LOOKING for a seamless experience from arrival to departure, a sense that the hosts know what you want before you want it and, above all, warm hospitality… Among the destinations in and around the winelands of South Africa honoured at the 2019 Wine & Food Tourism Conference outside Stellenbosch for offering outstanding, memorable tourist experiences, three were presented with trophies in recognition of person-to-person service excellence. The nominees were assessed for attitude, presentation, knowledge, flexibility and salesmanship.

Judging panel and conference convenor: Margie Biggs. Panel chair: Jean-Pierre Rossouw, publisher of Platter’s South African Wine Guide. Panel members: Horst Frehse (tourism and hospitality consultant), Gwynneth Matthews (conference specialist), André Morgenthal (wine marketer and communication consultant).

SERVICE EXCELLENCE WINNERS

WATERFORD ESTATE, Helderberg, Stellenbosch
A sense of place. The Wine and Chocolate Experience. A Wine Drive Safari to experience the top Waterford wines amongst the vineyards of their origin. The Porcupine Trail Wine Walks through vineyards and fynbos. Owned by Jeremy Ord (Chairman of Dimension Data), developed and managed by Kevin Arnold.

DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE, Helshoogte, Stellenbosch
Nestled between majestic mountains, the ultimate in luxury combined with a unique blend of South African hospitality. Outstanding restaurants, state-of-the-art winery, exclusive lodges, exuberant gardens, spa and boutiques. Jeweller and art collector Laurence Graff’s “piece of paradise”.

LEEU COLLECTION, Franschhoek
Various luxury accommodation options including Leeu House and La Quartier Français. Spa and gym. Innovative cuisine. Special Mullineux & Leeu wine tasting room experience. Tuk Tuk microbewery. Exceptional art collection. Landscaped gardens. Max Group Founder Chairman Emeritus Analjit Singh’s vision of sophisticated escapes and unique guest experiences.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE NOMINATIONS

@ Four Cousins, Tasting Room & Restaurant, Robertson
Black Oystercatcher Wines, Elim
Creation Wines Tasting Room
De Grendel Wines, Panorama, Cape Town
Delaire Graff Estate, Helshoogte, Stellenbosch
Hazendal Wine Estate, Bottelary, Stellenbosch
Kloovenburg Wine & Olives, Riebeek Kasteel
Kunjani Wines, Restaurant & Villas, Stellenbosch
La Motte, Franschhoek
Leeu Collection, Franschhoek
Prana Lodge
Van Loveren Family Vineyards, Robertson
Waterford Estate, Helderberg, Stellenbosch

OTHER CATEGORY WINNERS

INNOVATION

• Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
• Fryer’s Cove, Doringbaai
• Spice Route Destination, Paarl

AUTHENTIC SA EXPERIENCE

• Grootbos Nature Reserve, Gansbaai
• La Motte, Franschhoek
• Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor, Cradock