The Western Cape is as popular for its good food as its wine, and is why so many wineries now offer a restaurant or eatery too. This was reinforced today at The 2015 Klink Awards in association with Wesgro – South Africa’s only wine tourism competition where the public is the judge. After two months of online voting in which 11 373 unique votes were cast, it was announced that, according to the voters, top-notch food is a must when visiting the Winelands.
Out of its 17 categories including the Spoil Me, Wild Card and On the Hop, the best performing category, with 1512 votes, was the Gourmet. It awards the best cellar-door restaurant that is set in a great location, offers first class service, focuses on artisanal foods, has a sommelier service and wine list with older vintages, own wines and other regional wines.
And, among Klink’s 77 nominees across its 17 categories, the overall Supanova (or nominee with the most votes) was De Grendel. It took first place in both its category (the Gourmet) as well as overall, receiving 634 votes, beating La Colombe and Waterkloof to the true-blue foodie post.
Incredible food adds to the memory of visiting a winery as it is emotive and sensory. Today, people want to share what they love about wineries on social media and among their friends. All of Klink’s nominees this year interacted with their fans during the voting period, yet it was De Grendel who really engaged them and which ultimately lead to its success. – says Monika Elias, The Klink Award’s founder.
On its well-deserved win, De Villiers Graaff from De Grendel had this to say, “It’s incredible that the public chooses the winners as it demonstrates that we provide an experience that people are looking for, and enjoying. On top of that to be named Klink’s Supanova is unbelievable! We are humbled that we have received the top honour of this competition.”
The Klink Awards is an annual wine tourism competition that invites the public to be the judge. In 2015, out of its 17 categories, 77 nominees were put to the vote, of which 18 were announced as winners today. For more details and to see the full winner list visit www.klinkawards.co.za.
