Wesgro, the official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, revealed the winners of the 2025 Best of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards, with the province’s vineyards taking first place, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Wesgro, as the custodian of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network for the province’s wine regions, continues to honour the remarkable achievements of wineries pushing innovation and quality in the wine tourism industry.
Great Wine Capitals established the 2025 Best of Wine Tourism Awards 26 years ago to showcase the rapid expansion of the worldwide wine tourism business. Wine tourism has emerged as a crucial engine of economic growth, thanks to rising demand from international tourists looking for authentic experiences. From vineyard tours and festivals to private wine tastings, the sector highlights the region’s rich wine tradition and culture.
‘Wine tourism is a vital part of South Africa’s economy, attracting visitors from across the globe to experience our vineyards, wineries and wine culture. It not only supports local businesses and communities but also boosts our reputation on the global stage. With 20 wine routes, the Western Cape is one of the most competitive wine tourism regions globally,’ said Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander.
According to South Africa Wine 2022 data, the wine tourism business contributes significantly to South Africa’s economy, generating about R9.3 billion per year and creating 40 108 jobs (directly and indirectly).
Recognising and promoting this industry, as well as increasing its marketing efforts, is critical for generating future economic growth and innovation.
Stander emphasised the importance of supporting the sector: ‘Our wineries and wine tourism experiences have been consistently recognised on the global stage. These awards are about acknowledging the pioneers who are pushing the boundaries of excellence, ensuring that we remain a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.’
2025 Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Award Winners:
- Accommodation
- Winner: Delaire Graff
- Runner-up: Brookdale Estate
- Culinary Experiences
- Winner: FABER at Avondale
- Runner-up: Rust en Vrede
- Wine Tourism Services
- Winner: Creation Wines
- Runner-up: Ernie Els
- Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices
- Winner: Creation Wines
- Runner-up: Jordan Wines
- Architecture & Landscape
- Winner: Babylonstoren
- Runner-up: Delaire Graff
- Art & Culture
- Winner: Spier Wine Farm
- Runner-up: Delaire Graff
- Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences
- Winner: Vergelegen Wine Estate
- Runner-up: Constantia Wine Walk
The Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards recognise wineries that go above and beyond in terms of winemaking excellence, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation, and providing tourists with unique, original experiences.
The 2025 Wine Tourism Ambassador Award Winners:
- The Wine Tourism Diversity Award
- Winner: Van Loveren
- The Authentic South African Experience Award
- Winner: A.A. Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein
- Runner-up: Muratie Wine Estate
- Conservation Pioneer Award
- Winner: Hartenberg Wine Estate
The rigorous selection procedure included a panel of experienced judges who made phantom site visits to ensure an unbiased appraisal of the chosen wineries. The winners were chosen based on the quality of their wine offerings, visitor experiences, sustainability initiatives, and overall excellence in wine tourism.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer said: ‘The wine industry plays a vital role in our economy, providing employment and showcasing our world-class wine offerings. These awards highlight the creativity and dedication of our wine producers, many of whom are setting the standard for excellence and sustainability in wine.’
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Picture: Supplied/Wesgro
