The Podium is compiled annually by British Master of Wine Tim Atkin and recognises wines, winemakers and industry figures considered among the best in South Africa. KWV's Laborie Blanc de Blancs 2020 was named Best Value Sparkling Wine of the Year, while the KWV Classic Collection Cape Tawny NV was named Best Value Fortified Wine of the Year, a title it also held in 2025.

The 19 scores of 90 points or higher span KWV's Mentors, Cathedral Cellar, Roodeberg and Laborie ranges, among others. The Mentors Grenache Blanc 2024 and The Mentors Chenin Blanc 2024 received the highest scores in the report, each earning 94 points. The Mentors Orchestra 2023, The Mentors Perold 2023 and the Classic Collection Cape Tawny NV each received 93 points.

KWV Chief Winemaker Justin Corrans said the consistency of the results across multiple vintages was significant. "It's significant to be rated highly, year after year, across the portfolio," said Corrans. "Seeing 90-plus scores across six of our ranges this year is confirmation that we're doing the right things season after season, vintage after vintage."

KWV sources grapes from several wine-growing regions across the Cape, allowing its winemaking team to select fruit from a range of sites. Other results in this year's report included five scores of 90 or above for Cathedral Cellar, two for Roodeberg, and a 92-point score for The Culturist Red Blend 2023. Laborie also received two scores of 90 or higher for its Cap Classique range.

KWV's full list of scores in the 2026 report:

94 points: The Mentors Grenache Blanc 2024; The Mentors Chenin Blanc 2024

93 points: The Mentors Orchestra 2023; The Mentors Perold 2023; Classic Collection Cape Tawny NV

92 points: Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2025; Laborie Blanc de Blancs 2020; The Culturist Red Blend 2023; The Mentors Cabernet Franc 2023; The Mentors Canvas 2023; The Mentors Petit Verdot 2023

91 points: The Mentors Pinotage 2023; Roodeberg Dr Charles Niehaus 2023; Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2025; Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 2023

90 points: Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2023; Cathedral Cellar Triptych 2023; Laborie Cap Classique Brut NV; Roodeberg Red Blend 2024

Tim Atkin MW is a British Master of Wine and wine critic whose annual South Africa Report provides an independent assessment of the country's wine industry.