Durbanville, South Africa — Diemersdal Estate has reinforced its position as one of South Africa’s leading wine producers after emerging as the standout performer at the 25th Investec Trophy Wine Show, securing the prestigious Champion Winemaker Award, two trophies, three gold medals, and nine silver medals.
The Durbanville estate’s remarkable performance saw winemaker Juandré Bruwer accept the Champion Winemaker Award on behalf of the Diemersdal team, adding yet another accolade to a period of unprecedented success for the winery. The achievement follows Diemersdal being named South Africa’s Best Performing Winery for 2026 in the Platter’s Wine Guide.
“It feels almost surreal,” said Bruwer at the awards ceremony. “We ended last year by being recognised as South Africa’s Best Winery and now, at the first major wine competition of 2026, we are honoured as Champion Winemaker. It’s incredibly rewarding and speaks to the consistency and dedication of our entire team.”
For Bruwer, the recognition carries particular significance given the reputation of the Investec Trophy Wine Show as one of the country’s most rigorous and respected wine competitions.
“The Trophy Wine Show has built its reputation over 25 years through exceptionally high judging standards. Wines are assessed blind by some of South Africa’s and the world’s leading wine experts, under the guidance of show chairman Michael Fridjhon. To be recognised in this environment is both humbling and deeply gratifying.”
Trophy Winners
Diemersdal’s two trophy-winning wines were:
- Diemersdal Grüner Veltliner 2024 – Investec Trophy for Best Niche White Wine
- Diemersdal The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2021 – Trophy for Best Museum Class Sauvignon Blanc
Gold Medal Winners
The estate also received gold medals for:
- Diemersdal Private Collection 2021
- Diemersdal Syrah 2023
- Diemersdal The Journal Pinotage 2023
Together, the results highlight the diversity and depth of Diemersdal’s wine portfolio, with accolades spanning white wines, red wines, alternative varieties, and mature museum-class releases.
Rooted in Durbanville
For Thys Louw, sixth-generation proprietor and winemaker, the success begins in the vineyards.
“Our wines are a reflection of Durbanville’s unique terroir,” said Louw. “The influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean, our cooling maritime climate, and distinctive soils consistently allow us to produce wines with freshness, structure, and character. Every great wine starts in the vineyard.”
Yet Louw believes the estate’s achievements are about more than geography alone.
“We are privileged to be part of a family farming legacy that stretches back more than 170 years. Each generation has contributed knowledge and experience, and today’s wines are built on that foundation. We see ourselves as custodians of something far greater than ourselves.”
The Louw family has farmed the rolling hills of Durbanville since 1885, continually refining its understanding of the land while remaining committed to quality, innovation, and sustainability.
A key part of that philosophy is the estate’s commitment to dryland farming.
“Dryland viticulture remains central to our approach,” said Louw. “It encourages deep-rooted vines and allows the vineyards to express their environment naturally. While it presents challenges, it consistently produces wines with exceptional concentration and authenticity.”
A Team Effort
Despite the accolades, Louw is quick to acknowledge the collective effort behind the estate’s success.
“Wine is never the achievement of one individual. These awards belong to everyone at Diemersdal — from the vineyard teams and cellar staff to management and administration. Excellence is only possible when a group of people share the same vision and commitment.”
A Milestone Achievement
The significance of Diemersdal’s performance is amplified by the stature of the Investec Trophy Wine Show itself. This year’s judging panel was chaired by respected wine authority Michael Fridjhon and included internationally renowned judges Oz Clarke OBE, Heidi Mäkinen MW, and Kenichi Ohashi MW, alongside some of South Africa’s most experienced wine professionals.
All wines were assessed through a rigorous blind-tasting process designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and credibility.
As the Investec Trophy Wine Show celebrates its 25th anniversary, Diemersdal’s success stands as a testament to the estate’s unwavering commitment to excellence. It is a story shaped by place, generations of family stewardship, meticulous vineyard management, and a team united by a shared passion for producing wines of distinction.
For Diemersdal, the trophies and medals are more than awards — they are recognition of a philosophy that continues to place authenticity, quality, and terroir at the heart of everything the estate does.
