Van Loveren honoured with a duo of Klink Awards

Friday, 15 November, 2013
Van Loveren
Close to 15 000 wine-lovers cast their votes this year in the second edition of the Klink Wine Tourism Awards with Van Loveren Family Vineyards near Robertson emerging tops in no less than two of the 15 categories. This family-owned and family-orientated farm was voted the Best Child-Friendly Venue on a Wine Farm and received the award for Best Food and Wine Pairing at the Cellar Door. 
"We are extremely excited and grateful for the competition and awards we received," says Van Loveren CEO Phillip Retief. "It is encouraging seeing how the industry utilises opportunities, creatively developing wine tourism with increasing options for the consumer. The standard and level of service delivery are continuously being raised, and we are proud to be a part of this. Winning these awards - made possible by clients, friends and the larger Van Loveren family - concludes our first year in our new tasting room on a high note indeed," he says. 

"We are especially proud of being named the best Child-Friendly Venue as Van Loveren has always put a high premium on healthy family values and tradition," says Retief. "We encourage families to spend the day, enjoy our wines in conjunction with great food and heart-felt stories of old, with the additional option of a superb outdoor experience." Children are even catered for in the food pairing menu with a very popular alcohol-free tasting platter.

Klink Awards founder Monika Elias says wineries can no longer pretend they simply sell products. "They are doing so much more by associating their wares with a desirable lifestyle and Van Loveren does this whole-heartedly while offering an experience for the whole family."

Van Loveren's innovative approach to food and wine pairings is both fun and educational with quirky and informative tasting sheets guiding the taster and enhancing the sensory experience. Pairing wine with nougat and nuts, or white, milk and dark chocolate eliminates the sometimes-daunting task of wine tasting. Among the delicious offerings is the pairing of a Van Loveren Blanc de Noir Shiraz with Sally Williams Cranberry Nougat; and, Five's Reserve Brandy complemented by an orange zest dark chocolate. 

The Van Loveren wine tourism experience further includes the renowned Christina's Bistro; the Fish Eagle hiking trail; mountain bike trials where cyclists can bring their own bikes or rent from the farm; and the popular garden tours among a variety of trees planted to commemorate various milestones of the country and farm itself.

Visit www.vanloveren.co.za for more information about the activities and extensive range of wines available, or follow on Twitter @vanloverenwines.