Alvi’s Drift is turning the 2025 competition season into a veritable gold rush, amassing an
extraordinary collection of accolades that reinforce its standing as one of South Africa’s
most awarded and respected wineries. A standout triumph is the coveted Vineyard
Consistency Award at the NWC, which recognises only those vineyards that have delivered
a sustained spread of Top 100 winning wines across the full 15 years of the competition’s
history.
For 2025, just three vineyards achieved this rare distinction — and leading them all
is Alvi’s Drift, ranked South Africa’s number one estate with an unmatched 62 winning
wines. This year alone, Alvi’s Drift wines have to date brought home over 85 medals from
six leading South African and international competitions, including 8 Great Golds, 14
Double Golds, 43 Golds, 9 Double Platinums, the coveted White Wine of the Year title,
Grand Cru National Champion, multiple Top 100 listings, Top 20 in the Chenin Blanc
Challenge, Trophy for Best in Show and Best Cap Classique.
The results span the winery’s full portfolio from the Albertus Viljoen Icon Range wines to the
Verreaux Pinotage, premium Reserve range, versatile 221 collection, and its celebrated Cap
Classique releases, demonstrating remarkable consistency and depth of quality across styles and
price points.
“These awards are a testament to our commitment to excellence at every stage of winemaking —
from vineyard to cellar and to the dedication of our entire team.” says Alvi van der Merwe,
winemaker.
“Our winery is home to a wide selection of multi-award-winning wines. We take pride in
producing icons that compete with the world’s best, but also in crafting wines for everyday
enjoyment that consistently impress in competitions”
The highlight of the season was the National Wine Challenge’s recognition of the Albertus Viljoen
Chenin Blanc 2023 as White Wine of the Year, alongside Top 100 listings. Internationally, the winery secured Great Gold medals at both the International Wine & Spirits Awards and the Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition, as well as high scores from the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards, with the Reserve Muscat Nectarinia 2017 earning 95 points.
Cape Wine Master Junel van der Merwe adds: “What excites me most is the breadth of these
results. The Albertus Viljoen range continues to command respect, but our Verreaux Pinotage,
Reserve, 221, Signature, and Cap Classique wines are winning just as much attention. It shows
that the Alvi’s Drift style — elegant, balanced, and expressive of our Scherpenheuwel terroir —
resonates with judges across markets.”
