Stellenbosch has done it again, and we are still celebrating!
 
We were selected as a Top 10 wine tour destination by www.opentravel.com, along with areas like Bordeaux, Napa Valley and Tuscany.

For the full article, click HERE.

 

In a world that is faced with the effects of natural disaster, increasing market and governmental change, and lingering economic uncertainty, Cape Town Tourism revealed the results of its 2010/2011 Summer Tourism Survey. Initially, industry leaders at the 2010 World Travel Market in London revealed ongoing concern about the impact of the international economy on tourism; however, they also conveyed that there was cause for optimism as South Africa’s traditional markets began showing signs of recovery, with new markets increasingly becoming interested in our destination.

 

According to the accommodation sector, February 2011 was their busiest month. The majority of local bookings were received from Gauteng (75.6%), followed by the Western Cape (46.3%) and KwaZulu-Natal (26.8%). Internationally, the traditional source markets of the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, the Netherlands and the United States of America (USA) performed well. The use of internet and email as the predominant booking tools proves once more that new technology and social media are having a significant effect on traditional booking platforms and the booking behaviour of travellers.

     
The majority of tour operator respondents feel optimistic about their performance for 2011 compared to 2010. Spokesperson for the Airports Company of South Africa at Cape Town International Airport Deidre Hendricks said of the 2010/2011 summer season’s air travel performance: “On the arriving passenger front, traffic into the region remains strong. Total arrivals (domestic and international) for the month of February [2011] grew by 8% compared with the same period last year, with just under 350 000 arriving passengers. This marks a 2% increase compared to January 2011.” For the full report, click HERE.

         

For a little bit of celebrity news – Ernie Els Wines was proudly chosen as the setting for the season finale show of ABC's hit series “The Bachelor”.
 
For footage and pictures, click HERE.

 

    

The Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes is celebrating 40 years of wine tourism in 2011, making us the oldest wine route in South Africa.
 
To stand a chance to win two bottles of Stellenbosch wine, please share your reason why you consider Stellenbosch to be South Africa’s wine capital. Entries must be submitted in English, and must not exceed 20 words.
 
E-mail your entry to marketing@wineroute.co.za by Monday 18 April 2011. The 20 best entries will be used in our marketing campaign. All entries must please contain your name, surname, contact number and occupation. Winners will be notified via return e-mail.
  

Buying and cellaring rare, special wines has never been easier. The Vinotèque Wine Bank, a unique concept that takes the challenge out of buying and maturing fine, rare wines, has just re-launched its website, www.vinoteque.co.za.

 

Vinotèque manager, Michael van Deventer, says: “A highlight of the new site is the online purchasing option, which is easy to navigate with a simple shopping cart system. It also offers an extremely useful wine comparison feature, which allows you to compare the characterics of several wines at once according to your personal preference, for example vintage, cultivar, unit type and price, area of origin, alcohol, residual sugar, pH and total acid. Brief tasting notes and food pairing suggestions are also included to help facilitate your decision.”

  

Established in 1984, the Vinotèque Wine Bank is part of the historic Bergkelder winery located in Stellenbosch. It offers members a private cellar in which to store and mature the wines they purchase from the Vinotèque under optimal conditions. Members enjoy access to a number of benefits, including a superb range of wines, private members tasting room, annual maturation reports, a gift service and free delivery to your door. For more information contact Michael van Deventer on 021 809 8285 or send an e-mail to mvandeventer@distell.co.za.
 

The only South African wine to be chosen by the editors of the Wine Enthusiast Magazine for The Enthusiast 100 wines of 2010, was the De Toren Fusion V. Owner Emil den Dulk believes that this award assists in raising the profile of all South African wines. For more info, visit www.de-toren.com or phone (021) 881 3119.

 

         

This month I would like to welcome two new members to Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
  
Keermont Vineyards is a boutique wine estate set in the naturally-formed amphitheatre between the Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountain ranges.

 

They aim to grow wines that reflect the natural wonders of this beautiful place. The farm is owned by the Wraith Family. Mark Wraith lives on the farm with his wife, Monica and their four children Matthew, Daniel, Georgina, and Harriet. Mark plays an active role on the farm ranging from strategic long-term planning, right down to tending to the vines. Alex Starey is in charge of the vineyards and of making the estate’s wines. For more info, visit www.keermont.co.za, or phone (072) 7777 585.

 
With one of the most celebrated views in the Cape, Clouds Estate is an undiscovered gem in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands.

 

This unique boutique vineyard & five star guest estate is situated next to Delaire Graff Estate at the crest of the Helshoogte Pass, overlooking the beautiful Banhoek Valley, with the majestic Drakenstein & Simonsberg mountains taking pride of place in the foreground. The estate is known for its breathtaking weddings, and conference facilities. For more info, visit www.cloudsestate.co.za, or phone (021) 885 1819.

   

Win R60 000's worth in prizes with the Stellenbosch Hills Freddy Hirsch Biltong & Droëwors Challenge 2011. "Stellenbosch Hills is the first cellar to combine two proudly South African delights with their Biltong & Droëwors Adventure to be enjoyed in the cellar door.

 

The art of drying meat nowadays is as specialised as the art of wine making. Our aim was to create a competition where three of South Africa's most popular products - wine and biltong and droëwors - could be combined," says PG Slabbert, winemaker and manager at this cellar.

This year's competition is much bigger than previous years, especially as Freddy Hirsch, South Africa's foremost spice suppliers to the meat industry, has signed up as sponsor for this competition. The Biltong maker of the year competition has proven to be a huge success since its inception 3 years ago, and this year they have added another leg to the competition, by introducing the Droëwors maker of the year competition for the first time.

 
Each year a different Stellenbosch Hills wine is chosen to be the inspiration for entrants. The winner's biltong or droëwors must complement this chosen wine to the best. This year the choice of wine is the Stellenbosch Hills Shiraz 2007. Visit www.stellenbosch-hills.co.za or phone +27 (0)21 881 3828 for more information. Good luck!  
  

Be sure to visit our autumn page for easter specials, child-friendly activities and autumn festivals. These include the Villiera Autumn Festival, Warwick in Wonderland, Vintage Gourmet Evenings at Goede Hoop, and Easter at Delvera.

 

Until next time!

Annareth Bolton
CEO Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes

 


 

  


 


 


 


 


 


 
 Proudly sponsored by:
 

Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes, Suite 224, Postnet, X5061, Stellenbosch, 7599
Tel: +27 21 886-4310 | Fax: +27 21 886-4330 | Email : info@wineroute.co.za