Great news for Cape Whale Coast Tourism is that Hermanus Wine Route is now the fourth most popular wine route in South Africa.  The impact of this news is amplified by the results of a 2017 study conducted by Wesgro in partnership with Explore Sideways that found that wine tourism in the Western Cape has grown by 16% between 2016 and 2017.

Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris said: “There is a multitude of factors that have influenced the awareness of South Africa as a wine tourism destination. Positive media coverage and internationally recognized wine awards have generated interest and investment in the evolving local wine industry. Specialist wine tour companies have done much in the way of showcasing boutique, off-the-beaten-track wine producers and properties, further enhancing the perception of quality and promoting the Winelands as an essential stop on itineraries.”

Hemel-en-Aarde is well recognised as South Africa’s premium Pinot Noir region and have collected countless awards over the years to confirm its status as fine wine country.  No doubt then that a visit to Hermanus features high on the itinerary of wine tourists.  In addition, every winery on the Hermanus Wine Route offers something different and is known for a distinguished contribution to wine, tourism or both.  Wine tourists are spoilt for choice when visiting the Overberg as they arrive via the winelands of Elgin or Franschhoek, meet up with Bot River vineyards before experiencing Hermanus wineries.  There is more.  Stanford Wine Route has many options of tasting wines in the region surrounding the heritage village. For those with an insatiable taste there is also Lomond close to Gansbaai before experiencing Elim cellars.

Spending patterns of wine tourists, in particular, indicate higher than average expenditure than general tourists while visiting the Western Cape. This illustrates another important aspect of wine tourism as a means of enhancing economic growth through tourism in the Western Cape.

Respondents indicated a growing interest in unique activities like food and wine pairings (68%), cellar tours (54%), meeting the winemaker (51%) and food and wine tasting events (49%).  All experiences offered by our wineries.

We look forward to seeing how our wine tourism continues to grow and add value to our Overstrand economy.