SA vineyards among the best in the world Posted on 12 July 2019 Tags:Cape Winelands, Hemel-en-aarde, Somerset West, Stellenbosch, vineyard, winelands 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.’ View this post on Instagram History and heritage spanning over 300 years. #Vergelegen A post shared by Vergelegen Wine Estate (@vergelegen_wine_estate) on Apr 25, 2019 at 1:30am PDT View this post on Instagram One of the new dishes coming to The Stables for winter. Mussels with a coconut chili and ginger infused broth. #Vergelegen A post shared by Vergelegen Wine Estate (@vergelegen_wine_estate) on May 14, 2019 at 7:21am PDT View this post on Instagram Another incredible sighting of one of the beautiful healthy Cape Mountain Leopards which traverse the Estate. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Can you spot the winery? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #Vergelegen #Capeleopardtrust A post shared by Vergelegen Wine Estate (@vergelegen_wine_estate) on Dec 7, 2018 at 5:12am PST 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.’ View this post on Instagram Luxury in each detail. * Refined and elegant the Superior Lodges at Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa, offer the perfect Winelands escape with expansive views overlooking the Stellenbosch Valley. #DelaireGraffEstate #JeweloftheCapeWinelands #relaischateaux #views A post shared by Delaire Graff Estate (@delairegraff) on Jun 24, 2019 at 2:24am PDT View this post on Instagram Pristine perfection. • #delairegraff #jewelofthecapewinelands #relaischateaux #dylanlewis A post shared by Delaire Graff Estate (@delairegraff) on Jan 26, 2019 at 7:34am PST View this post on Instagram Where global flavors meet local inspiration. • Chilli Pickled Tuna – watermelon, ginger salmon floss, Thai basil, coriander, caramelised onion & garlic, roe. #delairegraff #jewelofthecapewinelands #relaischateaux #indochinerestaurant A post shared by Delaire Graff Estate (@delairegraff) on Apr 14, 2019 at 4:18am PDT 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. View this post on Instagram Creation Tasting Room will open at 07h30 on Monday morning for @CapeEpic spectators, serving the celebratory Elation Méthode Cap Classique, freshly baked croissants, coffee and tea. Arrive early! #capeepic #capeepic2019 #lovecreationwines #champagnebreakfast #bubbly #methodecapclassique #creationelation #schoolholidays #family A post shared by Creation (@creationwines) on Mar 16, 2019 at 1:35am PDT View this post on Instagram A post shared by Creation (@creationwines) on Dec 12, 2018 at 10:52pm PST https://www.instagram.com/p/BtFpJrpnb_7/ View this post on Instagram We just love the sculptures in our garden! #artandwine #hermanusfynarts #hemelenaarde #Repost @nanetteranger ・・・ "The Weavers", one of my sculptures exhibited at Creation Wines, is woven from Black Wattle Bark-an invasive species of tree being eradicated from the rivers on the farm. #Art #sculptures #hermanusfynarts #artinvestment #conservation A post shared by Creation (@creationwines) on Jan 30, 2019 at 4:26am PST For the full list of winners, click here. Image: Vergelegen Estate. Related Posts A South African summer with a Caribbean Twist 22 November 2022 South Africans more than deserve laid-back days in the sun this summer. Caribbean Twist is the... read more 10 coffee shops to visit in Johannesburg 1 November 2022 Finding the best coffee shops in Johannesburg can be tricky. We’ve put together a list... read more Celebrity chefs will fire up a custom-built kitchen at Decorex Joburg 20 July 2022 It’s going to be hot in the concept kitchen at Decorex Joburg this year as... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
A South African summer with a Caribbean Twist 22 November 2022 South Africans more than deserve laid-back days in the sun this summer. Caribbean Twist is the... read more
10 coffee shops to visit in Johannesburg 1 November 2022 Finding the best coffee shops in Johannesburg can be tricky. We’ve put together a list... read more
Celebrity chefs will fire up a custom-built kitchen at Decorex Joburg 20 July 2022 It’s going to be hot in the concept kitchen at Decorex Joburg this year as... read more