In a milestone 25th edition of the Great Wine Capitals Best Of Wine Tourism Awards (BOWTA) the recipients for the year 2024 were revealed at an esteemed awards ceremony held at the picturesque Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate in Hermanus.
These accolades stand as a testament to the exceptional wineries located in each of the member cities within the Great Wine Capitals Global Network. They acknowledge and celebrate the excellence of these establishments across seven diverse categories, encompassing fields such as art, culture, and sustainable wine tourism.
The primary purpose of these awards is to honour and applaud the spirit of innovation and excellence in the realm of wine tourism throughout the Western Cape.
Wesgro, the official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, is the custodian of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network membership on behalf of the wine tourism regions of the province
A total of 81 wine estates across the Western Cape entered the Great Wine Capitals Best Of Wine Tourism Awards 2024, all showcasing how they are elevating their wine tourism experiences for visitors, illustrating their region’s rich culture, history, and wine heritage, and demonstrating their innovation and sustainability efforts.
The judging process entailed an in-depth review process, with applicants being evaluated and shortlisted based on their submitted application forms. The final decision was then made by a total of thirteen judges – a panel of seven wine tourism expert judges, three Wine Tourism Ambassador Award judges and three roving judges.
To ensure a fair and thorough assessment, the expert judges conducted ghost site visits to all shortlisted wineries, allowing for an unbiased evaluation of the wine tourism experiences offered by each nominee.
At the end of September, the panel of expert judges and roving judges convened to present their findings and determine the winners in each category. The process involved a careful consideration of various factors, including the quality of wine offerings, visitor experiences, sustainability initiatives, and overall excellence in wine tourism.
The winners in the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards for 2024 are:
Accommodation
Winner: Brookdale Estate
Wine Tourism Restaurants
Winner: Jordan Wines
Wine Tourism Services
Winner: Creation Wines
Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices
Winner: Vergelegen Wine Estate
Architecture & Landscape
Winner: Ernie Els Wines
Art & Culture
Winner: Creation Wines
Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences
Winner: Benguela Cove
Recognising excellence in the wine tourism industry, the Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards are designed to celebrate ongoing transformation, innovative sustainable practices, and authentic experiences in the South African wine tourism sector.
These awards reflect South Africa’s unique history and its evolving wine industry:
The Wine Tourism Diversity Award
Winner: Van Loveren
The Authentic South African Experience Award
Winner: Leopard’s Leap
Conservation Pioneer Award
Winner: Delheim Wine Estate
“The Western Cape’s wine tourism industry exemplifies the spirit of innovation, sustainability and commitment to excellence, making the province a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts from around the world, commented Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander.
Not only are the Cape winelands some of the most breathtakingly beautiful in the world but they go beyond conventional practices to produce our internationally acclaimed wines, from picturesque landscapes to organic farming methods and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the 2024 winners for their exceptional efforts in providing outstanding experiences to our visitors and leading the charge in wine production integrity,” added Stander.
Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said: “Western Cape wine tourism continues to be recognised globally as some of the best in the world. More than this, our wineries strive to embrace sustainable practices as well as celebrate their diverse heritage, adding exciting elements to their product offerings. I would like to congratulate each and every nominee and winner of this year’s Best Of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards, who raise the bar and push the boundaries of wine tourism excellence in this incredible province.”
“Year after year, the Best Of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards continue to demonstrate the continuous growth and evolution of the wine tourism industry in the Western Cape and around the world. Wineries across the province have showcased their dedication to innovation and excellence in wine tourism by participating in these awards, and I wish to convey my sincere congratulations to all the winners and the industry at large for their continued dedication and support”, said Wesgro Executive Responsible for Tourism and BOWTA Ambassador, Monika Luel.