WeeklySA_AdminLANDSCAPE: SA’s Creation winery among Top 50 wine destinations honoured for 2024, for providing unforgettable experiences, and promoting wine culture…
By WSAM Reporter
This year, the top spot in the World’s Best Vineyards went to an internationally acclaimed Spain winery – Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal from Rioja – with South Africa’s boutique wine farm Creation scooping third place and also declared the best winery in Africa.
Marqués de Riscal, established in 1858, is known for its amazing wines but also its iconic architecture as well as a luxurious hotel overlooking the vines, which also pampers visitors with a sublime wine paired dinner at its internationally renowned restaurant featuring exquisite local cuisine. It was also named the Best Vineyard in Europe
VIK winery from Chile bagged 2nd on the World’s Top 50 Best Vineyards 2024 list, and also claimed the Best Vineyard in South America with its sleek, futuristic design of a reflective titanium roof that mirrors the surrounding landscape, blending harmoniously with the natural beauty of the valley. As well as vineyard tours and wine tastings, visitors can also explore the grounds on horseback.
Each year, this prestigious list of the Top 50 vineyard experiences around the globe is curated from the nominations of 500 international travel and wine tourism experts.
South Africa’s magnificent winery, Creation, is situated in the Cape Winelands coastal town of Hermanus, and is surrounded by fynbos-clad mountains and rivers. The winery was recognised for crafting gourmet tasting menus that complement its wines perfectly. Creation also offers an educational insight into the winemaking process and vineyard management for wine enthusiasts who wish to delve deeper into the world of wine.
Reacting to the news, Carolyn Martin, co-founder and marketing director of Creation. “This award is a great honour and an acknowledgement of the journey we began over 20 years ago.
“While we knew instinctively that nature would be our guiding force in making fine wines, it was soon clear that to fulfil our dream of becoming the most loved and most innovative estate in the country, we would need to embrace every aspect of what it means to be truly sustainable,” she added.
Guests to the estate’s Tasting Room are immediately immersed in nature from the moment that they arrive and are encouraged to explore trails around the Hemel-en-Aarde wine valley estate and experience the world of Creation with imaginative menus. The awards, held at the picturesque Nyetimber Estate in West Sussex, England, at an event attended by winemakers and vineyard owners from around the globe. Key highlights from the awards ceremony were:
• Spain had the most vineyards in the top 10 this year with three vineyards in the top 10, two of which are from Rioja. Overall, it had eight vineyards in the top 50.
• France and Germany both had two entrants in the top 10 and France also had eight vineyards in the top 50. Half of France’s top vineyards are Champagne houses, including Maison Ruinart (number six), Champagne Bollinger (number 12), Champagne Billecart-Salmon (number 27) and Maison Pommery (number 47).
• There were 28 vineyards from Europe in this year’s list, 12 from South America, three from North America, three from Asia, two from Africa, and two from Australasia.
• The World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winners also included Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, United States for North America, D’Arenberg in the McLaren Vale wine region of Australia for Australasia and Château Héritage in Lebanon for Asia.
• This year, Catena Zapata, World’s Best Vineyard 2023, entered the World’s Best Vineyards Hall of Fame, which is reserved for vineyards that have topped the winning list in previous years.
Andrew Reed, Managing Director Wine and Exhibitions at William Reed, said: “We are thrilled to unveil the World’s Best Vineyards 2024, celebrating the finest vineyards across the globe.
“This annual ranking recognises the unique experiences that these vineyards offer, from stunning landscapes and rich histories to extraordinary restaurants and vineyard tours. The Top 50 vineyards exemplify excellence, innovation, and a commitment to quality, guiding wine enthusiasts to explore both hidden gems and renowned estates.” – Additionally reporting by Len Maseko
EVENTS
JOBURG WINE & SPIRITS FEST
The two-day International Spirits & Wine Festival opens in Johannesburg from today until tomorrow – for the first time in the golden city.
The festival had successful runs in Durban and Cape Town in the past two weeks, and a bigger showing is expected at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec Road this afternoon until midnight.
Tickets packages start from R180 per person.
Revellers are invited to indulge in an exquisite journey of taste and elegance, involving a showcase of the finest spirits and wines from around the globe.
From captivating tastings guided by experts to exclusive seminars that unlock the secrets of one’s favourite libations, there’s something for everyone.
Guests will be able to mingle with top industry professionals while discovering hidden gems among the booths, where you can purchase your newfound favourites to savour at home.
Explore themed stands and savour gourmet food pairings amid live music or unwind at the exclusive chill lounge Gates open at 3pm and the event ends at midnight. Gates open at 3pm and the event ends at midnight.
STEENBERG GARDEN PARTY
Steenberg Vineyards brings the annual Steenberg Garden Party to be hosted at the beautiful Beechwood Gardens in Sandton on November 16.
Guests will enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the venue’s sprawling gardens, whilst tasting Steenberg wines paired with delectable treats from the harvest table. Live music, ample seating and lounge areas will keep everyone entertained and relaxed for the duration of the afternoon. The day is all about fine wines, relaxation, rejuvenation and breezy life.
Ticket prices cost R850 per person via Quicket, and include wine tastings, decadent harvest table, entertainment, gift and a branded Steenberg glass to take home. Beechwood Gardens, 25 Christopherson Street, Sandton. The Beechwood Gardens is situated on 25 Christopherson Street. The event will start at 2pm.
GIN FEST IN POLOKWANE
The SA Gin Society will be hosting the Schweppes Polokwane Gin Festival at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World in the Limpopo town tomorrow.The outdoor event forms part of the SA Gin Society’s mission to bring world-class gin to every corner of the country. The organisers promise the Schweppes Polokwane Gin Festival to be an unforgettable day out with friends and family.
Guests can expect a wide variety of craft gin brands, amazing food trucks and live entertainment. The festival ticket includes three gin tasting tokens which guests may redeem from any of the gin vendors at the festival.Tickets cost R280. Cooler Boxes, Folding Chairs, Picnic Basket and Gazebos are allowed. Food and beverages will be sold inside.
Cullinan Summer Wine Fest
The 2nd Cullinan Summer Wine Festival will take place at the Premiermyn Hervormde Kerk grounds in Cullinan in Gauteng on November 30.
During the event, estates from all over the Western Cape will gather to showcase their top wines. Being summer, one can look forward to some interesting white wines, Rose, sparkling wines and Champagne as well as a variety of liqueurs, whisky, brandy and gin.
The festival incorporates a crafts market with stalls selling arts and crafts and handmade accessories as well as sumptuous food.
Tickets to this event include a wine glass and unlimited tasting from 10h00 to 17h00, as well as live performances by Scheppel, Fanus Pienaar & AJ DeVos. Tickets cost R100. – Compiled by Len Maseko
