The Franschhoek Valley confirmed its status as one of the tourism treasures of the Cape Winelands winning four out of the seven categories in this year’s edition of the Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Tourism Awards, with La Motte receiving the award for Wine Tourism Destination of the Year.
“We are delighted about the recognition”, says La Motte CEO, Hein Koegelenberg. “We believe in the role wine tourism plays in the economy of the Cape Winelands and with the estate also being the 2012 and 2013 winner of the South African leg of the Great Wine Capitals of the World Best of Wine Tourism competition, we also appreciate being acknowledged locally for constantly trying to offer an innovative experience.”
The award for Wine Tourism Destination of the Year is described as being “bestowed upon a wine estate or distillery offering a unique tourism experience … recognize wine estates/distilleries attracting increased business … with a specific emphasis on tourism-related activities.”
The 2014 Great Wine Capitals of the World’s Best of Wine Tourism results for South Africa were also recently released and La Motte has been appointed as the winner in the category for Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices, for the second year running.
The overall South Africa winner in both 2012 and 2013, La Motte could however not be considered for this coveted positions again as the competition’s rules do not allow more than two consecutive wins.
“Although, we would have loved to be in the running for overall winner again, we are very proud that our focused efforts with making sustainability a part of the tourism experience has again impressed judges”, says La Motte CEO Hein Koegelenberg. “We are passionate about conservation and sustainability but also about Wine Tourism in general and enjoy sharing our passions with guests – whether it is the sustainability offering, food and wine, art and culture or architecture and landscape.”
The 2014 Best of Wine Tourism competition also acknowledged La Motte for its tourism offering in the fields of Art and Culture (second place), Architecture and Landscape (third place) and Innovative Wine Tourism (third place).
Sharing its assets and passions with guests is a priority at La Motte and with a varied offering from wine and food experiences, art exhibitions, classical music concerts and an array of talks, tastings and themed evenings, the La Motte Experience both entertains and educates and makes it a wonderful day out in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley.
Notes:
During 2013, La Motte has been acknowledged in the following ways for its exceptional offering:
- 2013 Great Wine Capitals of the World Best of Wine Tourism – Overall South African Winner and category winner Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices
- 2013 Drinks International Wine Tourism Awards – Best food & wine matching experience
- Eat Out DSTV Food Network Restaurant Awards – Top 10 Restaurants in South Africa
- Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Tourism Awards – Wine Tourism Destination of the Year
- 2013 Nedbank Green Wine Awards – Best (Sustainable) contribution to tourism
