Appellation Central Wine Tours was announced as a winner of an International Best of Wine Tourism Award in the Wine Services category after the "jury meeting" of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network in Mainz, Germany, last month.
The judges said Appellation Central Wine Tours won the award because of the excellent exposure and support it gave to wineries and other businesses in Central Otago, as well as the exceptional and memorable wine tourism experience offered to clients.
The award recognises excellence on a global level among the various wine tourism activities, including the wineries, restaurants, museums and wine tours of a specific region.
Director Wendy Johnston said she and managing director and co-owner Philip Green were "absolutely thrilled"with the win.
"To be rated among the best of the best worldwide is the ultimate endorsement and says that we offer an unbeatable wine tourism experience."
Ms Johnston said the four elements to a "great wine tourism experience" were world-class wine, awe-inspiring scenery, history and people, including the guides who delivered and interpreted the experience.
"Working with all these elements has enabled us to build a great wine tourism business, which in turn helps promote the region and the wines.
"We couldn't do it without our amazingly passionate and dedicated guides, and the huge support we get from vineyards, suppliers and activity booking agents locally and internationally."
