In an era of globalisation, the wine industry has become a worldwide phenomenon. Amidst this landscape, the Great Wine Capitals Global Network has emerged as a community of global cities linked by their connection to internationally renowned wine regions. Established in 1999, the network exists to link cities connected to great wine regions to sustain the health and prosperity of their wine-related industries, communities, and tourism.
The network facilitates the sharing of knowledge, ideas, and experiences, stimulates business and innovation, and provides a platform for collaboration on challenges and opportunities. Today, it comprises 12 world renowned wine regions from both the northern and southern hemispheres, spanning the old and new worlds of wine.
The Best Of Wine Tourism Awards: A Mark of Excellence
The Best Of Wine Tourism Awards are a prestigious initiative by the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, celebrating excellence and innovation within the wine tourism industry across the world’s most renowned wine regions. These awards serve as a beacon of recognition for wineries that go above and beyond to offer unique, high-quality experiences for visitors, and are instrumental in shaping the future of wine tourism globally. The competition is held annually, with each of the twelve member cities of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network participating. The cities involved are some of the most famous wine regions in both the northern and southern hemispheres, representing the old and new worlds of wine. The competition recognises wineries in several categories, including accommodation, wine tourism services, sustainable wine tourism practices, and innovative experiences.
In 2023, eleven global winners were unveiled, demonstrating an impressive range of offerings from diverse regions. Winners included Babylonstoren, Vergelegen, Creation Wines, Bosman Herman and Weltevrede, which stood out with their unique approach to wine tourism.
Moreover, the awards have already begun to prepare for their next iteration, with the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards 2024. This continued commitment to rewarding and promoting innovation and excellence in wine tourism ensures that the industry continues to evolve, offering novel and engaging experiences for wine enthusiasts worldwide.
The impact of these awards extends beyond mere recognition. Winning this accolade can dramatically increase a winery’s visibility, enhance its reputation, and potentially drive a significant uptick in visitor numbers. Hence, the Awards not only celebrate the achievements of wineries but also contribute to their ongoing success and the overall growth of the wine tourism industry.
Weltevrede Wine Estate: Innovators in Wine Tourism
Among the recent winners of the Best Of Wine Tourism Award, and People’s Choice Award, is Weltevrede Wine Estate. Nestled within the heart of South Africa’s Winelands, Weltevrede offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.
With a rich legacy dating back to 1912, this family-run vineyard’s passion for perfection is evident in each exquisite sip. Their wine portfolio is vast, with a special focus on Chardonnay and Cap Classique. Their relentless pursuit of innovation has led to a new collection of these wines, further elevating their stature in the industry.
A Symphony of Experiences
Weltevrede offers visitors a myriad of unique experiences. The ‘Captivated by Chardonnay’ tour takes guests on a journey through the world of Chardonnay, allowing them to delve into the rich history of wine and explore the unique terroir of the Robertson Valley.
In contrast, the ‘Captivated by Cap Classique’ experience immerses visitors in the global celebration of Cap Classique, offering a taste of Weltevrede’s latest Philip Jonker Brut offerings. Additionally, guests can unleash their inner vintner with the ‘Create Cap Classique’ experience, crafting a unique bottle of sparkling wine to take home.
The gastronomic journey continues at Kapokbos Restaurant, where every morsel and every sip promise to orchestrate a harmonious symphony of flavours.
As a beacon of innovative wine tourism in South Africa’s Winelands, Weltevrede continues to charm visitors with its storied history, superior wines, and warm hospitality. Their recent Best Of Wine Tourism Award is testament to their commitment to providing an unforgettable journey that weaves together the threads of art, culture, and the captivating narrative of fine wines.
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network and its Best Of Wine Tourism Awards serve as powerful catalysts for promoting wine tourism and stimulating local economies. They provide a platform for estates like Weltevrede to shine, showcasing the best the world’s wine regions have to offer.
