gift guide

From fizzy celebratory toasts to flavoursome meal pairings, it’s only right that we honour the accompaniment to so many of our cherished rituals. After rigorous testing (tough job), WH editors and wine experts bring you the best wines of 2023.

The Best Wines Of 2023 For Summer Feels

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Best White

La Vierge Jezebelle Chardonnay

Funky and fresh, it’ll trick your friends into thinking you hand-selected it after acing the vino course at Le Cordon Bleu. Hell, it might even convert ‘I-don’t-like-white-wine’-ers.

Prettiest Bottle

Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses

Not since college have booze bottles doubled as décor – until this. Wine today, vase tomorrow, it’s the ideal hostess gift or centrepiece for a gathering with friends and family.

Best Rosé

Hidden Valley Wines Hidden Treasure

Doesn’t matter who you are or what season it is, this never-not-cool bottle, containing hints of delicious candy floss, is a damn classic.

Best Bubbles

Lubanzi Rosé Bubbles NV

A highly gluggable cherry berry explosion that pairs well with that raise you busted your ass for. Chug away, you superstar.

Best Orange

Intellego Elementis

Yes, the goddess Chenin Blanc comes in this sexy hue. You: in a cozzie, new sunnies, and sipping a glass of this till further notice.

Best Canapé Pairing

FAT bastard The Golden Reserve

Summer red? Sure! This cabernet sauvignon / merlot blend has flavours of dark berry fruit and plum that pair well with canapés.

Best For Christmas Leftovers

Botanica Mary Delany Pinot Noir

This cherry and strawberry Pinot is the yin to your salty leftover turkey and stuffing yang. Because opposites do, in fact, attract. A hot take, and you’ll probs agree.

Best For Summer Braais

Leopard’s Leap Pinotage

Mostly due to its super-delish hints of pomegranate and raspberry sherbet. Sipped from a Solo cup, it’s summer sun in a glass.

Best For New Year’s Eve

Villa Esposto Muscat D’Alexandrie

This is quite literally liquid dessert and guaranteed to help you end the year (or any night) on a good note. Expect honey, fruity dessert wine goodness.

READ MORE: Mindful Drinking: How More And More People Are Becoming ‘Sober Curious’

The Best Wines Of 2023 For General Excellence

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Best Red

Paul Cluver Village Pinot Noir

When you need a solid hug substitute, this goes-with-everything Pinot Noir tastes like ripe plums, roasted spices and calling your mom.

Best Low-ABV

Spier 5.5% Chenin Blanc

Oh hey, it’s the answer to having super fun times and still waking up before noon. It tastes like tropical fruit, sunshine, and festivity sans hangover, of course.

Best Organic

Reyneke Organic Sauvignon Blanc

When that one friend who shops only at Wellness Warehouse swings by, pour them this. It’s a Sauvy B babe that’s just complex enough to leave you intrigued.

Best Canned

Buffelsfontein Wyntjie Steen 2022

This fruity sip that looks like the Tin Man but tastes sweet like Dorothy won’t spill in your backpack. It’s perfect for picnics or B.Y.O.B braais with friends and family.

Best Boxed

Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc

Pour a glass before a date, another on pasta night and a couple more when you want to escape to a beachside villa without leaving your couch. This is a classic for a reason.

Best Under R65

Alvi’s Drift Signature Chenin Blanc

Alvi’s Drift is that friend you know you can call up anytime and they’ll be there to make the day that much sweeter – always reliable, always incredible, never disappointing.

Best Under R130

Babylon’s Peak The Wedge Wines Grenache 2018

She’s low budget, but honestly, her blackberry and mocha notes demand a Lake Como boat ride and diamonds.

Best Find It Anywhere

Haute Cabrière Pierre Jourdan Tranquille

Whether you’re on a grocery run or being snobby in a local wine shop, you can always grab this vibrant classic.

Best Vegan

Van Loveren Four Cousins Skinny Red Wine Box

What, your vegan wine doesn’t come in a bag-in-a-box? It’s time to become a papsak princess. Extra points for lower alc and kJs.

READ MORE: 13 Simple Mocktails To Make This Year

The Best Wines Of 2023 For Situational Drinks

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Best For Roomie Skinder Sessions

Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé 2022

Nothing beats popping a beautiful bottle with your girls. And because shit-talking requires much fizzy, pinot-based fuel, this is an ideal third wheel for laughter-filled catch-ups.

Best For Getting In Your Feels

Hillcrest Estate Malbec

Christmas spices and dense dark berries will leave you wistful for holidays past. Best paired with a bubble bath followed by your fave comfort romcom.

Best For That Time Of The Month

Hartenberg Merlot Malbec

Science says red wine actually helps alleviate cramps. So pour yourself a glass, grab that hot water bottle and cheers the scientists who figured that one out.

Best For Girls’ Night

Da Luca Prosecco DOC

It’s high time to retire the “white or red?” table debate. They’re both flat. Grab this affordable bubbly instead and celebrate the women and mashed potatoes before ye.

Best For Office Parties

De Grendel Merlot

Small talk with your colleagues on a Thursday night? Enter this Merlot that’s still not as heavy as that awks convo with Sally from accounts you’ll never forget.

Best For Series Binges

Piekenierskloof Cinsault

The easy-drinking sipper you need while knee-deep in the drama of The Wife or Blood & Water. Enjoy with your fave salty snack (we like this local recipe).

Best For Sunday Scaries

Constantia Uitsig Natura Vista 2019

This full-bodied white blend is school night safe and has flavours of sweet melon and soft lime. Basically, it’s like doing yoga but yummier.

Best For A Veggie Braai With Family

Aaldering Estate Pinotage 2020

The raspberry, cherry and earthy flavours will pair perfectly with the smoky char of whatever delish veggie treat you’re braaing. No ribs or chops necessary.

Best For A Celebratory Splurge

Ken Forrester Dirty Little Secret Three

Want to splurge for a momentous occasion? The cellar exclusive wine will age beautifully for at least 10 years. This natural beauty makes a great wedding gift.

Kelleigh Korevaar

Kelleigh is the Managing Editor of Women’s Health. When she’s not convincing her colleagues to try the latest TikTok trends, you can find her planning a holiday that never leaves the group chat, binge-reading or eating her way through Cape Town. More