Along with other elite wineries, such as Château Mouton Rothschild in France and Stags’ Leap Winery in the United States, Delaire Graff Estate was featured in the World’s Best Vineyards Top 50 list, coming in at number 16 and placing first in the African continent. PHOTO: Facebook/Delaire Graff Estate
Stellenbosch-based winery, Delaire Graff Estate, was recently named the best winery in Africa and ranked number 14 globally by an international vineyard-ranking organisation.
This was according to Tanja von Arnim, marketing and PR manager at Delaire Graff Estate.
Along with other leading wineries, such as Château Mouton Rothschild in France and Stags’ Leap Winery in the United States, Delaire Graff’s placement and continent win was announced on 13 July by World’s Best Vineyards in its annual listing of the world’s top 50 wine tourism destinations, according to the organisation’s social media.
“We have placed 14th in the global rankings, up 25 places from 2019 and are the only South African winery to be featured,” said Von Arnim.
Delaire Graff was selected from 3 500 nominees by a panel of 500 wine experts to join, once again, some of the world’s finest destinations known for offering the most exceptional wine experiences, added Von Arnim.
Why Delaire Graff?
“There is no predetermined checklist of criteria – each vote is a nomination for a vineyard experience that [the judges] deem to be amongst the best in the world,” according to a general statement by World’s Best Vineyards.
These experiences include tours, tasting, ambiance, wine, food, staff, view, value for money, reputation, and accessibility, as mentioned in World’s Best Vineyard’s statement.
“Delaire Graff is an outstanding vineyard that was nominated for its spectacular views, impeccable service and impressive facilities including the [Indochine] restaurant, spa and tasting room,” said World’s Best Vineyards in written response to MatieMedia.
One of the local winery’s two restaurants, Indochine, was praised by World’s Best Vineyards for its Asian-inspired dining, as mentioned in a statement by Delaire Graff Estate. PHOTO: Facebook/Delaire Graff Estate
Making the local industry proud
This achievement by Delaire Graff could help keep South Africa popular with visitors until they can travel again, said Marisah Nieuwoudt, wine tourism manager of Vinpro, a non-profit organisation that represents 2 500 wine producers and industry stakeholders.
“We are immensely proud of our wineries, like Delaire Graff Estate, that continue to excel at an international level despite the challenging circumstances facing the South African wine industry,” added Nieuwoudt.
Another highlight of the winery is its location between the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, as mentioned in a general statement by Delaire Graff Estate. PHOTO: Facebook/Delaire Graff Estate