How the Chardonnay Association of South Africa is changing perceptions

Founded in August 2024, the Chardonnay Association of South Africa serves as the unifying voice for more than 70 wineries that blend innovation with a deep respect for terroir.

Stretching from the Mapungubwe National Park to the southern tip of Africa, South Africa spans 471,445 square miles and is characterised by several distinct ecosystems. From these ancient soils, South African Chardonnay has emerged as a formidable contender on the world stage, distinguished not only by its geology and terroir but also by a spirit of innovation, world-class quality, and excellent value for money.

The Chardonnay Association of South Africa was established to champion a new era for South African Chardonnay. Once overlooked, the country’s Chardonnay aims for global recognition as a world-class wine on its own merits, rather than just being considered ‘good for South African wine’. The association is committed to changing global perceptions by emphasising the diversity and quality of wine across various regions and styles. It showcases terroir through tastings and exhibitions while also supporting research and climate resilience initiatives.

South Africa can be divided into distinct Chardonnay winemaking regions along the western and southern coasts, each with unique terroir, climate, and soil composition that influence its style. The regions include the coastal areas of Stellenbosch, including Banghoek Valley, as well as Paarl, Franschhoek, Constantia, and Swartland. On the Cape South Coast, the Chardonnay regions are Elgin and Overberg, Cape Agulhas, and Walker Bay (also known as Hemel-en-Aarde). In the Breede River Valley, Chardonnay is notably produced in Robertson and Breedekloof.

Changing perceptions

According to the association, South African Chardonnay grapes benefit from climatic resilience, proximity to the ocean, and effective viticulture, resulting in wines that showcase their origin, intent, and distinctive character, and which are increasingly recognised as world-class. “Vines in South Africa grow in some of the world’s oldest soils, producing wines with character that can’t be replicated elsewhere. From coastal restraint to inland richness, the spectrum of styles is remarkable,” says Sjaak Nelson, chairman of the Chardonnay Association of South Africa.

“Unlike some traditional regions, South African winemakers aren’t bound by rigid rules, giving them the freedom to innovate. They embrace native yeasts, sustainable practices, and site-specific viticulture. Furthermore, our Chardonnays routinely outperform higher-priced wines in blind tastings, offering world-class quality at accessible prices,” he explains. “Today, international critics increasingly acknowledge that South African Chardonnay is world-class, not as a compliment, but as a fact.”

South African Chardonnay styles range from mineral and tight to plush and layered, achieved through precise winemaking that avoids over-manipulation of the fruit or structure.

Nelson continued: “As other countries continue to grapple with the effects of climate change, South African Chardonnay is stepping into the space once reserved for the old guard. It’s helping redefine what excellence in white wine looks like and putting South Africa firmly on the premium map locally and globally.”

“We hope people walk away from tasting South African Chardonnay with a sense of surprise and respect for our producers. We want them to see the range, the restraint, the balance, and the boldness,” he continues. “Whether it’s a lean, citrus-driven wine from a coastal site or a richer, textured style from an older inland vineyard, they should feel the authenticity behind it, how world-class Chardonnay from South Africa really is.”

According to the association, Chardonnay from South Africa deserves recognition on the global market. “That’s the takeaway we want from those tasting our wine, not just appreciation, but belief that South African Chardonnay is world-class Chardonnay,” Nelson concludes.

Stay up to date and find out more information about the Chardonnay Association of South Africa on Instagram.

At The Chardonnay Masters 2025, two wines from South Africa were recognised with a Master medal, while 10 took home Gold medals.

Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Chardonnay 2024

• Producer: Delaire Graff Estate
• Region: Banghoek
• Country: South Africa
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 13.5%
• Vintage: 2024
• Closure: Screw cap
• Approx. retail price: £34
• Medal: Master

The Banghoek (‘Scary Corner’) Valley is home to the Delaire Graff Estate, and this wine comes from the steep slopes there. Very pale lime-green in colour, the nose is highly aromatic, showing green apple, apricot and white cherry with gentle vanilla and honeysuckle notes. Linear in style, the palate flavours are concentrated and framed by brisk acidity. Layered, textured and complex, this wine will be a delicious foil for dove in a cream-redcurrant jelly sauce. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay 2023

• Producer: Whalehaven
• Region: Hemel-en-Aarde
• Country: South Africa
• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 13.5%
• Vintage: 2023
• Residual sugar: 3.2g/l
• Approx. retail price: £35
• Medal: Master

Initially quite restrained, this wine slowly, gently, beautifully unfurled, like a white rose in the morning sun. The nose has ripe lemon and grapefruit zest overlaying melon, pineapple and a hint of vanilla, with complex lees aromas. On the palate, it is dry, fresh and precise, with a rounded textural complexity. The finish is long and layered with a juicy lemon lift and elegant creaminess. Intense, expressive and beautifully defined. (Siobhan Turner MW)

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