Stellenbosch on trend at ITB Berlin

All about storytelling

Food and wine tourism is a great platform to share a destination's story and storytelling sits at the heart of destination marketing, fuelled by social media. The dynamic Stellenbosch Experience campaign launched in 2014, in partnership between Stellenbosch Wine Routes and Stellenbosch 360, integrates user-generated content and works with the wine and tourism industry to share the Stellenbosch story with the world.

Trade shows like ITB in Berlin are used as platforms to target trade and media interested in wine, food and lifestyle travel. It is all about standing out and the objective is to find unique ways to connect with the global travel trade and media and give them a taste of Stellenbosch, and the reasons why they should visit Stellenbosch.

Presenting "not just another ITB cocktail party" during the four-day convention, trade and media were hosted at the trendy new Hotel Zoo in Berlin. The best of Berlin food was perfectly paired with wines from Stellenbosch whilst guests could chat to those in the know about Stellenbosch and its unparalleled wine tourism offering.

Simonsig's celebrated Kaapse Vonkel Brut MCC was served at the event - the first Méthode Cup Classique to be produced in South Africa, first bottled in 1971 and still a favourite amongst bubbly fans.

Kleine Zalze wines - the Vineyard Selection Shiraz 2012 and Chenin Blanc 2014, as well as the Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2012 - were also served at the function, paired with the scrumptious canapés to come out of Hotel Zoo's kitchen.

Kleine Zalze estate offers panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards, mountains and the De Zalze golf course, a perfect example of the exceptional wine tourism experiences on offer. They are one of the most consistent performers in the South African wine industry and have been bestowed numerous awards and trophies over the past few years. In addition to their award winning wines, Kleine Zalze is home to the luxurious four-star Cape Dutch-style Kleine Zalze Lodge, the perfect setting for any occasion, from getaways to dream weddings and business conferences with an element of leisure. Their restaurant, Terroir, has been ranked as a Top Ten South African restaurant in the Eat Out awards since 2004.