South Africa’s first and foremost wine destination, the Stellenbosch American Express ® Wine Routes, has made the sought-after shortlist for The Drinks Business Awards 2013 – an annual competition held by Europe’s leading drinks trade publication, which recognises those companies achieving excellence amongst their peers across the global drinks industry. The various award categories include Supermarket of the Year, Product Launch of the Year and Man/Woman of the Year, and this year the wine route is one of 4 finalists vying for the Best Contribution to Tourism title. As global interest in wine and spirits continues to grow there is a demand from consumers to combine their interest in wines and spirits with their holidays. The Best Contribution to Tourism Award recognises an outstanding achievement in creating a unique and compelling experience for customers wishing to encounter their favourite wines and spirits on their home terroir. The winners of The Drinks Business Awards 2013 will be revealed on 21 May at the London International Wine Fair. The Stellenbosch American Express ® Wine Routes was founded in 1971 and this pioneering initiative has changed the face of wine tourism in South Africa, spawning a host of similar regional wine routes in the country of which there are 18 today. From humble beginnings the Stellenbosch American Express ® Wine Routes now boasts more than 150 wineries as members which have been divided into five sub-routes. This bite-size approach helps visitors get the most out of their winelands experiences, on a route that caters to history buffs, golfers, families, romantic couples, nature lovers, gourmands, casual quaffers and serious pilgrims of the grape. Visit www.wineroute.co.za or contact Tel: +27.218864310 for more information on the Stellenbosch American Express ® Wine Routes.