12 Feb Testimonials – South Africa Wine Tourism Study Tour
Read these wonderful testimonials from inspired wine industry professionals!
‘I absolutely believe it when I say this was the most important trip of my wine industry career. We have only
just started in our new skin (May 2019) and we are trading in the third year of our business plan. I don’t think
this level of performance would have happened without the experience of the South Africa study tour and
Robin’s insightful guidance.’
Matt Fowles – Owner, Fowles Wines, Strathbogie Ranges
‘When Darren and I booked our trip to South Africa with Robin in 2015 I don’t think either of us realised how
significant the experiences we encountered would be in shaping the future of our own wine tourism and
hospitality business. This trip, curated and expertly guided by Robin, gave us the opportunity to enjoy world
class food and wine experiences, but what we found invaluable was the ability to meet with the owners and
operators of the business we visited and learn from their experiences while exchanging ideas. Robin’s
facilitation of this was invaluable. South Africa is a world leader in wine tourism and the natural beauty of the
country will take your breath away. If you can join Robin on a trip, do it, you will not be disappointed!’
Lucy & Darren Golding – Proprietors, Golding Wines, Adelaide Hills
‘An unforgettable journey through South Africa’s diverse wine regions! Stimulating, eye-opening experiences at
every winery and venue, blending landscapes with stories. Jam-packed but so incredibly worth it. One of the
most valuable components was seeing the multiple regions, and their different approaches. As I work in both
Rutherglen and King Valley, it really helped me understand that each region has their own unique value
proposition, but you can make them work to your benefit.’
Ellie Murtagh – Brand Director, Buller Wines (Rutherlgen) & Redbank Wines (King Valley)
‘If you are involved with wine tourism in any capacity you need to visit the Western Cape wine regions, which,
for a long time, have been the benchmark in experiential tourism. Our tour with Robin and Wine Tourism
Australia was eye opening to say the least. Well organized and expertly curated to the interests of the group,
every day was rewarding and insightful. For me it was a perfect way to step away from the noise of business
and have the space to imagine it through the eyes of the customer against the backdrop of world leading
customer experiences. I can’t recommend this trip highly enough; you will come away with insights and new
perspectives that will last a lifetime. And it’s a whole lot of fun.’
Christian Burvill-Holmes – Brand Manager, d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale
‘My wine study tour with Robin Shaw to South Africa was a fabulous experience. It provided great insights into
the main wine regions, the standout wineries, and their flagship varietals. Robin’s extensive network allows her
to open doors and make introductions which might otherwise be missed. If you are considering travelling to
South Africa for the purpose of wine and exchanging and gaining ideas, you really must join a tour.’
Karen Ridge – Owner, Mildura Travel & Cruise | Food & Wine Travel
‘My boss participated in the 2015 tour and recommended I attend in 2023 now that we are expanding our
offerings. What a fantastic way to experience your own industry in another country! Robin knows all the right
people to connect you to, so that you can gain novel insights and ideas to bring home and implement in
Australia. Not only did I get to experience an exceptionally high level of hospitality and service, but I also met
people who will become lifelong friends. An extremely valuable trip which would be difficult to organise
without Robin’s expertise and experience.’
Georgia Velt – Sales & Marketing Manager, Fowles Wines, Strathbogie Ranges
‘Working with Robin from Wine Tourism Australia on our study trip to South Africa, in particular Franschhoek
and Paarl, provided us with tangible outcomes in our final design for the new cellar door and destination
restaurant at Seppeltsfield. It has continued to impact on the services offered, which has led to our significant
growth. I would highly recommend Robin’s services and her expertise in Wine Tourism is invaluable!
Nicole Hodgson, Tourism & Events Manager, Seppeltsfield
‘Thank you for allowing me to join the trip to South Africa. As my interest was in learning about the wines and
industry of South Africa (an area I had no knowledge of previously) my aims were fulfilled many times over and
I was grateful for the opportunities afforded me in hanging onto the coat tails of the wine professionals.
Andrew Gleeson – Wine Connoisseur, Adelaide
Past participants include: Seppeltsfield, The Lane Vineyard, Fowles Wines, University of Adelaide, Golding
Wines, Somerled, Studio S2 Architects (Tourism Specialists), Brown Brothers, Rockford Wines, Redbank Wines, Buller Wines
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