|
And suddenly Spring is upon us! The dams are
brimming, the oaks are decked out in green
and there’s a renewed sense of vitality in
the air. Although the drenching rain and
bracing cold were a boon to the vineyards,
it’s too early to tell what effect the
conducive winter conditions will have on the
2008 harvest. But if everything falls into
place, we are all set for a winner –
hopefully also as far as tourism is
concerned.
This year’s Stellenbosch Wine Festival
sparkled as never before. The Festival, now
in its fifth year, attracted more than 12
500 people over four days – that’s 2 500 up
on the number who came last year to
celebrate in the wine capital of South
Africa.
|
 |
 |
Of course the balmy weather on the
Saturday and Sunday played a role, but the
increase in the number of visitors can be
largely attributed to the growing interest
in wine, especially among the younger crowd,
and the wine culture that is such an
integral part of the Stellenbosch
experience. The presence of some of the
country’s leading wine producers at the
Festival, together with a sizeable number of
new wine cellars making their Festival
debut, ensured the most comprehensive and
diverse wine presentation on offer at any
wine festival in South Africa. Apart from the opportunity to taste,
visitors were also able to purchase wine.
The turnover in wine sales during the
Festival exceeded R300 000 this year,
compared with last year’s R200 000. Among
the numerous food stalls, oysters proved a
great hit – on Saturday alone 2000 of these
delicacies from the sea were snapped up.
I was also delighted when Dr Johan van
Rooyen, CEO of the SA Wine Council, told me
that the increase in visitors at this year’s
festival is regarded as a positive sign for
the wine industry. “In light of the
unusually low wine consumption in South
Africa, one of the biggest challenges facing
the industry is the creation of a local wine
culture,” says Johan. “Events like the
Stellenbosch Wine Festival are essential in
order to promote the benefits of wine and
the industry to a contemporary audience.”
We are more than happy to make our
contribution. |
|
OUR tourism
initiative for Spring will kick off
by highlighting the many fun things
to do in Stellenbosch and surrounds
on a Sunday. With a six-day week
becoming the norm, Sunday is the day
when people like to get out and
about. Stellenbosch Wine Routes, in
conjunction with Stellenbosch
Tourism, wants to highlight all the
great activities on offer – eating,
relaxation, wine tasting, scenic
drives in the breathtaking
countryside ... perfect for recharging
the batteries, and that on a Sunday.
We are therefore compiling
promotional material and will
promote Sundays in Stellenbosch in
the local media as the ideal
breakaway destination – especially
for families.
Although only
25 of our 140 tasting venues are
open on Sundays, they are the ones
that will stand to reap the benefit.
I can vouch for this from numerous
conversations with the staff at
these venues. By expanding what
Stellenbosch has to offer on Sundays
we hope more venues will spot the
gap and join us. Click
HERE
for more information. |
 |
|
THAT’S right, 140 tasting venues! A warm
welcome to the following new members:
Stonehill, Vrede Wines, Romond Wines,
Zandberg and Vilafonté. The latter is in
Bosman’s Crossing between our other members
Dalla Cia and Stellekaya. I suspect this
trio could well lay claim to being the
shortest wine route in the world! |
|
 |
|
AFTER nine years
Marilize Loots, a key member of our
team, leaves us at the end of August
to take up an exciting new challenge
at Distell. I think it’s a wonderful
opportunity for her but she will be
sorely missed by all of us who have
worked with her.
In fact Marilize
was the “face” of Wine Routes as it
was she who dealt with all enquiries
from the public concerning wine
tourism at the Stellenbosch Tourism
Office. She was also indispensable
when it came to administration,
festivals, shows and in many other
respects. |
|
She will always
be part of the Wine Routes and I am
certain she will continue to
contribute to the Stellenbosch wine
brand in her new capacity.
We bid her
goodbye but not farewell!
 |
|
In the latest
edition of the Platter Wine Guide,
Stellenbosch is well represented in
the five star category. Of the 21
five star wines, the following are
from the Stellenbosch region:
Vergelegen White 2006, Ken Forrester
FMC Chenin Blanc 2005, De Trafford
Shiraz 2005, Hartenberg Estate The
Mackenzie 2005, Beyerskloof Field
Blend 2003, Kanonkop Estate Cabernet
Sauvignon 2003, JP Bredell Cape
Vintage Reserve 2003 and the Fleur
du Cap Noble Late Harvest 2006. |
|
Congratulations to these producers.
We are confident that Stellenbosch
will excel again in the 2008 guide. |
As we like to say: Think quality, Drink
Stellenbosch!Best wishes until next time!
Annareth Jacobs
CEO Stellenbosch American Express®
Wine Routes
|
|
|
