Creation Wines, situated in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, has been crowned the World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winner – Africa for the third consecutive year.
To top this glorious achievement, the renowned wine estate also ended in third place in the Top 50 wine destinations globally, moving up one spot from fourth place in 2023.
This annual event serves to honour the very best of wine tourism, highlighting the world’s finest and diverse vineyards and showcases wineries that provide unforgettable wine experiences and promote wine culture.
The world’s top 50 wine estate destinations for 2024 were announced recently at the picturesque Nyetimber Estate in West Sussex, at an event attended by winemakers and vineyard owners from around the globe.
Andrew Reed, Managing Director Wine and Exhibitions at William Reed, stated: “We are thrilled to unveil the World’s Best Vineyards 2024, celebrating the finest vineyards across the globe. This annual ranking recognises the unique experiences that these vineyards offer, from stunning landscapes and rich histories to extraordinary restaurants and vineyard tours. The top 50 vineyards exemplify excellence, innovation, and a commitment to quality, guiding wine enthusiasts to explore both hidden gems and renowned estates.”
This year, the top spot went to Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal, Rioja. VIK from Chile also jumped up by one place to 2nd on the list, claiming the World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winner – South America award.
Heaven on earth
Creation Wines is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley where the climate is cool and ideal for producing fresh, refined Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
The estate was established by Jean-Claude Martin, who is the winemaker, and his wife Carolyn who is in charge of marketing. The couple’s combined viticultural pedigree, combined with a thoroughly modern approach to farming, winemaking and hospitality, has turned Creation into an unmissable destination where gastronomes can delight in the seasonal, locally sourced and healthy food of the à la carte menu (with small plate or multi-course options) and fun food pairings like the popular chocolate experience.
Visitor experiences at Creation include wine tasting, wine and food pairings, educational vineyard and/or cellar tours, nature walks, art and culture experiences, immersive stays, and talks on topics ranging from viticultural geology and climate change to wellness and the neuroscience of taste.
Creation also works tirelessly with Overberg-based artists, artisanal producers, event organisers, local government and leading establishments such as Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and Marine Hotel Hermanus to promote wine tourism in the Overberg (listed as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2019).
“Wine tourism plays a pivotal role in our region’s economy,” said Carolyn Martin, co-owner and creative director of Creation Wines. “Through our dedicated team of 85 skilled employees, we directly support the livelihoods of over 250 individuals. Furthermore, each international visitor to Creation supports an additional 11 jobs, both within our estate and the broader community.
“This multiplier effect contributes to the overall economic growth of the Western Cape, particularly in rural areas. By investing in our people and supporting the local community, Creation is proud to be a catalyst for positive change and sustainable development.”
Sustainability is key
She added that sustainability is at the core of everything they do at Creation. “It is deeply rooted in our terroir and in our community, and our guests experience this from the moment they arrive, walking through our indigenous gardens which showcase nature-inspired art to reach our Tasting Room with its indoor biome. Guided vineyard walks offer first-hand experiences of our biodiversity and conservation efforts, while our food pairing menus highlight local sourcing and transparent supply chains. Digital tools such as QR codes provide access to videos highlighting our commitment to environmental, social and economic responsibility, but above all it is our dedicated staff who are equipped with in-depth knowledge to share our story, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.”
