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Standard Bank
Chenin Blanc Challenge
The Chenin Blanc Association has been one of the earliest advocates for this remarkable grape which is planted more widely in South Africa than anywhere else in the world. For more than a decade it has been actively championing Chenin's potential to make exciting, delicious and uniquely South African wines. In 2014, with the generous support of Standard Bank, the association started an annual Chenin Blanc Top Ten Challenge. Its purpose is to identify and reward top Chenin winemaking in the country.
The organisers and sponsors recognise how important farm workers are to producing these winning wines. That's why every year the cash prize goes to every one of the top ten producers with the condition that the money is spent on projects to uplift or upskill farm workers, their families and their communities.
Since the start of the challenge, the winners have spent their prize money on a variety of projects to upskill and uplift farm workers, their families and communities. Creches have been established, as well as after-care facilities for school children. The strong emphasis on education spans early childhood learning programmes to tertiary training. Some winners have created libraries, computer rooms and other educational resources for their workers and communities. Another major beneficiary of prize money is the Pebbles Project. This NGO runs a suite of education, health, nutrition, community and protection programmes for hundreds of children in the Cape Winelands, from infants to school leavers. Pebbles also offers social services to combat foetal alcohol spectrum disorder and alcohol abuse. Other projects undertaken have included sustainable farming, accommodation, sporting and other recreational initiatives.
A story about how the Chenin Blanc Association works to support wine farm worker communities in the Winelands, with the generous support of Standard Bank.
Entries are now open for the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge 2026
Now entering its 13th year, the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge remains one of South Africa’s most respected and influential wine competitions. Established to celebrate the quality, diversity and excellence of South African Chenin Blanc, the Challenge recognises wines that best express the remarkable character of the variety across regions, vineyard sites and winemaking styles.
South African Chenin Blanc continues to evolve and gain momentum both locally and internationally, and the Challenge provides an important platform to showcase the diversity of the category. Entries traditionally span a broad spectrum of styles and price points, from fresh and vibrant wines to complex old vine expressions, oaked and unoaked wines, and examples from across South Africa’s diverse wine regions.
Since the inception of the Challenge in 2014, Standard Bank has served as headline sponsor, and the Chenin Blanc Association remains deeply grateful for its longstanding support and commitment to the industry. In addition to the prestige of being recognised among the Top 10 wines, each winning producer receives prize money of R25,000, which is directed towards social upliftment and community development initiatives within the wine industry.
To date, R2.88 million has been channelled towards trusts, NGOs, foundations and charitable organisations supporting farm worker development, education, skills training and community upliftment across the Cape Winelands. The Challenge therefore represents not only a benchmark of wine excellence, but also a meaningful platform for positive social impact.
We invite you to enter your wines and be part of a competition that celebrates the very best of South African Chenin Blanc.
For more information on past winners, please see below.
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Entry Information
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You may enter multiple wines and vintages.
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Any vintage previously selected as a Top 10 winning wine may not be entered again.
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Please complete a separate entry form for each wine submitted.
Entry Fees
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Members:
R1,250 per wine (membership fees must be paid by the entry date).
Non-members:
R2,350 for the first entry (includes a pro-rated membership fee until the end of 2026). Additional entries are R1,250 per wine.
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Please note:
The Challenge is open to CBA members only. Non-members are required to complete a CBA membership application. A once-off pro-rated membership fee of R1,100 will be added to the entry invoice. Entries will only be finalised once the completed membership form, including invoicing details, has been submitted.
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Entries close Friday 10th July 2026.
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To enter your wine into the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge 2026, click here.
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Any questions? Email cheninblancasso@gmail.com
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Click here to view the competition rules.
STANDARD BANK CHENIN BLANC CHALLENGE TOP 10 2025
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Standard Bank
Chenin Blanc Challenge
The Chenin Blanc Association has been one of the earliest advocates for this remarkable grape which is planted more widely in South Africa than anywhere else in the world. For more than a decade it has been actively championing Chenin's potential to make exciting, delicious and uniquely South African wines. In 2014, with the generous support of Standard Bank, the association started an annual Chenin Blanc Top Ten Challenge. Its purpose is to identify and reward top Chenin winemaking in the country.
The organisers and sponsors recognise how important farm workers are to producing these winning wines. That's why every year the cash prize goes to every one of the top ten producers with the condition that the money is spent on projects to uplift or upskill farm workers, their families and their communities.
Since the start of the challenge, the winners have spent their prize money on a variety of projects to upskill and uplift farm workers, their families and communities. Creches have been established, as well as after-care facilities for school children. The strong emphasis on education spans early childhood learning programmes to tertiary training. Some winners have created libraries, computer rooms and other educational resources for their workers and communities. Another major beneficiary of prize money is the Pebbles Project. This NGO runs a suite of education, health, nutrition, community and protection programmes for hundreds of children in the Cape Winelands, from infants to school leavers. Pebbles also offers social services to combat foetal alcohol spectrum disorder and alcohol abuse. Other projects undertaken have included sustainable farming, accommodation, sporting and other recreational initiatives.
A story about how the Chenin Blanc Association works to support wine farm worker communities in the Winelands, with the generous support of Standard Bank.
TASTING REPORTS
