More entries, more gold at Sauvignon Selection by CMB

South Africa’s Sauvignon Blanc is strengthening its position as one of the most dynamic Sauvignon-producing countries on the global stage – and the latest international results underline that momentum.

At the Sauvignon Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2026, held from 7 to 9 April in Varaždin, Croatia, the country not only increased its number of entries, but also its gold medal tally. Exclusively dedicated to wines made from the Sauvignon grape variety, this benchmark competition brought together nearly 1000 samples from 25 countries this year.

No fewer than 50 international experts took part in the blind tastings, once again confirming the high standards and diversity of a competition that has become a global reference. South Africa recorded a 12.5% rise in entries, reflecting growing producer confidence and strong engagement with the competition. More significantly, it secured 30 medals – including one Grand Gold and 13 Gold – reinforcing that this growth is firmly rooted in quality.

Alvi’s Drift Sets The Benchmark

The Vinolok Trophy South Africa Revelation Award for the top South African Sauvignon Blanc was awarded to the Alvi’s Drift Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2024. The wine also earned a coveted Grand Gold medal, reserved for exceptional wines that excel across all judging criteria. Overall, only 18 wines received Grand Gold medals this year.

South Africa’s Gold Medal Winners

Sweef Sauvignon Blanc 2025Convergence Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2025Diemersdal The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2024Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe Sauvignon Blanc 2024Alvi’s Drift 221 Sauvignon Blanc 2025Alvi’s Drift Signature Sauvignon Blanc 2025Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2025Ghost Corner Wild Ferment 2024Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc 2025Escapades Sauvignon Blanc 2023Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2025Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2024Zorgvliet Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2025

A further 16 South African wines received silver medals. In addition, a new CMB Merit label was introduced this year – awarded to wines scoring 86 points or more without receiving a medal (with the top 33% of wines awarded medals). South Africa again performed strongly in this category, with 31 local wines achieving this distinction.

Strong Global Positioning

According to the organisers of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, South Africa’s performance reflects an industry that is not only growing, but doing so with confidence and consistency on the global stage. While countries such as France, Austria, Italy and New Zealand also delivered strong results, South Africa is not merely keeping pace – it is asserting its own distinctive identity.

Industry Perspective

Elunda Basson, Chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa and Cellar Master at Steenberg Vineyards, says international recognition remains the ultimate benchmark for the category.

“Local recognition is important to us, but it is on the international stage that the true quality of South African Sauvignon Blanc is tested,” she says. “When our wines are assessed by judges who understand the global profile of Sauvignon Blanc and still win top honours, it confirms that we belong among the world’s best.”

Access Full Results

For the full results, visit https://sauvignonselection.com/en/.