Raising a toast to best of SA’s wine tourism

Wine tourism

Cape Town – The best in South Africa’s wine tourism industry were celebrated at the 2025 Best of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards on Thursday, 17 October 2024.

The luxury Delaire Graff Estate on the outskirts of Stellenbosch walked away with the award in the accommodation category, and was runner-up in two categories – art and culture and architecture and landscaping, according to a report on Bizcommunity.

Another multiple winner was Creation Wines – in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom on the Hemel-en-Aarde ridge near Hermanus  –  took away first place in the wine tourism services and sustainable wine practices categories.

Creation’s co-founder, Caroline Martin, posted about the estate’s double triumph on social media, saying: ‘Wine tourism plays a pivotal role in our region’s economy’.

According to the Western Cape provincial government, wine is the third-most significant export product of the provincial economy,  contributing 6,5% to the value of exports from the province.

FABER at Avondale in Paarl walked away with the coveted award for best culinary experience with Rust en Vrede in the Helderberg as runner-up.

‘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 Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, the province’s tourism agency, which champions the awards.

CapeTownETC reports that awards were introduced 26 years ago  by the Great Wine Capitals Global Network to highlight the growing global wine tourism business.

Among the winners of the 2025 Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards, which recognise wineries that go the extra mile in terms of winemaking excellence, showcasing their sustainability and innovation and  providing tourists with original experiences, are Van Loveren; AA Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein; and Hartenberg.

The full list of 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 2025 Wine Tourism Ambassador Award

  • 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

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