From Features Desk
Each year, Tim Atkin MW’s South Africa Special
Report sets the tone for the global perception of
Cape wines. Now in its 12th edition, the 2025
report is among his most comprehensive to date:
a 319-page volume, drawn from tasting 2 000
wines across 397 wineries, and outlining ten key
findings on the state of South African wine.
This year, Atkin reserved special praise for the
industry’s shift towards regenerative farming. He
highlights how producers are embracing soil
health, biodiversity, precision viticulture, and
integrated pest management as essential tools to
address climate challenges and secure long-term
vineyard resilience.
Nederburg – A Regenerative Leader
Nederburg, a WWF Conservation Champion since 2020, has long been ahead of the curve. From pioneering water stewardship to extensive land rehabilitation, the winery views sustainability as a never-ending journey.
Nederburg, a WWF Conservation Champion since 2020, has long been ahead of the curve. From pioneering water stewardship to extensive land rehabilitation, the winery views sustainability as a never-ending journey.
Practices such as
planting cover crops, farming with
drought-resistant rootstocks, and applying precision irrigation tools have already delivered
water savings of up to 40% since 2011.Beyond water, the team actively restores natural
habitats, removes alien vegetation, harvests
rainwater, and recycles winery wastewater
through advanced systems.
In the vineyards,
insectary flora support natural pest control, while
compost and biochar—produced from grape
waste and plant matter—are used to enrich soils
and accelerate carbon sequestration. Importantly,
Nederburg extends these learnings to its grower
partners, amplifying its impact across the supply
chain.
“For us, soil is life,” the team explains. “By
nurturing the land, we not only lighten our
footprint but also grow better fruit, leading to
wines that truly express their origin.”
Awarded Wines in the 2025 Report
Nederburg’s commitment to vineyard and cellar excellence translated into strong results in Atkin’s 2025 report, with seven wines scoring 90 points and above.
Nederburg’s commitment to vineyard and cellar excellence translated into strong results in Atkin’s 2025 report, with seven wines scoring 90 points and above.
Our pick of the Nederburg wines:
Heritage Heroes The Anchorman Old Vine Project Chenin Blanc 2024 – 90 points.
Heritage Heroes The Anchorman Old Vine Project Chenin Blanc 2024 – 90 points.
Swartland
“Fermented and aged in older wood and 30% amphoras, this is a welcome sign of some new ideas at Nederburg. Lightly wooded, textured and exotic, it has a pleasing combination of pineapple, guava and citrus fruit flavours, old vine concentration and supporting acidity.”
“Fermented and aged in older wood and 30% amphoras, this is a welcome sign of some new ideas at Nederburg. Lightly wooded, textured and exotic, it has a pleasing combination of pineapple, guava and citrus fruit flavours, old vine concentration and supporting acidity.”
Nederburg Private Bin Two R163 Cabernet
Sauvignon 2022 – 93 points
Paarl
“My pick of the current line-up of Nederburg reds, this is a new-oak aged Cabernet Sauvignon from the slopes of Simonsberg-Paarl. Bold, dense and well-structured, it has appealing mocha and coffee bean aromas, plum, damson and blackcurrant pastille flavours and a sense of purpose and self-confidence.”
“My pick of the current line-up of Nederburg reds, this is a new-oak aged Cabernet Sauvignon from the slopes of Simonsberg-Paarl. Bold, dense and well-structured, it has appealing mocha and coffee bean aromas, plum, damson and blackcurrant pastille flavours and a sense of purpose and self-confidence.”
Nederburg Private Bin Two Centuries
Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 – 92 points
Coastal
“Based on grapes from Stellenbosch, with a small Paarl component, this is a structured red that has the concentration to carry its 100% new wood. Appealing dark chocolate and eucalyptus aromas lead you into a palate of damson, cassis and blood orange complemented by fresh acidity and firm tannins.”
“Based on grapes from Stellenbosch, with a small Paarl component, this is a structured red that has the concentration to carry its 100% new wood. Appealing dark chocolate and eucalyptus aromas lead you into a palate of damson, cassis and blood orange complemented by fresh acidity and firm tannins.”
Nederburg The Winemasters Noble Late
Harvest 2024 – 93 points
Western Cape
“Rich, sweet and complex, this is a 100% botrytis-affected blend of Muscat de Frontignan, Chenin Blanc and Weisser Riesling from Darling and Stellenbosch-Paarl. Exotic and intense, it has layers of passion fruit, honey and apricot, subtle volatility, supporting acidity and a clean, tangy, well-balanced finish.”
“Rich, sweet and complex, this is a 100% botrytis-affected blend of Muscat de Frontignan, Chenin Blanc and Weisser Riesling from Darling and Stellenbosch-Paarl. Exotic and intense, it has layers of passion fruit, honey and apricot, subtle volatility, supporting acidity and a clean, tangy, well-balanced finish.”
A Path Forward
Atkin’s 2025 report underscores that regenerative farming is no longer optional but central to the future of South African wine. Nederburg’s results confirm that sustainability and excellence go hand-in-hand—proof that wines made with care for the earth can shine just as brightly in the glass.
Atkin’s 2025 report underscores that regenerative farming is no longer optional but central to the future of South African wine. Nederburg’s results confirm that sustainability and excellence go hand-in-hand—proof that wines made with care for the earth can shine just as brightly in the glass.
