In its most outstanding performance in the 45-year history of South Africa’s revered Platter’s Wine Guide, Diemersdal Estate in Durbanville has achieved an incredible milestone in the 2025 edition. The estate secured five five-star ratings, with two of its wines crowned as Wines of the Year. The Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe 2023 Sauvignon Blanc and The Journal Pinotage 2022 were recognized as the best Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage of the Year, respectively. Additionally, five-star accolades were awarded to Diemersdal Syrah 2023, The Journal Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, and The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2023.
These accolades mark the culmination of a remarkable year for this family-owned Durbanville wine estate. Among its achievements, Diemersdal clinched the General Smuts Trophy for Best Wine at the National Young Wine Show, garnered four Double Gold medals at the Veritas Wine Awards, received Gold at the International Wine Challenge, and earned spots in both the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 and the Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards.
The Platter’s Guide is widely regarded as South Africa’s most comprehensive indicator of wine excellence. For its 2025 edition, over 9,000 wines, brandies, and husk-spirits were assessed, representing entries from more than 900 producers. Of these, only 259 wines achieved the coveted five-star status, scoring 95 points or higher.
Thys Louw, owner and winemaker at Diemersdal, expressed his delight at this extraordinary achievement.
“Producers often hope for one or two five-star ratings, so receiving five – including two Wines of the Year – has truly left my team and me astounded,” said Louw. “The rigorous judging process for Platter’s ensures that every five-star rating is hard-earned, making this recognition of Diemersdal’s dedication to consistent quality in both Sauvignon Blanc and red wines immensely rewarding.”
Excellence in Sauvignon Blanc and Beyond
Diemersdal’s reputation as a leading producer of Sauvignon Blanc was solidified by two five-star ratings in this category. The Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe 2023 was lauded for its complexity, achieved through skin contact, wild fermentation, and oak aging. Meanwhile, The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2023, inspired by the French Sancerre style, exemplifies the estate’s innovative approach to this varietal.
While Sauvignon Blanc remains a cornerstone of Diemersdal’s portfolio, its red wines demonstrated the versatility of Durbanville’s terroir. Five-star ratings for The Journal Pinotage 2022, Diemersdal Syrah 2023, and The Journal Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 underscore the region’s long-standing tradition of crafting exceptional red wines.
“Durbanville is often celebrated for its white wines, but its legacy of fine red wine-making dates back decades,” said Louw. “Iconic Cape reds like the GS Cabernet 1966 originated from our region, and these recent accolades reaffirm Durbanville’s standing in the red wine arena.”
A Legacy of Six Generations
Though the 2022 and 2023 vintages have brought Diemersdal significant acclaim, Louw attributes the estate’s success to the legacy of the Louw family, who have farmed and made wine in Durbanville since 1885.
“We have the perfect combination of maritime climate, suitable soils, and human terroir,” explained Louw. “This human terroir represents six generations of our family who have honed their understanding of the land, vines, and wine-making. Without this deep connection and shared values, the Diemersdal of today would not exist.”
As Diemersdal celebrates a year of unparalleled achievements, it continues to build on its rich heritage, showcasing the exceptional quality of Durbanville wines to the world.
