Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate has continued its remarkable success by achieving two 5-star awards and eleven 4.5-star awards in the 2024 Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide. This boutique Hermanus winery near Cape Town shone in the 44th edition of the authoritative guide featuring over 900 producers and 8,000 locally produced wines. An impressive accomplishment that highlights the WWF Conservation Champion winery's commitment to producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of Walker Bay, South Africa. 

A passion for winemaking 

Cellar master and winemaker, Johann Fourie, expressed his pride in the winery's achievements, stating;

"Receiving 4.5 stars or more for all 13 of our entries is a major accomplishment for a family-owned, boutique vineyard in just six years since building our own winery. In 2016, we decided to take full control over quality, so all the grapes used are now grown, vinified, and bottled exclusively on the estate."  

Fourie also emphasized the importance of terroir, noting;

"We prioritise site-specific wines that showcase Benguela Cove's unique terroir and the distinctive wine style it produces. The diversity of slopes, soils, and exposure to the prevailing winds bring out the best in each varietal, while Benguela Cove's special location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean lends a distinctive character to our wines."  

Exceptional Quality 

The Catalina Semillon 2021 and Vinography Petit Verdot 2021 were each awarded the coveted top rating of 5 stars. These wines epitomize Benguela Cove's passion for crafting premium wines that reflect the estate's unique character. 

Explore these 4.5 star wines, featured in the 2024 edition of the Platter’s by Diners Club Wine Guide

A String of Recent Successes 

These Platter's accolades follow a string of recent successes for Benguela Cove in 2023. The estate has garnered numerous prestigious gold and double gold medals, trophies for best wines, top scores from critics, value awards, and global recognition.  

Key Wins for Benguela Cove in 2023

• Double Gold & Duimpie Bayly Vertex Trophy for Best Wine - Benguela Cove Joie de Vivre Cap Classique 2019 at Veritas Wine Awards 

• Double Gold - Benguela Cove Vinography Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 at Veritas Wine Awards 

• Double Gold - Benguela Cove Vinography Sauvignon Blanc 2022 at Veritas Wine Awards 

• Gold - Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Rosé 2023 at Rosé Rocks 

• Gold - Benguela Cove Joie de Vivre 2019 Brut Méthode Cap Classique at Amorim Cap Classique Challenge 

• Top scorer with 95 points - Benguela Cove Catalina Semillon 2021 by Tim Atkin MW 

• Excellent Value Gold - Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2023 at Gold Wine Awards 

• Excellent Value Gold - Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Rosé 2023 at Gold Wine Awards 

• National Winner - Benguela Cove Catalina Semillon 2020 at Novare SA Terroir Awards 

• National Winner - Benguela Cove Noble Late Harvest 2020 at Novare SA Terroir Awards 

• Ranked in Top 53 of World's Best Vineyards 2023 

• Gold 97/100 - Benguela Cove Chardonnay 2022 at Trophy Wine Show  

Sustainable Practices 

With a philosophy embracing harmony with nature, Benguela Cove follows sustainable practices as a WWF Conservation Champion located within the Kogelberg Biosphere nature reserve. These Platter's awards recognize the estate's success in capturing the essence of this rare coastal terroir while making meaningful contributions as part of the local community.   

A Must-Visit Destination 

Benguela Cove is a must-visit destination for any oenophile. The estate offers a variety of wine tasting and pairing experiences, as well as gourmet restaurants, art gallery, and waterfront villa accommodation.  

Benguela Cove's impressive performance in so many noteworthy wine awards is a testament to the estate's dedication to producing exceptional wines that capture the essence of Walker Bay. With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, Benguela Cove is poised to continue its success in the years to come.