Consecutive win: SA winemaker awarded as the Global Chenin Blanc Winemaker
By Admin | 13th February 2026
Johan Jordaan, Cellar Master at Spier Wines, has been named the Master Chenin Blanc Winemaker for the second consecutive year at the prestigious Master Winemaker 100 announcement held in Paris, France, last night (9 February 2026).
The award positions Spier as one of the world’s leading producers of Chenin Blanc and confirms South Africa’s continued excellence in the varietal.
This extraordinary achievement follows on the outstanding performances by two Spier Chenin Blanc wines in the 2025 Global Wine Masters competition. The
Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2023 received competition’s highest honour, the Grand Master award, while the Spier Seaward Chenin Blanc 2024 earned a Master Award, one of only three wines to achieve this distinction.
Reacting to the news, a delighted Johan said the recognition reflects Spier’s long-term commitment to intentional winemaking.
“We plan the wine from the soil to the glass, marrying terroir with the style of wine we intend to make. Central to our winemaking philosophy is soil regeneration, nurturing living, resilient soils that support vine health over the long term rather than pursuing short-term yields. This approach aligns with Spier’s broader commitment to farming practices that restore ecosystems, encourage biodiversity and allow vineyards to express their natural character,” says Johan.
“As an eternal student of the craft, I believe success lies in building wines of integrity that are shaped by place, patience and a long-term commitment to the soil. In the case of Chenin Blanc, the Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc is crafted from a certified Old Vine carrying the history of the many hands that have nurtured the vines over decades. Exceptional Chenin Blancs involves the effort of many people and it’s for this very reason that this recognition belongs to our entire team. It’s truly a proud moment for all of us!”
To achieve consistency and precision across vintages, Jordaan employs a modular approach to winemaking, dividing single vineyards into smaller, carefully managed lots. This allows him to respond to subtle differences in soil, aspect and seasonal conditions, ensuring each component is treated on its own merits before being thoughtfully blended.
The grapes for the Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2023 were hand-picked from old vine vineyards planted between 1893 and 1985. These vines grow in the hills of the Tygerberg near Cape Town, where cool Atlantic Ocean breezes temper the heat, allowing for optimal ripening.
The 2023 vintage was shaped by cooler, wetter conditions late in the season, requiring careful selection and multiple harvest passes to protect fruit quality and freshness. The result is a wine of refined elegance, with fresher acidity and finer texture, while retaining depth and complexity.
Fermentation took place in a combination of tight-grain French oak barrels of varying sizes, providing differing levels of oak influence. The final blend was matured for close to a year in a combination of new- and second-fill oak barrels.
Ripe, juicy pear, peach, litchi and melon aromas are balanced with notes of citrus rind and white coriander spice. The palate is generous yet finely balanced, with bright, integrated acidity lifting a concentrated fruit core. Textured and elegant, the finish is long and complex, with the freshness and structure to reward careful cellaring.
The Spier Seaward Chenin Blanc 2024 was shaped in the dryland farmed vineyards situated in the Tygerberg Hills where cool ocean breezes ensure optimal ripening.
Lush apricot, ripe peach and notes of floral and honeydew lead into a complex palate of ripe fruit and lingering lime freshness. The juice was fermented predominantly in oak barrels before being matured for six months in a combination of aged French oak barrels.
You can purchase Spier’s wines here.