Banele Vakele of Tembela Wines is among the most exciting Young Guns to come out of SA. Just named the best overall winner in the Winemag Next Generation Awards 2026, his Chenin and Syrah are on track to become some of the country’s finest examples.
Banele’s 2025 Syrah hails from the Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch – one of South Africa’s most distinctive terroirs, especially for New World Syrah. This is a seductive wine with tapenade, dark fruit perfume and ‘impeccably managed tannins’ (Winemag). Limited quantities are available, so tuck in while you can.
Made for serious Chenin aficionados, the Tembela Chenin Blanc 2025 is exceptionally fine, fragrant and layered, filling the senses with orange blossom, stone fruit and grapefruit zest. Banele seeks out the best old-vine fruit from Stellenbosch and Darling, producing an age-worthy Chenin with concentration and energy. It will go the distance but is also absolutely delicious right now.
Having been Duncan Savage’s right-hand man for 7 years, Banele has shown incredible growth with every release. Now standing alone, this independent winemaker is ‘a name to watch’ (Tim Atkin MW).
*Winemag Next Generation Awards 2026 is a competition that aims to identify and showcase South Africa’s best young winemaking talent.
Tasting Notes:
‘From two Polkadraai Hills vineyards. 80% whole-bunch fermented. Matured for 10 months in old 500-litre barrels. On the nose, a floral top note precedes dark berries and pepper while the palate shows great structure – pure fruit, fresh acidity and impeccably managed tannins.’ – Winemag Next Generation Awards 2026, 94/100
‘Perfumed and inviting on the nose, with a mélange of blue and dark fruit—rich cherries and cranberry notes—lifted by purple florals, subtle charcoal and a gentle cocoa accent. The nose offers fresh, ripe fruit in a medium bodied frame, with a suggestion of sweetness on entry that quickly gives way to a drier, more powdery finish. Well made and charming in style, its a wine that celebrates a more modern style of Syrah.’ – Winemaker
Tembela Wines Chenin Blanc 2025
‘This wine has a rich, bright colour and an inviting aroma of flowers, lemongrass, fresh herbs, and a hint of blossom, with stone fruit underneath and a faint chalky note. On the palate, it feels full and smooth without being heavy, with ripe, sun-warmed fruit, a touch of creaminess, a slight saltiness and a silky texture. The oak aging adds depth and roundness in the background without being obvious. The finish is clean and lasting, with flavours of candied lemon and a hint of orange zest. Overall, this is a well-crafted, modern Chenin Blanc that manages to feel both generous and restrained at the same time.’ – Winemaker
