 |
Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc 2026 | 94 |
A Strong Showing for Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc features prominently in the 2026 results, accounting for six of the Top 10 wines, including the highest-scoring entry.
The selected wines come from vineyards across Piekenierskloof, Paarl, Agter-Paarl, Stellenbosch and the Olifants River region.
Across these different varieties and growing regions, the report highlights a common characteristic of well-made old vine wines: concentration and complexity, supported by freshness and clarity of fruit.
The oldest vineyard represented in the Top 10 is the Paarl Cinsault block planted in 1954, used to produce Rickety Bridge Regna Loca Cinsault 2025. Other recognised wines come from vineyards planted during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
The Old Vine Project congratulates all the producers recognised in the 2026 NFB Old Vine Report, as well as every producer who submitted a wine for evaluation. Their continued commitment to farming and maintaining these vineyards is essential to securing their future.
The complete NFB Old Vine Report 2026, including tasting notes, detailed findings and a buyer's guide, is available through Winemag.co.za.
