Appellation Central Wine Tours aims high

Press release from Appellation Central Wine Tours

13 September 2010

Appellation Central Wine Tours aims high for its very first tourism award

Central Otago premier wine tour company Appellation Central Wine Tours has been named as a finalist in the Great Wine Capitals Global Network Best of Wine Tourism Awards.

The Queenstown-based wine tour experts are one of just three finalists in line for a Wine Tourism Award in the category of wine tourism services in the ‘Christchurch/South Island region’ which this year is representing New Zealand as one of eight participating global wine regions.

The competition is the first Appellation Central Wine Tours has entered and the company is thrilled and excited to be named as one of the finalists. 

Managing director Philip Green said the ‘Best of Wine Tourism’ contest recognises excellence on a global level among the various wine tourism activities (such as wineries, restaurants, museums and tours parenthesis dedicated) to the wines of a specific region.

“Simply winning this award at a national level would be an amazing achievement but to have the opportunity to showcase what we do at an international level would be a real coup. The global network has the potential to promote Central Otago wines to tourists and wine lovers all over the world and to further position the region alongside the great wine regions of the world.”

Appellation Central Wine Tours took a novel approach to its application choosing to create postcards written on tour to fictional characters in order to explain each element of their application.

The final judging of the awards process is currently underway and the company will be visited by judges over the next month or so. The New Zealand winner will be announced to the International Jury at the annual conference of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network on October 31 before going on to represent the country in international sector of the award, with the overall winners being announced on November 2.

Co owner and director Wendy Johnston said the company conducted small, intimate tours that captured the spectacular local scenery while immersing people in the culture of the region’s wine and food.

“Appellation Central is about sharing our passion for wine and leaving our clients with a rich insight into wine producing region and the crafting of exquisite, world class wines.

“When we first began operating wine tours almost ten years ago the region was small and we literally had five cellar doors to choose from. Now we have around 30 cellar doors to choose from.  The growth of the Central Otago wine region has been phenomenal and we would love to be recognised as contributing to the success of Central Otago vineyards and winemakers by providing a superb wine tourism experience.”

ENDS

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