(Mainz, October 27, 2011) - The Great Wine Capitals Global Network announced the 2012 international 'Best Of' Wine Tourism award winners at a gala dinner held tonight at the Electoral Palace in Mainz, Germany.
The winners are:
BILBAO | RIOJA: BODEGAS CAMPO VIEJO (LOGROÑO) SUSTAINABLE WINE TOURISM PRACTICES http://www.campoviejo.com/
Campo Viejo is located on a hilltop just outside Logroño. Most of the winery is underground, and what is above ground has been designed to blend in harmoniously with the surroundings. Inside, grapes and wine flow through the winery by gravity, avoiding as much as possible the use of pumps.
BORDEAUX: CHATEAU D’AGASSAC – CONFERENCE & CONVENTION FACILITIES
www.agassac.com
Located near the village of Ludon, the domain of Agassac is one of the oldest wine estates in the Médoc. Surrounded by its vineyard and magnificent grounds, this remarkable site provides seminar and reception rooms inside the château itself. There is also an extensive reception hall located in the cellars, which looks out onto the barrel cellar. The two- hectare park provides sufficient space for large gatherings and events. The moat, the ancient stone dovecote and other historic buildings make this an exceptional site, which is also adaptable and equipped with the latest technology.
CAPE TOWN: LA MOTTE (FRANSCHHOEK) ART & CULTURE
www.la-motte.com
With a history dating back over three centuries, La Motte was declared the winner for its impressive art museum that houses the Rupert family’s extensive collection of artworks by 20th century South African master Pierneef and other artists. However, what clinched the win for the winery was its consistently high performance across other categories it had also entered.
CHRISTCHURCH/SOUTH ISLAND: APPELLATION CENTRAL WINE TOURS – WINE TOURISM SERVICES
www.appellationcentral.co.nz
Appellation Central Wine Tours, in Queenstown in Central Otago, specializes in taking people off the beaten track to immerse them in the culture of food, wine and the beautiful landscapes that characterize the region. Their motto is ‘Taste, Smell, Hear, See, Feel Central Otago’.
FIRENZE: DIEVOLE (CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA-SI) – ACCOMMODATION
www.dievole.it
Dievole was recognized for the style and quality of services offered in an old manor house, surrounded by vineyards that have been producing wine for more than 900 years, for promoting wine culture in all its aspects and for making the most of the people responsible for the production of wine.
MAINZ | RHEINHESSEN VINOTHEK BINGEN (BINGEN AM RHEIN) – ART & CULTURE
http://www.vinothek-bingen.de/
With its unique location, the Vinothek Bingen serves as a special visitor center at the gateway to the Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. The views of Castle Ehrenfels, the Mäuseturm tower on its island in the Rhine and the Germania Monument in the Niederwald above Rüdesheim alone offer a splendid ambiance for enjoying the work of six different winemakers. The Vinothek Bingen entertains guests with its international cultural program consisting of readings, regular art exhibits, exciting theme tastings and musical events.
MENDOZA: BODEGA ATAMISQUE – INNOVATIVE WINE TOURISM EXPERIENCES
www.atamisque.com
Atamisque, named after a native species of bush, is the only winery in the world with a slate roof. Visitors are invited to visit the lush 37 acre park, spectacular given the arid climate of the Mendoza region as well as the Rincón Atamisque restaurant, where trout raised on a farm on the premises and fruit from the winery’s orchards are featured.
PORTO: QUINTA DO PORTAL – ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPES
www.quintadoportal.com
The cellars of Quinta do Portal were designed by Álvaro Siza, winner of the Pritzker Prize. Its stunning contemporary profile is integrated into the stark beauty of the Douro valley, as most of the winery is built underground. It is also an eco-friendly building, contributing to maximize its energy efficiency. It is a not-to-miss attraction when visiting the Douro valley.
SAN FRANCISCO/NAPA VALLEY: MEADOWOOD NAPA VALLEY – ACCOMMODATION
www.meadowood.com
Meadowood Napa Valley offers wine tourism guests, including three-star Michelin dining in The Restaurant at Meadowood and a full-time Master Sommelier on staff directing wine education. Additionally, Meadowood Napa Valley annually hosts several notable wine-focused events that successfully market the Napa Valley as America’s premier wine tourism destination including Auction Napa Valley and the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers.
About the Great Wine Capitals Global Network
Founded in 1999, the Great Wine Capitals Global Network is an alliance of nine internationally renowned wine regions – Bordeaux, France; Cape Town, South Africa; Christchurch-South Island, New Zealand; Florence, Italy; Mainz-Rheinhessen, Germany; Mendoza, Argentina; Porto, Portugal; Bilbao-Rioja, Spain and San Francisco-Napa Valley, USA. The Best Of Wine Tourism awards serve as an industry benchmark for excellence and recognize leading wineries and wine-tourism related businesses within each Great Wine Capital that have distinguished themselves in areas such as innovation, service and sustainable practices. For more information visit http://www.greatwinecapitals.com.
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