ENTRIES FOR BEST OF WINE TOURISM AWARDS NOW OPEN

Calling wine producers, wine experiences and wineries in the Western Cape to enter the Great Wine Capital’s Best of Wine Tourism and Ambassador Awards 2023.

The highlight of my week is always prerecording my weekly radio show, FMR Fine Foods, which airs every Saturday on Fine Music Radio at 10h45. It’s even better when I interview someone who is equally passionate about wine, food – and in this case – the Western Cape! Monika Iuel, Chief Destination Officer for Wesgro, outlined how The Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards celebrates innovation and excellence in wine tourism throughout the greatest wine regions of the world:

There is a breadth and depth of unique wine experiences to be enjoyed across the Western Cape, with 22 wine routes to explore. Our regions offer unique wine experiences competing with some of the best on a global scale, and our province is one of the top wine producers in the world. Therefore, we encourage all Western Cape wineries and wine tourism experiences to apply for this year’s Best of Wine Tourism and Ambassador Awards.

CELEBRATING INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

Throughout the greatest wine regions of the world, this annual international competition is designed to reward the wineries in each of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network’s member cities for their excellence. There are seven different categories, namely:  Accommodation; Wine Tourism Restaurants; Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices; Architecture & Landscape; Art & Culture; Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences and Wine Tourism Services.

Not only does this award programme position the Western Cape as a world-class wine destination, it also offers winners invaluable media coverage and credibility. The winners will also be included in an annual global marketing campaign financed by Great Wine Capitals.

CELEBRATING ONGOING TRANSFORMATION

Our country’s unique history demands that there should be additional awards. The WWF Pioneer Award, which celebrates culture and heritage, as well as those leaders making innovative efforts to ensure sustainability and conservation in the field is sponsored by WWF South Africa with funding provided by Pamela and Neville Isdell. It emphasises the critical role of eco and social-sustainability in the development and execution of a new generation of relevant and competitive tourism offerings.

BE ACKNOWLEDGED AS AN AMBASSADOR

The Ambassador awards are: The Wine Tourism Diversity Award, the Authentic South African Experience Award and the WWF Conservation Pioneer Award. Wesgro’s CEO, Wrenelle Stander urges you to enter:

“I encourage all our wine tourism operators to seize this opportunity and enter. Share our winemaking craft, culture and experiences with visitors from across the globe.”

HOW TO ENTER

Entry fee is R575 including VAT, per category. Only one of the conservation awards may be entered at a time. Follow the link https://www.bestofwinetourism.co.za/home/ for more information about the application process and to apply. The deadline for submissions is 5 August 2022.

What an amazing opportunity for you to put your business on the map. I’m looking forward to interviewing the judges and winners on future Fine Food shows. Stay tuned!