Another year, another win for acclaimed winemaker Johan Jordaan, who solidifies himself as a Master Winemaker after winning his second Master Chenin Blanc Winemaker award last night.
Stellenbosch, South Africa (10 February 2026) – Last night, in Paris, Johan Jordaan earned his second Master Chenin Blanc Winemaker award from the Master Winemaker 100 awards. He has solidified his name as the world’s best Chenin Blanc Winemaker, following his initial win in 2025.
The Master Winemaker 100 is one of the industry’s most prestigious awards, honouring the men and women who work in the fields and are the scientific brains behind our favourite bottles. The Master Winemaker 100 has honoured the greatest winemakers for the past 13 years.
Wines are judged blind by an elite panel of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and senior buyers. The competition evaluates wines purely on style and merit, without preconceptions of region or reputation.
Johan’s award positions Spier as one of the world’s leading producers of Chenin Blanc and confirms South Africa’s continued excellence in the varietal. After the win, Johan shared his joy and how the process of making the wine is never just about what ends up in the bottle, but the whole process.
“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,”
Always one to learn, a winemaker shifts their craft as the seasons move. From dry seasons to wet winters, droughts, and other factors that affect a crop’s success. With this and a love of winemaking, Johan and his team have crafted a winner!
“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 involve 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!”
Sharing the process behind this bottle, Johan uses a modular approach, 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.
And thoughtful he was. The proof is in the pudding they say… Let’s cheers to that! You can read more about South Africa’s excellent wine wins here.
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