The Cape Town-Cape Winelands partnership celebrated its annual ‘Best Of Wine Tourism’ awards ceremony on December 4. The overall winner was Delaire Graff Estate, which also received an International ‘Best Of’ award at a ceremony held during the closing ceremony of the Annual General Meeting of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network in Bilbao, Spain.
2016 Cape Town Best of Wine Tourism Awards
The regional winners are:
Wine Tourism Restaurants:
Delaire Graff Restaurant
Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch, 7600
Phone: +27 21 885 8160
Email: info@delaire.co.za
www.delaire.co.za
Delaire Graff Estate believes their dining experience is an expression of the seasons, where classic bistro favourites are served with the finest South African touches. Their story is simple; the best food starts with the best ingredients. Overlooking a sea of vineyards and olive groves planted on the Simonsberg Mountain; views from the terrace span all the way into the Banghoek Valley. Inside, the David Collins Studio designed interiors include curving orange leather banquettes and handpicked art. Find bistro favourites and enjoy a reflection of flavour, from a bespoke olive oil blend using olives grown and pressed within the valley, to home-baked breads made with only stoneground flour. Michael Deg, Head Chef at Delaire Graff Restaurant, is a passionate South African. Michael’s style beautifully complements the philosophy of Delaire Graff Restaurant, renowned for its ‘bistro chic’ cuisine featuring fresh and vibrant flavours. Guests can expect beautifully presented, yet simple dishes, on the inspired menu with only the finest ingredients from local farmers and the surrounding areas.
Art & Culture:
Delaire Graff Estate
The art collection has been a lifelong passion of owner Laurence Graff, who continues to discover promising South African artists. The stunning interiors at the Estate have been designed around some of the private works on display and incorporate the rich natural and cultural heritage of the winelands, resulting in a beautiful synergy of art and space. South Africa’s diverse heritage is reflected in the art at Delaire Graff Estate: Lionel’s Smit’s African Woman in the Tasting Lounge echoes the subtle palette and natural hues used in the sophisticated setting, while signature Dylan Lewis cheetahs grace the Estate’s landscape. Works by Vladimir Tretchikoff, Deborah Bell, Sidney Kumalo, Fred Schimmel, Durant Sihlali and Cecil Skotnes adorn the walls, while guests at the Lodge will particularly enjoy Stephane Graff and the intensity of Ndikumbule Ngqinambi’s work. Guided walks are available and guests can explore the incredible contemporary collection for themselves throughout the Estate as the pieces are incorporated into the gardens, restaurants, accommodation and winery, transforming Delaire Graff Estate into an unrivalled artistic and cultural experience.
Regional winner:
Villiera Wines, Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices
Corner of R304 and R101, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch, 7605
Phone: +27 21 865 2002
Email: wine@villiera.com
Web: www.villiera.com
Villiera is a 400 ha property with 180 ha planted vineyards and 200 ha set aside in a Wildlife Sanctuary.
At Villiera, visitors are shown sustainability at work. During the conducted wildlife drive, visitors will see the solar panel system producing electricity, the Owethu Clinic, the pre-school and after school care facilities, the tree planting project and Wildlife Sanctuary. Villiera’s primary function is wine production and sales, but through sustainability projects, Villiera cater for non-wine drinkers and children. They afford a unique opportunity in educating visitors regarding social responsibility, environment practices and their wine business.
Regional winner:
La Motte Estate, Wine Tourism Service
R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley, 7650
Phone: +27 21 876 8000
Email: info@la-motte.co.za
Web: www.la-motte.com
La Motte Estate is situated in one of the most scenic areas of the Cape Winelands – the Franschhoek Valley. Amongst its special attributes are a wine tasting room with unique characteristics, a restaurant offering regional cuisine, an experience in art and culture, i.e. monthly music concerts and art exhibitions, a museum and farm shop, all contributing to an entertaining and educational winelands experience. Sustainably farmed with a romantic historic ambiance and warm, efficient and professional service to ensure visitors have a wonderful experience.
Regional Winner:
Cavalli Wine & Stud Farm, Architecture & Landscapes
Strand Rd (R44) Somerset West, 7129
Phone: +27 21 855 3218
Email: info@cavallistud.com
Web: http://cavallistud.com
Cavalli was born from a family’s love for Horses, Wine, Art and Cuisine. All architecture and design at Cavalli is informed by a drive to be sustainable and to establish a benchmark for environmental and energy efficiency. The prevailing identity of the estate is both about its context within the ‘winelands’ as well as within the ‘Cape floral kingdom’ and being custodians of the land. Several hectares of the estate were rehabilitated as an indigenous garden meant to encourage biodiversity in the winelands and has achieved several accolades in a short time. Cavalli is a pilot project with the Green Building Council (GBCSA) to be the first Green star-rated restaurant/exhibition space in the country. Guests are surprised to find the Commercial Gallery, a hidden gem below ground. The 600 square metre art gallery has a stretched translucent ceiling backlit by LEDs, conceptualized to simulate daylight, showcasing rotating exhibitions of visiting curators, alongside a permanent exhibition of other notable works from the Cavalli Estate Private Collection.
Regional Winner:
Creation Wines, Innovative Wine Tourism Experience
Hemel en Aarde Road, R320, Hermanus, 7200
Phone: +27 28 212 1107
Email: info@creationwines.com
Web: www.creationwines.com
Taking pride of place on the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Creation is more than a wine estate, it is a glorious destination. Among the many tourist attractions are exciting excursions through the vineyards and guided tours of the modern production and maturation cellars. The welcoming ambience of the tasting venue allows for relaxed, informal tasting whilst absorbing the splendid views. At Creation every dawn brings an exciting new challenge and innovation is a way of life. This trendsetting spirit has shaped the Creation vision, leading to unique ‘firsts’ within its wine portfolio as well as among its tourism offerings. In combining winemaking showmanship with culinary artistry, gorgeous flavours with irresistible textures, the Creation team enjoys an enviable reputation for its pioneering and ever-evolving wine and food pairings. At present its pairing menu features no less than eight thrilling options to welcome and delight visitors.
Regional Winner:
Boschendal Estate, Accommodation
Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek, 7690
Phone: +27 21 870 4274
Email: accommodation@boschendal.co.za
Web: www.boschendal.co.za
Boschendal interprets the traditional farm stay in style, with 22 fully renovated and restored farm workers’ cottages, sparing no luxury or comfort. With the emphasis on stylish simplicity, the cottages retain their rural charm despite incorporating every creature comfort imaginable, from massive bathrooms with walk in showers to Le Creuset-equipped kitchens. Many of the cottages were originally designed by Sir Herbert Baker, including Rhodes Cottage at the foot of the Simonsberg. Boschendal is well known for its award winning wines and growing reputation as a farm to table food destination in the Cape Winelands. Guests staying in the cottages have privileged access to the entire farm and are able to savour the best of farm and wine estate living.
About the Great Wine Capitals Global Network
Founded in 1999, the Great Wine Capitals Global Network is an alliance of eight internationally renowned wine regions – Bordeaux, France; Cape Town|Cape Winelands, South Africa; Mainz|Rheinhessen, Germany; Mendoza, Argentina; Porto, Portugal; Bilbao|Rioja, Spain; San Francisco|Napa Valley, USA and Valparaiso|Casablanca Valley, Chile.
The Best Of Wine Tourism awards serve as an industry benchmark for excellence and recognize leading wineries and wine-tourism related businesses within each Great Wine Capital that have distinguished themselves in areas such as innovation, service and sustainable practices. For more information visit www.greatwinecapitals.com.
