In February, it was announced that the Western Cape nabbed three destination awards in the top 50 of the 100 Most Loved Destinations in the World – and Stellenbosch got a spot! Acclaimed destination marketing agency Destination Think released ‘Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World’ for 2023. Stellenbosch was ranked #34 (other Western Cape winners were Hermanus at #18 and Cape Town at #40).
We’re so proud of the incredible achievements of our community at large and especially our Visit Stellenbosch members.
Here is just a snippet of the wonderful successes that Stellenbosch has enjoyed over the past year:

Delaire Graff Estate – The Best Wine Estate in South Africa
Delaire Graff has been recognized as the Best Wine Estate in South Africa by the acclaimed Luxe Awards. Not only did the estate receive this prestigious award, but they also received Top 10 status in the categories of Best Villa, Hotel, and Spa in South Africa! This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team and their continued pursuit of perfection.
Read more.
Delaire Graff Estate is also delighted to have earned a Five-Star rating for 2023 from Forbes Travel Guide. This prestigious rating is awarded to recipients who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and the continued pursuit of perfection.
On the wine side of things, the Delaire Graff White Reserve has been awarded 5 stars from the Platter’s Wine Guide. This white Bordeaux blend encompasses zesty citrus, lime, and almond flavours. It is a modern and intriguing wine created to be enjoyed at any time.
The estate also received two 5-star ratings in Platter’s for its Terraced Block Chardonnay 2021 and the White Reserve 2020. The Guide once again credits the “commitment to the pursuit of perfection.”
Kanonkop received the trophy for Red Wine Producer of the Year.
Jordan won the trophy for White Wine Producer of the Year.

Lanzerac surpasses its 5-star rating again
What could be better than 5 stars? Lanzerac!
The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa has renewed the coveted 5-Star Premium rating for the Lanzerac Hotel. The Premium status was introduced by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa in 2019 when they saw the need to differentiate between excellence – and exceptional, world-class standards. So far, only 24 establishments have met the criteria, one of which is Lanzerac Hotel.

DUSK – Best new restaurant
DUSK has been named the Best New Restaurant at the prestigious Eat Out Restaurant Awards in November 2022.
Delheim Wine Estate – Best Performing Farm
Delheim Wine Estate was selected as the Best Performing Farm in the Stellenbosch region.
2022 Absa Top 10 Pinotage – 6 winners from Stellenbosch
6 Stellenbosch winners scooped up prizes in the 2022 Absa Top 10 Pinotage – and 5 are Visit Stellenbosch members too: Beyerskloof, Flagstone, Kanonkop, Neil Elis and Simonsig.
Spier Wine Farm – The Ethical Award
Spier Wine Farm won the Ethical Award at the international Drinks Business Green Awards 2022 at a ceremony in London on Tuesday 29 November last year, proudly flying the flag for South Africa in the global arena! The Ethical Award is given to a business that is committed to improving and benefiting surrounding communities, and that carries out best ethical practices in its day-to-day operations.
Southern Sun de Wagen recently received a Booking.com Traveller Review Award of 9.1 out of 10!

Babylonstoren was crowned the best hotel in South Africa!
Boschendal celebrates all the farm workers whose continuous efforts contributed to Boschendal winning overall Best Performing Farm in the region at the 3rd annual Western Cape Agri Prestige Awards Event in Franschhoek, with just under half the accolades awarded to exceptional Boschendal employees.
Bites and Sites Food Tours scooped up the Best Culinary Walking Experience
Western Capeby the Luxlife – Hospitality Awards 2022[
Want to discover for yourself why so many visitors love Stellenbosch? Come visit us! Find your perfect itinerary by browsing our website.