Our Story.




Welcome to SAWi founded in 2006 by Izak Smit—wine author, diplomat, and co-author of South African Wines: Terroir & Travel — to bring clarity and credibility to a crowded wine world.
Back then, a single gold sticker could sell a bottle. But real excellence, he knew, had to be repeatable. SAWi set a standard rooted in data, not opinion.

Now with support from nearly 400 wineries and over 730 certified wines annually, SAWi has grown into a national benchmark trusted by collectors,
sommeliers, and producers alike.

Our Method
Our Vision
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Follow us.
Challenge us.
Work with us.


We’d love to hear from you. 
Whether you're: 


A winery
| looking to understand your score
A sommelier
| aiming to stock the very best wines
A private collector | seeking help curating your cellar
A restaurant
| hoping to earn a place on
the SAWi Restaurateur Portfolio