{"id":64217,"date":"2014-11-30T00:10:25","date_gmt":"2014-11-29T22:10:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.whalecottage.com\/blog\/?p=64217"},"modified":"2014-11-30T00:10:25","modified_gmt":"2014-11-29T22:10:25","slug":"2014-great-wine-capitals-global-network-best-of-wine-tourism-winners-honoured-at-waterford-estate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chrisvonulmenstein.com\/blog\/cape-town\/2014-great-wine-capitals-global-network-best-of-wine-tourism-winners-honoured-at-waterford-estate\/","title":{"rendered":"2014 Great Wine Capitals Global Network Best of Wine Tourism winners honoured at Waterford Estate!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Waterford<\/a>About two weeks ago we received the media release announcing the South African winners of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network Best of Wine Tourism awards. On Friday the awards were officially handed over at the Tuscan-inspired Waterford Estate, which won the South African leg of the competition.<\/p>\n

I had never been to Waterford Estate before, at the end of the Blaauwklippen Road in Stellenbosch, and it is a surprise to see the Tuscan-design buildings once one has passed the\"Waterford<\/a> ponds, parking amongst the fruit trees. \u00a0We were told that the wine estate had been in an almost derelict state when it was bought by Jeremy Ord, and built into the magnificent estate it is now over about 12 years. \u00a0Sustainability of all natural resources is important to the owners and staff, and the ponds collect all waste water, which is recycled, we were told by Cellar Master Kevin Arnold.<\/p>\n

Prior to the Awards luncheon, invited guests were able to enjoy a Wine Drive or to walk the Porcupine Trail.\u00a0We enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine by KWV, found our names on a \"Waterford<\/a>seating plan, and chatted a while until we sat down for lunch. Waterford Estate does not have a restaurant (one wonders why not), and all elements for the lunch were brought in by the caterer. Roses with lavender branches, and crisp white linen gave the setting in the courtyard a\"Waterford<\/a> festive feel. \u00a0 I chatted to Jenny Prinsloo, CEO of Franschhoek Wine Valley, and told her how wonderful it was to have experienced the Stellenbosch Free Wifi service earlier that morning in Franschhoek. \u00a0Jessica kindly assisted in getting a connection to their company wifi when the AlwayOn connection failed to send Tweets.<\/p>\n

There were about 70 invited guests, with quite a few no-shows, judging by the open seats at the tables.\u00a0As I sat down, Platter’s and Rossouw’s Restaurant Guide publisher Jean-Pierre (as he likes to be called now)\u00a0\u00a0Rossouw came up to me with a smile, and for a moment I thought this would be a Reuben peace-making moment. \u00a0Anything but! \u00a0He wanted me to know that he felt that I had evaluated his company and their PR company African Sky Communications too harshly<\/strong><\/a> in the poor service in distributing the Restaurant Guide, giving me feedback coming from the Diners Club PR company. He had not spoken to me nor had he read my blogpost about the poor Restaurant Guide distribution, not having deeming it important to return my calls or to respond to e-mails! His attack was unwarranted, and inappropriate for the function at which he was also a guest.<\/p>\n

Andre Morgenthal, the South African representative of Great Wine Capitals Global Network, introduced Alderman de Bruyn, Executive Mayor of the Cape Winelands District and Chairman of the Cape Town\/Cape Winelands Chapter of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, to hand over the Mayor\u2019s Special Awards of Excellence, as well as the certificates to the local winners of the Best of Wine Tourism Awards. He also welcomed the Consul General of USA Teddy Taylor, and of France Xavier d\u2019 Argoeuves.<\/p>\n

A new set of ‘judges’ commendation awards for outstanding service’<\/em> were introduced this year, going to selected staff of the wine estates which were evaluated for the Awards, and accolades read out to them:\u00a0 \u00a0Justin Munjanja from Cavalli (Wine Tourism Ambassador with hospitality and warmth); Kayla Mayman from Steenberg (a Wine Tourism Ambassador who is passionate about the wines made at Steenberg); Christa Olivier from KWV (a Wine Ambassador who loves what she does and does it to perfection); Prince Mbewe from Asara (makes diners feel ‘like they are the prince or princess<\/em>‘); Rachel Samuel from Babylonstoren (welcome with a warm smile); \u00a0Gabrieline Bailey from Babylonstoren (loves where she works in the restaurant); and\u00a0Tendai Denhere from Waterkloof (‘makes you feel right at home<\/em>‘).<\/p>\n

\"Waterford<\/a>The winners in the Best of Wine Tourism Awards were:<\/p>\n