The awards recognise the wine tourism industry’s substantial economic impact in South Africa. According to South Africa Wine, in 2022 this sector generated over R9.3 billion annually and has created 40,108 jobs—both directly and indirectly.
The majority of the recipients are based here in the Cape Winelands, the Executive Mayor of the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht shared the following during her address, ‘The Cape Winelands value and appreciate the work in our wine industry to build on our wine culture, to create exciting opportunities, to grow our economy and to showcase our experiences and culture. We are extremely proud of our wine tourism and ambassadors. Our wine industry competes on global level through the vehicle of Great Wine Capitals and our South African wine culture is a constant front runner! We salute our wine tourism industry!’
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 recognise 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
