THE Cape Winelands’ iconic town of Stellenbosch and luxurious Stellenbosch property, Delaire Graff Estate, have both been nominated for coveted international awards. Wine Enthusiast Magazine, revered multi-channel wine marketer in New York, has recently announced that Stellenbosch is in the running for Wine Region of the Year, Delaire Graff Estate for Winery Experience of the Year, and Alheit Vineyards for New World Winery of the Year at the 20th annual Wine Star Awards.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 20th Wine Star Awards will take place during a black-tie dinner on 27 January 2020 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Yearly, Wine Enthusiast Magazine editors celebrate noteworthy achievements by individuals and companies making great strides on the international wine front. This year, South Africa clinched two nominations from only 16 categories.
“This nomination is a huge feather in our Stellenbosch cap and underlines our reputation and accomplished track record for longevity in this highly competitive industry. The Stellenbosch Wine Routes have been the pioneer of the South African wine industry for five decades and marketing ourselves to the international market has just received a huge helping hand,” says Elmarie Rabe, manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
“For Stellenbosch to be recognised in this way, is a huge honour. As a region and wine route, we continue to work tirelessly to promote and to position our award-winning wines and producers as a multi-faceted and world-class wine destination on a global scale. Nothing sells a place like the place itself and luckily for us, Stellenbosch has it all – not only exceptional wines, but excellent culinary offerings, spectacular landscapes and above all, tenacious people with amazing stories.”
Mike Ratcliffe, chairman of Stellenbosch Wine Routes, says Stellenbosch’s nomination as Wine Region of the Year is a reflection of its iconic status in the South African wine landscape. “It’s such a proud moment, not only for Stellenbosch Wine Routes, but for each and every individual committed to creating word-class South African wines and experiences.”
Winners were announced in Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 31 December 2019 Best of Year issue.
