Congratulations poured in after two wine farms in the Overberg made the list of the best vineyards in the world.
Creation Wines which is in Hemel en Aarde valley and part of the Theewaterskloof Municipality showed again why it is worth a visit when it came fourth while Benguela Cove Wine Estate placed at number 53.
This is not the first time that Creation Wines has been mentioned in this prestigious list and for the forth year they have been placed amont the World’s Top 50 Vineyards.
The top vineyards in the world were announced last week at an event in Bodegas Beronia in the heart of Rioja Alta, Spain, by World’s Best Vineyards which compiles an annual list, showcasing the finest vineyard experiences from around the globe. This prestigious annual list is created to promote wine tourism around die world.
It was a day to remember for Carolyn Martin from Creation Wines.
“We were very excited for the winners. Our son Glenn, also a fourth generation winemaker in our families from my husband’s and my family side, flew over from where he is working in Germany to join me,” she said. “We both felt very emotional, this was after all a David and Goliath situation with so many world famous established brands and then Creation – all about sustainability of place, our people and purpose. I could not be more proud and grateful to our team and all our stakeholders as well as each and every person in South Africa and from around the world that has supported our brand and therefore our community”
According to Carolyn the people they worked with played a huge role in their success. “Our team receive regular training to enhance their productivity and personal health as well as give our guests the most authentic experience of wine and wellness,” she said. “What is exciting for guests is that we have time to talk about freshness of local ingredients, community support and the environment. The joy of wine and food pairing is savored as a convivial experience.”
What also contributes to their success is the fact that they think outside the box. “We work with scientists around the world to understand nature better and this helps educate all facets of our team from viticulture to our cellar door and tasting room! Our training includes leadership and communication skills courses. The result is an extremely high retention rate, a supportive and coherent team and guests remark on the warmth and caring attitude of our tasting room team, I believe this reflects on the investment we make in training our people,” she said.
According to her their purpose 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 ‘innovation’. Without innovation, we cannot be sustainable,” she said.
Theewaterskloof Executive Mayor, Kallie Papier, conveyed his warmest congratulations to the entire Creation Wines Team. “To be recognised on one of these prestigious lists is no easy task, it takes hard work, commitment, innovation and most of all passion. On behalf of Theewaterskloof Municipality I would like to congratulate Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin as well as your entire team on your outstanding accolades. We are proud to have such a distinguished winery in our region that contributes to the unique and world class tourism available in our area,” he said
The provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger also congratulated them on this achievement: “I’d especially like to congratulate Creation Wines which secured a spot in the top 5 in the world and is recognised as the best vineyard in Africa, an accolade it has held for several years in a row.”
