World’s Best Vineyards 2023

Benguela Cove Celebrated as one of the World’s Best Vineyards 2023

Benguela Cove Wine Estate, located in Hermanus in South Africa, has been ranked in the top 100 of The World's Best Vineyards. This prestigious annual list is created to promote wine tourism around the world, showcasing vineyards with exceptional visitor experiences. 

The Voting Academy comprises over 500 leading wine experts, sommeliers and travel experts, who nominate vineyards based on criteria that include ambience, activities, cuisine, staff, views, value for money, and quality of the overall experience. The results of the voting are converted into the World's Best Vineyards list.  

Benguela Cove Wine Estate is a member of the Benguela Collection international wine and hospitality group and is owned by the Streeter family. Situated on the Hermanus Wine Route, the estate's unique location in a tranquil lagoon at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean sets the stage for an outstanding wine tourism destination.  

Penny Streeter OBE says:

"I’m thrilled that Benguela Cove is recognised as one of the World's Best Vineyards, ranking 53rd, from some 65,000 worldwide. We achieved this in just ten years since acquisition. It confirms the tireless dedication of our vineyard and hospitality teams, the commitment to sustainability, and our passion for producing exceptional South African wines. 

It's an honour to see our efforts acknowledged on a global scale, and it only strengthens our resolve to continue delivering the best experiences for our visitors. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey."

World's Best Vineyards are proud to annually reveal the Top 50 most amazing vineyard experiences, the best places to taste terrific wines and learn about winemaking and grape growing. Many also offer superb views, restaurants and places to stay.  

The list is created after the nominations of nearly 500 wine, travel and wine tourism experts from across the globe are counted and collated. The list, now in its fifth year, provides an insight into the best all-round winery experiences. There are no pre-determined criteria, apart from being open to the public, but there are voting rules that must be adhered to. Voters are asked to nominate the overall experiences they deem to be the best in the world and would highly recommend to a friend.  

The diversity of the Top 50 is incredible. There are modern architectural wonders UNESCO protected ancient cellars, Michelin starred restaurants, and small, family run wineries where the owners conduct the tours. Many of the wineries on the list also offer something a little different such as a horse drawn vintage carriage tour through the vineyard, tapas amid a collection of beautifully restored classic cars, art from the likes of Pablo Picasso, and lessons in cooking on an open fire. The choice is yours.

What makes Benguela Cove’s Vineyards part of the World’s Best?

At Benguela Cove, one of the World’s Best Vineyards 2023, guests can experience world class attractions, and superb wines. Located in the UNESCO-designated Kogelberg Biosphere, Benguela Cove is a WWF Conservation Champion. Our multi-award-winning Moody Lagoon Restaurant is one of the superb dining options available to guests. This family owned and operated winery, forms part of the international Benguela Collection of wine and hospitality estates. With unique experiences and attractions for guests of all ages to enjoy, from pontoon boat cruises and vineyard safaris to the art gallery and sculpture park. The kids can even enjoy Little Picasso’s painting sessions, while the adults enjoy a wine tasting at the Best Cellar Door Experience 2022, in South Africa. Waterfront accommodation is also available at the on-site luxury villas.   

“Our winemakers use only estate-grown grapes, which are produced and bottled at our on-site state of the art winery.” - Owner, Penny Streeter OBE 

Benguela Cove Wine Estate is a specialist producer and wine destination, at the start of the Walker Bay wine region. Located in the Western Cape, between Cape Town and Hermanus. The estate boasts the longest stretch of ocean facing vineyards (2.6km), grown at the lowest altitude (2.7m above sea level). Our vineyard position is unique, at the edge of the southern coast of South Africa. Here the south-easterly sea breeze is chilled by the Benguela Current flowing up from Antarctica, which plays a key part in the superb quality of these wines.  

Owner and Developer, Penny Streeter OBE, had a dream to create a world-class and sophisticated wine tourism destination. That dream is happening now.