Robertson Wine Valley wins international wine tourism award

The 'Best Generic Wine Body' at the 2012 Drinks International Wine Tourism Awards has gone to Robertson Wine Valley (RWV), the generic marketing body that drives the winemaking region of Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson.

Boat cruise on the Breede River

The judging panel comprised Christian Davis, editor of Drinks International, Ian Harris, CEO of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and Emma Roberts, director of a major London PR and marketing agency, Eviva. In announcing RWV as the winner, Davis commented, "Robertson has a battle on its hands. With the likes of well-known names Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek within (easier) driving distance of Cape Town, Robertson has to work hard to get people to visit it.... Impressive for a small region with limited resources. Original and made the region sexy."

Elizma Spangenberg, manager of the Robertson Wine Valley

The RWV consists of 55 members and plays host to four wine festivals throughout the year: Hands-on Harvest in February, the Wacky Wine Weekend in June that attracts over 18 000 visitors, Robertson Slow in August and Wine on the River in October. In addition, it has extended its hospitality to the north and stages the Robertson Wine Festival @ Kloofzicht Lodge in Gauteng in September.

Elizma Spangenberg, manager of the Robertson Wine Valley, says, "We are extremely proud to be the recipient of this prestigious award, which recognises our on-going commitment to the development of wine tourism in the Valley. Nine years ago the RWV identified wine tourism development as one of our core objectives and, since then, by means of a wide selection of wine tourism events throughout the year, we have been successfully building the brand, both locally and internationally."