22/07/2023
Western Cape Vineyard in Top 5 of the Worldâs Best Vineyards!
The results of the Worldâs Best Vineyards (WBV) ratings have just been announced at a special live event in Rioja, Spain. Creation Wines in the Hemel-en-Aarde, situated near the coastal town of Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa has, for the fourth year, been placed among the worldâs top 50 vineyards and joins a prestigious line-up of the top five: Catena Wines, Argentina; Bodegas de los Herederos del MarquĂ©s de Riscal, Spain; VIK, Chile; Creation Wines, South Africa and ChĂąteau Smith Haut Lafitte, France. This is the fourth time that Creation has been listed as the number one estate in South Africa and on the African continent.
Andrew Reed, Managing Director Wine and Exhibitions at William Reed, comments: âThe Worldâs Best Vineyards continues to highlight wine tourism destinations around the globe and with an impressive list of new entries this year, itâs more important than ever. Weâve found that local and international tourists are looking for experiences that offer a range of activities and our host Rioja truly fits the bill with stunning scenery, delicious food and of course, amazing wines.â
The Worldâs Best Vineyards is an annual listing that highlights the best winery destinations and experiences in the world. The prestigious list spans five continents and is created after the nominations of some 500 wine, travel and wine tourism experts have been counted and collated. Voters are asked to nominate the overall experiences they consider to be the best in the world and that they personally would recommend.
Carolyn Martin, co-owner and creative director of Creation Wines, is currently in Spain, representing South Africa at the international Sustainable Wine Tourism Roundtable, one of several invitations over the past four years that allowed her the opportunity to talk with passion and knowledge about the South African fine wine industry.
âThe positive impact this listing has on the estate and our fine wine industry, cannot be underestimated. Creationâs commitment to a sustainable wine and tourism industry has been well documented, and being given a world stage such as this provides further impetus and inspiration to our team.
âSo many elements need to be brought into harmony to create and enhance our visitor experience. We want to preserve our natural heritage for generations to come and this must be at the very core of not only the fine wines we produce, but the fine people we must grow.â
The excellent ratings reflected by the WBV panel serve as further motivation to the entire Creation team. From the custodians who work in the vineyards and cellar to the chefs and wine ambassadors in the Tasting Room, the sense of affirmation over the past number of years has been palpable. It also underscores Carolynâs contention that a key factor in a sustainable wine tourism industry is the focus on people.
âWe actively encourage every member of our team to be goal oriented and offer them opportunities to advance their skills on many levels. Our training is as diverse as leadership and communication courses to lectures on mental health.â The result is an extremely high retention rate, a supportive and cohesive team and most importantly, a community eager to develop its potential to the highest possible level.
âWe are enormously grateful to receive the recognition of our entire teamâs efforts and for the impact it has on everyone involved,â says Carolyn.
The last word goes to Carolyn: âOur purpose at Creation is to produce fine wine, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and pair it with equally fine food. This is critically important for us to grow and thrive; opening the way to our mantra, and that is âinnovationâ. Without innovation, we cannot be sustainable. We also have a mission to broaden horizons and create a world view, which includes strengthening bilateral relations, assisting in building cultural diversity and inclusion, and securing the future of fine wine in South Africa.â
