Launched in 2012 by Monika Elias, publisher of The Wine Tourism Handbook, The Klink Awards recognise and honour industry innovation and shine the spotlight on the sector’s significant contribution to the Western Cape’s GDP (R5-billion) and job creation. Unlike other wine awards, the judges are the nominees’ customers. “In a changing world where the customer is King, securing their vote is gold in my view, as it says that a winery’s most important stakeholder – their customer – thinks they are doing something very right,” Elias explains. In 2014, almost 13 000 consumers voted for a total of 79 different wine farms.
Blazing Klink’s trails this year are those nominees who entertained visitors with superior experiences, ones that would impress any intrepid traveller or foodie worth their salt. Across its 16 categories, Elias proudly reveals the 2014 winners as:
– Beyond Expectations: Harvest at Laborie
– The Connoisseur: Waterford Estate
– Country Comfort: Dunstone Guava Cottage
– The Crowd Pleaser: Franschhoek Bastille Festival
– Delicious Deli: Fairview Wine Farm
– Family Day Out: Blaauwklippen family Market
– Gourmet: The Restaurant at Waterkloof
– Happy Times: Franschhoek Wine Valley
– Heritage: Weltevrede Wine Estate
– Best New Cellar Door: Silvermist Wine Estate
– Spoil Me: Rosendal Winery and Wellness Retreat
– Tracks and Trails: Van Loveren Fish Eagle hiking trail
– Tread Gently: Villiera
– Wild Card: Game Drives at Groote Post
– Yin and Yang: Creation Wines
“From the newcomers like Silvermist, to pioneers of vineyard tracks and trails like Van Loveren, the winners are a mixed-bag of up-and-coming small gems to industry Grande Dames who strategically combine current consumer trends with originality to offer best-in-breed experiences,” explains Elias.
Overall winner is the nominee that out-did its peers to receive the most number of votes – Harvest at Laborie. Located on a historic French Huguenot wine farm in the Paarl Valley, the restaurant’s Executive Chef, Matthew Gordon, who serves South African cuisine with an international twist, says “Klink celebrates excellence from the perspective of the customer – the most important voice! It also drives awareness and engagement of nominees and consumers on social media – a critical medium for this industry.”
Kerryn Lancaster, Brand Manager of Laborie added, “We’re thrilled to win the Beyond Expectations category, however winning the overall award is beyond our expectations and is a true testament to the hard work and investment that we have put into the Laborie Wine Farm. This gives us even more affirmation to expand and grow.”