The Cape Winelands took 3 spots in the inaugural World’s Best Vineyards list. One even bagged the title of Best Vineyard in Africa.
The list aims to recognize the best places in the world to taste wine and learn about how it is made.
An academy made up of over 500 wine aficionados, sommeliers and luxury travel agents were selected for their expert knowledge on the international wine and wine tourism industry.
Each geographical region of the world had an appointed Academy Chair. Their responsibility was to gather 36 individuals with expert knowledge on the local wine scene to nominate their top seven vineyard experiences.
Each voter could nominate up to three vineyards inside their voting region and 4 from outside this region.
They were tasked with voting for their best wine experiences. They considered the restaurant, tours, atmosphere, staff, setting, price, reputation and accessibility.
Here are our winners:
Vergelegen Estate at no.34, the best vineyard in Africa.
The Somerset West vineyard was praised for its protection of Cape heritage, it’s fine Bordeaux varieties and its array of wine tourism options such as tastings with experienced staff and daily cellar tours.
The academy said that it ‘…is a classic example of that special brand of sun-drenched luxury wine experience in which the Western Cape specialises, with an extensive heritage display, a beautifully preserved homestead, 17 gardens, three restaurants and an array of fascinating tours to keep you busy on your visit.’
Delaire Graff Estate at no.39, tied with France’s Château Mouton Rothschild
This Stellenbosch winery was praised for its sweeping views of Table Mountain, the pan-Asian cuisine of its Indo-chine restaurant and its luxury accommodation. Its wines were described as ‘…some of the most vibrant and refined wines in the Cape Winelands.’
‘Is this heaven? Delaire Graff’s location high up on the valley pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and the sensation that ascending up to the estate through such a jaw-droppingly beautiful landscape provides, might certainly fool some into thinking so.’
Creation Wines at no.45
The Hemel-en-Aarde winery was praised for their cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as their seven food and wine pairing menus.
The pairing menus range from a brunch pairing to a chocolate pairing. The ‘Story of Creation Pairing’ changes every quarter to a new theme.
Add in music events, art exhibitions, food and wine festivals and competitions and one can easily see why the academy believes this vineyard truly lives up to its name.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtFpJrpnb_7/
For the full list of winners, click here.
Image: Vergelegen Estate.
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