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Porcupine Ridge wines is thrilled to announce the return of the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge 2025, launching September 1 and running for eight flavour-packed weeks across South Africa.

Now entering its fifth year, the Pizzeria Challenge celebrates the vibrant and ever-evolving world of South African pizza culture. It invites the public to vote for their favourite local pizzerias, shining a spotlight on passionate chefs, unique flavours and the unmatched combination of pizza and Porcupine Ridge wine.

Beyond being a hotly contested showdown, the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge is also a platform to support and uplift South Africa’s food industry – from small, independent eateries and longstanding local favourites to ambitious newcomers and nationwide franchises.

“We’re proud to champion restaurants and pizzerias that bring people together with great food and warm hospitality,” says Porcupine Ridge’s Lynton Kaiser. “This campaign is our way of celebrating the heart and soul of South African casual dining, and the delicious synergy between pizza and Porcupine Ridge.”

Last year’s challenge saw record-breaking participation, with thousands of votes pouring in from pizza lovers across the country. 2025 is shaping up to be even more exciting, with returning favourites and a fresh wave of challengers entering the fray.

The 2024 competition crowned Bardelli’s Restaurant (Kenilworth, Cape Town) as the national champion. The beloved local spot made a remarkable comeback after being forced to close for nine months in 2023 due to a fire. Their return – and win – was a true testament to resilience, community support and quality pizza.

Ferdinando’s Pizza in Observatory (2022 winner, 4th place in 2023) clinched second place, while Oukraal Restaurant in Potchefstroom took third. The remaining Top 10 featured a spread of standout establishments across the country: Julia’s Eatalian (Potchefstroom); Corlie’s Italian (Somerset West); Toni’s Fully Furnished Pizza Co. (Pretoria); Gino’s (Stellenbosch); Fochville Coffee & Bistro (Fochville); Al Pescatore (Ballito) and Fat Harrys (Kenilworth).

“What was wonderful about last year’s challenge was the incredible provincial diversity,” says Kaiser. “It was truly a national competition, and 2025 is gearing up to be even more representative – with familiar names returning and fresh contenders signing up to take part.”

How it works: Any restaurant in South Africa that makes and sells pizza and holds a valid liquor license can enter. Participating pizzerias must feature at least two Porcupine Ridge wines (a red and a white or rosé); display in-venue promotional material (POS packs, tent cards, stickers); and encourage diners to vote via QR codes or the official site: https://votepizza.wine/.

Voting is open to the public from September 1 to October 31, with each voter allowed up to 10 votes per email address.

So what’s up for grabs? For restaurants, the rewards are delicious, with the winning pizzeria receiving bragging rights, a bespoke winner’s paddle, Porcupine Ridge marketing collateral and wine valued at R40 000 as well as R900 in vouchers and three cases of wine to award to their waiting staff. Those restaurants placed second and third are also awarded Porcupine Ridge marketing collateral, wine and vouchers for their top-performing team members,

For voters, there’s even more to celebrate, including weekly prizes of a case of Porcupine Ridge wine and EarthFire pizza accessories. At the close of the challenge, a grand prize winner will be chosen and will take home an EarthFire Tabletop Pizza Oven, a year’s worth of pizza from their favourite finalist (up to R2 000), and five cases of Porcupine Ridge wine – a total prize value of almost R10 000.

The Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge is more than just a battle for crust supremacy – it’s a celebration of culinary creativity, community connection and the shared joy of food and wine.

Whether you run a pizza joint or just crave your next margherita, the 2025 challenge invites you to take part in a national movement that unites South Africans – one slice and one vote at a time.

So mark your calendar, rally your favourite restaurant and get ready to support local. The Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge 2025 has begun!

For more details and to vote, visit: https://votepizza.wine