Record votes determined the best in wine tourism with announcement of 2017 KLINK Awards

Tuesday, 4 April, 2017
Klink Awards
The best of the best in wine tourism were announced with the fifth annual Klink Awards, presented by Wine Tourism South Africa, after more than 19, 879 votes by wine loving consumers and wine farm visitors!

The best of the best in wine tourism were announced with the fifth annual Klink Awards, presented by Wine Tourism South Africa, after more than 19,879 votes by wine loving consumers and wine farm visitors determined some of the ultimate wine and food experiences offered in the Western Cape Winelands. In a record-breaking year, 8,506 more votes were received than in previous year. The 13 categories ranged from wine estates that provide unforgettable food, to wine-tastings with a twist, game-viewing, or simply naturistic views of vineyards, and a 14th award for the finalist that received the most overall votes from consumers – the SupaNova award.

The Klink Awards is the South African wine tourism industry’s only consumer-driven competition (determining the winners), with a one vote per person, per category rule.

An exciting new category introduced this year was “Touring” - touring companies were called upon (big and small) in order to uncover the brightest gems of destinations, experiences, wine and food that are distinctively wine tourism.

Says Monika Elias, founder of the Klink Awards: “Our wine farms are without a doubt and unquestionably at a world-class standard, so it’s a great honour that we can acknowledge the outstanding contribution that they’re making to attract tourists from all over the world to South Africa, and provide them with the unique experience that each one offers. The winners should feel incredibly proud as they certainly competed against some very stiff competitors. A heart felt congratulations to all the winners from us at Wine Tourism South Africa.”

Elias encourages wine enthusiasts to join the recently established KLINK CLUB, providing members access to special offers, vouchers, give aways and more.

The 2017 Klink Awards winners are:

BEST WINELANDS BURGER:

WINNER - BEYERSKLOOF

A burger is not just a burger; it is a staple on any menu worth its salt. Whether it is as simple as the good old-fashioned beef variety or something with a twist, the quest was on to find the juiciest, yummiest burger created at a winery eating spot.

WINE COUNTRY CUISINE:

WINNER – LEOPARD’S LEAP

This category was selected for bistros, casual dining or café society in the Cape Winelands without all the fancy frills. The search was on for laidback venues, which showcase local and artisanal farm produce in the best possible way.

GREAT PAIRINGS:

WINNER – CREATION WINES

From biltong, nuts, dried fruits to cheese, chocolate, nougat and gourmet canapé tasting platters, all go down well with wine. The art is in finding the perfect match.

GOURMET TRAVELLER:

WINNER – THE KITCHEN@MAISON

This category recognises gastronomic destinations with signature chefs who create cutting edge cuisine. Restaurants that pay great attention to detail in terms of an overall wine and food experience, have a great location, first-class service, a focus on artisanal and local winelands produce, seasonal favourites and tasting menus which expertly pair food and wine.

OUT OF THE ORDINARY:

WINNER – THE FRANSCHHOEK CELLARS

A wild card is the most unusual and memorable attraction, something that offers a unique selling point for attracting wine tourists to the cellar door.

BOUTIQUE CELLARS:

WINNER – HILLCREST ESTATE

Small production”, “artisanal” or even “cult”...boutique is more a state of mind than a number of bottles. It is more of an attitude than a location.

SA WINE ICON:

WINNER – GROOT CONSTANTIA WINE ESTATE

This category is for wineries that have invested time and passion into making quality wine. These icons are brands that have proven themselves both locally and internationally, and have contributed to building SA wine culture.

BEST BUBBLY:

WINNER – GRAHAM BECK

For breakfast, lunch…or actually, anytime. The search was on for a MCC that is out of this world, quirky and fun and the ultimate experience at a tasting room - the best to quaff, sip or savour. 

GREAT OUTDOORS:

WINNER – WATERFORD ESTATE

A spectacularly scenic vineyard hike, a challenging wine farm bike trail, a spirited wine route horse ride or something a little more challenging, a taste of adventure to a winelands offering was what this category was all about.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS:

WINNER – ROBERTSON WINE ON THE RIVER

An event, festival, or winery event, which draws visitors and helps to build a regional wine brand or market a specific wine route destination.

ON THE HOP:

WINNER – DARLING BREW

There's something of a craft beer evolution in South Africa. With around 130 craft breweries, it is no wonder that beer adds a unique style, pair-ability with cured meats and cheeses, and a complementary relationship with wine.

TOURING:

WINNER – CITY SIGHT SEEING WINE TOUR

A new addition to our categories. Touring companies were called upon – big and small – in order to uncover the brightest gems of destinations, experiences, wine and food that are distinctively wine tourism.

THE ULTIMATE WINELANDS EXPERIENCE:

WINNER – GROOT CONSTANTIA WINE ESTATE

This is the perfect package. One that successfully seduces, not just with a tasting experience, but also with the ambience to match. Architecture, furnishings, lighting, sound, temperature and kinetics, which combine in different ways to enhance the brand experience of their customers.

SUPANOVA:

WINNER – HILLCREST ESTATE

This award went to the Klink finalist with the most overall consumer votes.

For more information, visit www.klinkawards.co.za.

Also join the conversation on Facebook (KlinkAwards), Twitter (@klinkawards) and Instagram (klinkawards).

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Events and Festivals Klink Awards winner Robertson Wine On The River 31.3.17
Events and Festivals Klink Awards winner Robertson Wine On The River 31.3.17

The Ultimate Winelands Experience Klink Awards winner Groot Constantia Wine Estate 31.3.17
The Ultimate Winelands Experience Klink Awards winner Groot Constantia Wine Estate 31.3.17

Best Bubbly Klink Awards winner Graham Beck 31.3.17
Best Bubbly Klink Awards winner Graham Beck 31.3.17

Best Winelands Burger Klink Awards winner Beyerskloof 31.3.17
Best Winelands Burger Klink Awards winner Beyerskloof 31.3.17

Gourmet Traveller Klink Awards winner THE KITCHEN @MAISON 31.3.17
Gourmet Traveller Klink Awards winner THE KITCHEN @MAISON 31.3.17

On The Hop Klink Awards winner Darling Brew 31.3.17
On The Hop Klink Awards winner Darling Brew 31.3.17

Out Of The Ordinary Klink Awards winner The Franschhoek Cellars 31.3.17
Out Of The Ordinary Klink Awards winner The Franschhoek Cellars 31.3.17

Supernova Klink Awards winner Hillcrest 31.3.17
Supernova Klink Awards winner Hillcrest 31.3.17

Touring Klink Awards winner City Sight Seeing Wine Tour 31.3.17
Touring Klink Awards winner City Sight Seeing Wine Tour 31.3.17

Wine Country Cuisine Klink Awards winner Leopard's Leap 31.3.17
Wine Country Cuisine Klink Awards winner Leopard's Leap 31.3.17

SA Wine Icon Klink Awards winner Groot Constantia Wine Estate 31.3.17
SA Wine Icon Klink Awards winner Groot Constantia Wine Estate 31.3.17

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