The Western Cape’s wine tourism industry is thriving, contributing over R9.3 billion to the economy and creating over 40,000 jobs. This year’s Wesgro 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism & Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards saw some of Stellenbosch’s finest recognized. Congratulations to Delaire Graff, Babylonstoren, Spier and Hartenberg on their best in class awards.
2025 Great Wine Capitals Best Of Wine Tourism Award Winners:
Accommodation
- Winner: Delaire Graff
- Runner-up: Brookdale Estate
Culinary Experiences
- Winner: FABER at Avondale
- Runner-up: Rust en Vrede
Wine Tourism Services
- Winner: Creation Wines
- Runner-up: Ernie Els
Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices
- Winner: Creation Wines
- Runner-up: Jordan Wines
Architecture & Landscape
- Winner: Babylonstoren
- Runner-up: Delaire Graff
Art & Culture
- Winner: Spier Wine Farm
- Runner-up: Delaire Graff
Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences
- Winner: Vergelegen Wine Estate
- Runner-up: Constantia Wine Walk
The Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards recognises wineries that go beyond excellence in winemaking, highlighting their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and offering unique, authentic experiences for visitors.
2025 Wine Tourism Ambassador Award Winners:
The Wine Tourism Diversity Award
- Winner: Van Loveren
The Authentic South African Experience Award
- Winner: A.A. Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein
- Runner-up: Muratie Wine Estate
Conservation Pioneer Award
- Winner: Hartenberg Wine Estate
The judging process involved a panel of expert judges, who conducted ghost site visits to ensure an impartial evaluation of the shortlisted wineries. The criteria for selecting winners included the quality of wine offerings, visitor experiences, sustainability initiatives, and overall excellence in wine tourism.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer said: “The wine industry plays a vital role in our economy, providing employment and showcasing our world-class wine offerings. These awards highlight the creativity and dedication of our wine producers, many of whom are setting the standard for excellence and sustainability in wine tourism.”
The winners of the 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards represent the innovation and commitment that are propelling the wine tourism industry to new heights, further solidifying the Western Cape’s status as a premier wine destination.