Steenberg Vineyards has once again demonstrated its winemaking credentials on the global stage, with its Steenberg Merlot 2022 receiving an exceptional 97 points and a Platinum Award at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026. The estate’s acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc also performed strongly, earning 90 points and a Silver Award.
Recognised as the world’s largest and most influential wine competition, the Decanter World Wine Awards are widely regarded as one of the industry’s most respected benchmarks of quality. Now in its 23rd year, the competition is trusted by both trade and consumers worldwide for its rigorous judging process and panel of leading international wine experts.
The Platinum Award further cements the pedigree of the Steenberg Merlot 2022, which has enjoyed a remarkable run of international recognition in recent months. In April, the wine claimed a Gold Medal at the International London Wine Competition and was named Merlot of the Year, making this its second major international accolade in just two months.
This recognition is incredibly rewarding because it reflects the consistency, dedication and collaboration that goes into every bottle we produce,” says Carryn Wiltshire, Marketing Manager at Steenberg Vineyards.
To see the Merlot recognised by two highly respected international competitions within such a short space of time is a strong endorsement of both the wine itself and the unique terroir of Constantia. We are equally proud to see our Sauvignon Blanc continue to perform on the world stage, reinforcing Steenberg’s reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality across varietals.”
According to Elunda Basson, Cellarmaster at Steenberg Farm, the success of the Merlot is not the result of dramatic changes in the cellar, but rather an increasingly refined and collaborative approach.
Rather than changing our approach, we’ve focused on fine-tuning it,” says Basson. “The real difference lies in the level of collaboration between the vineyard and cellar. There is a shared understanding of the style of wine we’re aiming to produce, and every decision, from the vineyard through to the cellar, is made with that end goal in mind. That alignment has become one of our greatest strengths.”
Basson explains that her winemaking philosophy centres on capturing the unique character of Constantia. The aim is to produce elegant, age-worthy red wines with refined tannins and natural freshness, blending the structure and sophistication of Old World winemaking with the expressive fruit character of the New World.
That partnership is echoed by Vlok Hanekom, Viticulturist at Steenberg Farm, who believes vineyard decisions play a critical role in the wine’s quality.
“Our attention as a team to harvest at exactly the right time is one of our secret weapons,” says Hanekom. “Over the past few years, we have also focused on lowering yields by removing bunches on the weaker shoots earlier in the season. This creates more concentration, flavour intensity and balance in the fruit.”
Hanekom notes that the estate’s unique site contributes significantly to the Merlot’s character. The vineyards are planted on deep decomposed granite soils, while the cooling influence of False Bay allows for slower, more even ripening.
“These conditions allow us to achieve full phenolic ripeness while maintaining freshness and balance. The combination of site, climate and teamwork is something that cannot easily be replicated.”
With a Platinum Award from Decanter following its Gold Medal and Merlot of the Year title at the London Wine Competition, Steenberg Merlot 2022 is rapidly establishing itself as a benchmark for the varietal in South Africa and a wine capable of competing with the best on the international stage.
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