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Friday, December 6, 2013

BUSHMANSKLOOF WINE LIST SCORES IN ‘TOP 100 SA WINE LIST CHALLENGE 2014’




With a score of 90+ (out of 100), Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is one of only five restaurants in South Africa to have received the highest accolade in the recently announced Top 100 SA Wine List Challenge 2014, in the Fine Dining / Long Wine List category. Cited as ‘inspirational’, the wine list also won the ‘Best Regional Selection Award’, as one of six ‘Unique Awards’ judged by a panel of renowned wine experts.

Mike Bampfield-Duggan of Wine Concepts Newlands has been instrumental as wine consultant to Bushmans Kloof since 1998, assisting the team with the layout and selection of wines. Under his management, the Bushmans Kloof wine list has been voted amongst the best in the country year on year, most recently raking in the prestigious Diamond Award in the Diners Club Winelist Awards for the ninth time.

He says: ‘Wine Concepts are proud of the Top 100 Awards deservedly given to the outstanding Bushmans Kloof wine list.  Bushmans Kloof, along with other successful lodges and hotels, understands the value of a fine wine list which not only complements the food, but allows guests to try an interesting and varied selection of wines from smaller boutique and less commercial wineries, many of which are offered by the glass.’  

The Top 100 SA Wine List judging panel comprised of Challenge Chair Jörg Pfützner; Founder Judge and Founding Member of the SA Sommelier Association (SASA) Higgo Jacobs; well-known Lifestyle Blogger Dax Villanueva and Wine Journalist Joanne Gibson. Almost 70 fine dining establishments entered the challenge, with a total of 30 restaurants receiving awards.

The Top 100 judging methodology is based on a documented process using a simple yet effective 100 point scoring system, with transparency and objectivity setting the standard. Judging criteria for the Fine Dining / Long Wine List award included presentation; wine service; depth, breadth & balance for both South African and international content; glassware; quality, range and setting; BYO clarity; and cellaring and cellar conditions.

Bushmans Kloof Food & Beverage Manager Michael Bouic is delighted: ‘To have this year won an Inspiration Fine Dining / Long Wine List Award and also the Best Regional Selection Special Award is a phenomenal achievement for us.  We are known for our fine service and brilliant array of wines on our list and these awards make the team terrifically proud.’

As a winning restaurant Relais & Châteaux member Bushmans Kloof will gain entry into the Top 100 2014/15 e-book edition, along with the Top 100 SA Wines 2014.  

BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE & WELLNESS RETREAT
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MORE ABOUT BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE & WELLNESS RETREAT

Bushmans Kloof is a luxurious ecological oasis of 18 533 acres (7500 hectare), situated at the foothills of the breathtaking Cederberg mountains. Here majestic views, staggering rock formations, open plains, invigorating outdoor activities, 16 luxurious rooms and suites, award-winning Cape cuisine and a wellness experience deeply rooted in Nature, all combine to create an unforgettable, luxury wilderness adventure. Koro Lodge, the private villa, provides a fully independently catered for experience for families and friends travelling together, which includes the services of a guide with game viewing vehicle, and a dedicated chef and hostess.

Less than three hours’ drive from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof is unequivocally recognised as a conservation success story, and was awarded the Relais & Châteaux Environment Trophy (2007), in recognition of its exceptional environmental and conservation projects.  In 2009, it was the Global Winner of Wildlife Conservations Programs in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Awards, and in 2013 Bushmans Kloof was voted one of the World’s Best Ecolodges by National Geographic Traveler magazine.  

Malaria and predator free, Bushmans Kloof is a sanctuary for many indigenous plants, animals and birds, including the endangered Cape mountain zebra. It is also home to over 130 Bushman rock art sites, is recognized as one of South Africa’s Natural Heritage Sites, and is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. It bases its entire business ethos on preserving the precious natural environment, while providing guests with the ultimate African wilderness experience in the beautiful surroundings of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region – a recognized World Heritage site.

A mere 270km from Cape Town, the 5-star Relais & Châteaux lodge, voted Best Hotel in the World 2009 (Travel + Leisure), is renowned for its warm, caring service and exceptional hospitality. In 2010 it was listed on the coveted Condé Nast Traveler USA, as one of the Top 50 Resorts in Africa in the World’s Best Awards, and for the past three years (2010 – 2012), was included in the Condé Nast Traveller UK Gold List for Best Hotels for Food in Africa, Middle East and the Indian Ocean.


About The Red Carnation Hotel Collection 
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is an award-winning collection of five- and four-star family-run boutique hotels in London, Dorset, Guernsey, Geneva, Florida and South Africa. Each property has its own individual character and unique location that reflects the local environment, culture and cuisine. They all share the qualities central to the Red Carnation’s ethos that win them so many prestigious awards – splendid luxury, generous hospitality, inventive and traditional cuisine, private art collections, passionate service and loyal staff committed to creating richly rewarding experiences for all their guests. For more information about these award-winning hotels and the rest of the Red Carnation Collection, please go to www.redcarnationhotels.com.