11.06.2009
Château Giscours in Margaux, former Best Of Wine Tourism Best Of winner, hosted 250 members of the Bordeaux wine trade, local and regional personalities and the delegates to the Great Wine Capitals Global Network annual general meeting for the 7th annual international ‘Best Of Wine Tourism' awards ceremony that took place on November 5th.
The international award winners were chosen by an international jury from the 56 regional winners from each member city of the Network in the categories of Accommodation; Architecture, Parks and Gardens; Art and Culture; Innovative Experiences and Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices; Restaurants; and Wine Tourism Services.
The 2010 international winners are:
Accommodation: Algodon Wine Estates - Mendoza
Algodon Wine Estates is a stunning 2.050 acre estate at the base of the Andes that has a range of peaceful lodges and villas for guests. Developed by renowned vineyard architect Bormida & Yanzon, together with designer Gerhard Heusch, the estate also offers golf, wine-making and several excellent restaurants. Eco-friendly concepts such as natural fertilizers and organic crops, solar energy and clean power are in place, and the estate plans to develop its own cattle and dairy farm.
http://www.algodonwineestates.com
Architecture, Parks & Gardens: Quinta do Seixo - Porto
Located in the Cima-Corga region near Pinhão in the heart of the historic Douro winelands, this is a wonderful place to see the traditional planting of vines in this region. Vineyards are on terraces with small stone walls between each one, as well as more modern planting styles. Because of its diversity, Quinta do Seixo has an excellent visitors' centre explaining these dramatic, and often breathtaking, methods of production, and offers excellent wine tasting opportunities. http://eng.sograpevinhos.eu/douro
Art & Culture: Clos Pegase - San Francisco | Napa Valley
Owners Jan and Mitsuko Shrem created Clos Pegase to be a temple to art and wine, sharing not only their wine, but their personal art collection with their customers. A visit here is an enlightening and enjoyable experience, with figures from Greek and Roman mythology - from Pegasus to Bacchus and Gaia - making continual appearances in the art and architecture of the winery, and the cave theatre.
http://www.clospegase.com
Innovative Experiences and Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices: Bodegas Muga - Bilbao | Rioja
Bodegas Muga was one of the first wineries in Rioja to open its doors to tourists. The attractive stone and wood building dates back two centuries, and provides visitors with a quality learning experience about wine, and the wider context in which it is made. The cellars also contain their own cooperage, allowing visitors to learn about the process of barrel making, so central to the Muga style.
http://bodegasmuga.com/eng/home_eng.html
Sustainable wine tourism practices: Weingut Hemmes - Mainz | Rheinhessen
The Hemmes family, innovative owners of a wine estate in Bingen-Kempten, has extended the idea of sustainablity from vineyards to the local environment. They have restored a former schoolhouse, a listed historic building in the heart of the village, and converted it into a wine school with tasting rooms, a professional kitchen, and areas for presentations, readings or celebrations. Not only has this preserved a key piece of history, but energy is supplied to the building by geothermal heat. http://www.weingut-hemmes.de
Restaurants:
Castello del Trebbio - La Sosta del Gusto - Firenze
The large outside terrace makes for a perfect setting for this lovely restaurant, located in the Trebbio Castle. The castle was built as a small fortress in 1184 by the Pazzi Family, and passed into the hands of the present owners in 1968. Extensive renovations were carried out, and a restaurant, La Sosta del Gusto was opened in 2006. Run by a Maitre-Sommelier, it is renowned for its excellent seasonal menus, and its extensive,imaginative wine list.
http://www.vinoturismo.it
Rust en Vrede Restaurant - Cape Town
The first South African estate to specialise in the exclusive production of red wine, Rust en Vrede is now also famous for its welcoming, top quality restaurant. Located in the foodie-destination of Stellenbosch, the restaurant is located in what was once the wine cellar and is now a National Monument. The kitchen is in full view of diners, creating a relaxed but exciting atmosphere. Diners can also choose an intimate side area for private dinners.
http://www.rustenvrede.com
Wine Tourism Services: Château Pape Clément - Bordeaux
One of the best known châteaux of the Pessac-Leognan appellation, owner Bernard Magrez has invested heavily not only in the winemaking, but also in restoring the château and winery. The Orangerie, the Barrel Cellar, and the Pavillon du Prelat offer spaces for the staging of both personal and professional events, with a team fully on hand to organise everything from catering to logistics. Luxury wine tastings are also on offer, as are tours around Magrez's other Bordeaux vineyards.
http://www.pape-clement.com
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