El presente trabajo tiene el objetivo desarrollar un centro enoturístico y bodega vitivinícola en la región de Ica. Dicha región posee la tradición vitivinícola más antigua del país, que perdura hasta el día de hoy, y que ha presentado un boom en las últimas décadas tanto a nivel de producción per cápita, como en el turístico. Es así como diversas bodegas de la región han aplicado un nuevo enfoque en el turismo vivencial denominado enoturismo, cuyo objetivo es visibilizar y potenciar la riqueza vitivinícola de las bodegas regionales mediante la asociación con otros agentes turísticos como hospedajes, spa, restaurantes, museos, etc. Es en este contexto donde se planta realizar un proyecto que implemente procesos de producción eficientes y novedosos; y espacios para la difusión y concienciación de la cultura vitivinícola de la región. Mediante la aplicación de la mímesis como énfasis, donde se busca una lograr armoniosa relación entre los componentes físicos de la arquitectura y aquellos que se encuentran en el imaginario colectivo que da sentido y valoración a dicha arquitectura en un contexto social y cultural determinado. / The objective of this work is to develop a wine tourism center and winery in the region of Ica. This region has the oldest wine tradition in the country, which continues to this day, and which has experienced a boom in recent decades both in terms of per capita production and tourism. This is various wineries in the region have applied a new approach to experiential tourism called enotourism, whose objective is to make visible and enhance the wine wealth of regional wineries through association with other tourist agents such as lodgings, spas, restaurants, museums, etc. It is in this context where it is planned to carry out a project that implements efficient and innovative production processes, and spaces for the dissemination and awareness of the region's wine culture. Through the application of mimesis as an emphasis, where a harmonious relationship between the physical components of architecture and those found in the collective imagination that gives meaning and value to that architecture in each social and cultural context. / Trabajo de investigación

Analisar as dinâmicas que envolvem a combinação de atividades realizadas no contexto rural mostra-se uma tarefa pertinente para a temática do agronegócio. A crescente valorização das culturas e sistemas de produção locais, dos produtos agroalimentares, das paisagens e do meio ambiente, bem como as dinâmicas das relações sociais e econômicas, impulsionam o surgimento de novas oportunidades para geração desenvolvimento econômico e social no meio rural. Nesse sentido, o desenvolvimento da atividade turística no espaço rural, motivado pela diversificação e pela demanda das novas relações com esse ambiente, expõe as possibilidades de exploração de novas oportunidades de mercado. Percebe-se que a valorização do local estimula não apenas a economia rural, mas também a atividade turística e o desenvolvimento de pequenos empreendimentos de uma determinada região. No caso dessa pesquisa, tais fatores são explorados através da identificação e análise das iniciativas de enoturismo e turismo gastronômico na região Sul do Brasil. Buscando discutir esse contexto, realizou-se um levantamento da literatura acerca das abordagens que conduzem a construção analítica do trabalho, posteriormente desenvolveram-se dois estudos, que, para a estrutura teórica, relacionam como fio condutor a temática do turismo no espaço rural, com a abordagem de cadeias curtas. O levantamento realizado serviu para embasar a análise dos dados selecionados para compor o estudo acerca do enoturismo e das entrevistas com atores locais, no caso do estudo referente ao turismo gastronômico, que também contempla outros elementos, como Indicações Geográficas e o movimento Slow Food. Como resultados da análise, pode-se considerar que, ao promover os produtos locais, valorizar o tradicional e as estruturas sociais e econômicas de uma determinada região é possível atingir o desenvolvimento regional e agregar valor para os produtos, valorizar os produtores e aproximá-los do setor varejista e de serviços, e, consumidores finais. / To analyze the dynamics involving the combination of activities in the rural context appears as a relevant task for the subject of agribusiness. The growing appreciation of cultures and local production systems, agri-food products, the landscapes and the environment, as well as the dynamics of social and economic relations, drive the emergence of new opportunities for generating economic and social development in rural areas. In this sense, the development of tourism in rural areas, driven by diversification and demand of new relations with the environment, exposes the possibilities of exploiting new market opportunities. It is noticed that the appreciation of the Local encourages not only the rural economy, but also the tourist activity and the development of small enterprises in a given region. In the case of this research, these factors are explored through the identification and analysis of wine tourism and gastronomic tourism initiatives in southern Brazil. Attempting to discuss this context was held a survey of the literature on approaches that lead to analytical construction of the study, subsequently were developed two studies, which, for the theoretical framework, relate as a guide the theme of tourism in rural areas, with the approach of short chains. The survey served to support the analysis of the data selected to compose the study of the wine tourism and interviews with local actors, in the case of study related to gastronomic tourism, which also includes other elements such as geographical indications and the Slow Food movement. As a result of the analysis, it can be considered that by promoting local products, enhance the traditional social and economic structures of a given region can achieve regional development and add value to the products, value producers and bring them closer of the retail sector and services, and consumers.

Beer, brewing, and the public house have been celebrated institutions in English culture for centuries. The drink occupies a venerable position in the gastronomy of most regions and is an integral component in the lives of many. There is an emerging literature on culinary tourism as an increasingly important element of cultural tourism. Local cuisine can be used to distinguish unique tourist regions from their competitors in an ever-globalising world. While wine tourism in particular has been studied quite thoroughly in recent years, beer tourism has been largely neglected. The purpose of this study is to explore the current state of, and potential for beer tourism in Yorkshire, England. Beer tourism can be described as “visitations to breweries, beer festivals, and beer shows for which beer tasting and experiencing the attributes of a beer region are the prime motivating factors for visitors” (Plummer et al. 2003). Through the use of a mail survey, short interviews, participant observation and secondary data collection techniques the author explored the extent to which local breweries use beer tourism practices; the specific beer tourism techniques being used by breweries in Yorkshire, and their perceived benefits and limitations; the partnerships, alliances and cooperation that may exist between the brewers themselves, and the tourism and hospitality industries; if and how tourism stakeholders draw upon beer and brewing to promote and market the region to tourists, and the role that brewers may play in this process. The author also made recommendations for brewery managers and regional marketing boards based upon relevant academic literature and the specific findings of this study. The author makes note of numerous findings on participation rates for breweries in tours and beer festivals, the perceived benefits and limitations that beer tourism has for brewers, and research on the branding and marketing of Yorkshire beer. A detailed typology of breweries based upon their relationship and degree of integration with the tourism industry is introduced. Furthermore, a tentative hypothesis based upon a brewer’s rationale for involvement in tourism and the size and success of that brewery is presented. This hypothesis must be empirically tested in future research to determine its acceptability. The author also presented a detailed review of the relevance of wine tourism literature for the field of beer tourism. It was found that although the two forms of beverage tourism share many commonalities, there exist as many differences. This comparison ultimately emphasises the importance of developing a specific beer tourism literature. It is hoped that the findings of this beer-specific research may be used by others with a keen interest in beer and tourism to undertake additional studies in the field. This study solely investigates the links between beer producers and the tourism and hospitality industry in Yorkshire, England. A similar study in an alternative setting would most likely yield interesting results. Furthermore, additional studies on beer and tourism should take the size, brewing output capacity, and possibly the revenue of a brewery into account in order to investigate potential differences between breweries’ tourism strategies based upon their size and success in their market.

Beer, brewing, and the public house have been celebrated institutions in English culture for centuries. The drink occupies a venerable position in the gastronomy of most regions and is an integral component in the lives of many. There is an emerging literature on culinary tourism as an increasingly important element of cultural tourism. Local cuisine can be used to distinguish unique tourist regions from their competitors in an ever-globalising world. While wine tourism in particular has been studied quite thoroughly in recent years, beer tourism has been largely neglected. The purpose of this study is to explore the current state of, and potential for beer tourism in Yorkshire, England. Beer tourism can be described as “visitations to breweries, beer festivals, and beer shows for which beer tasting and experiencing the attributes of a beer region are the prime motivating factors for visitors” (Plummer et al. 2003). Through the use of a mail survey, short interviews, participant observation and secondary data collection techniques the author explored the extent to which local breweries use beer tourism practices; the specific beer tourism techniques being used by breweries in Yorkshire, and their perceived benefits and limitations; the partnerships, alliances and cooperation that may exist between the brewers themselves, and the tourism and hospitality industries; if and how tourism stakeholders draw upon beer and brewing to promote and market the region to tourists, and the role that brewers may play in this process. The author also made recommendations for brewery managers and regional marketing boards based upon relevant academic literature and the specific findings of this study. The author makes note of numerous findings on participation rates for breweries in tours and beer festivals, the perceived benefits and limitations that beer tourism has for brewers, and research on the branding and marketing of Yorkshire beer. A detailed typology of breweries based upon their relationship and degree of integration with the tourism industry is introduced. Furthermore, a tentative hypothesis based upon a brewer’s rationale for involvement in tourism and the size and success of that brewery is presented. This hypothesis must be empirically tested in future research to determine its acceptability. The author also presented a detailed review of the relevance of wine tourism literature for the field of beer tourism. It was found that although the two forms of beverage tourism share many commonalities, there exist as many differences. This comparison ultimately emphasises the importance of developing a specific beer tourism literature. It is hoped that the findings of this beer-specific research may be used by others with a keen interest in beer and tourism to undertake additional studies in the field. This study solely investigates the links between beer producers and the tourism and hospitality industry in Yorkshire, England. A similar study in an alternative setting would most likely yield interesting results. Furthermore, additional studies on beer and tourism should take the size, brewing output capacity, and possibly the revenue of a brewery into account in order to investigate potential differences between breweries’ tourism strategies based upon their size and success in their market.

Wine tourism is very much an "experience", be it the wine, the destination or the opportunity to learn and "grow".Competitive positioning of wine tourism regions has become a strategically important issue, as the number of wine festivals has increased considerably and numerous regions are now marketing aggressively to attract high-yield wine tourists. The Wacky Wine Festival is one of the most unique and popular wine festivals in South Africa, and is the biggest regional wine festival. Managers of the Wacky Wine Festival need to know what visitors see as the important key success factors needed for managing a wine festival. This encourages competiveness and attempts to be sustainable over the long term of the wine festival's product lifecycle. When managing a wine festival, managers also need to identify whether different visitor groups have different perceptions of the managerial aspects. Key success factors (KSFs) are a prerequisite for the success of any organisation. KSFs concern what every manager within the tourism industry must be competent at doing or must concentrate on achieving to be Competitively and financially successful. KSFs are aspects which influence the organisation's ability to thrive in the market place. It is important to identify key success factors as these will assist a business in measuring achievements and indicating the improvement a business is making towards achieving certain targets. The main purpose of this study was therefore to determine key success factors for managing a wine festival by identifying what visitors to the Wacky Wine Festival view as important managerial aspects (KSFs). To reach the above-mentioned goal, the study is divided into 2 articles. Research for both articles was undertaken at the Wacky Wine Festival. Questionnaires were interview-administrated and distributed randomly during the course of the Festival at different wine farms. In total 424 questionnaires werecompleted during the visitor survey from 3-7 June 2009. Article 1 is titled: "Aspects concerning effective and efficient management of the Wacky Wine Festival". The main purpose of this article was therefore to identify the key success factors in managing the Wacky Wine Festival. This was done to determine what people visiting the Wacky Wine Festival view important. A factor analysis was used as instrument for achieving the above-mentioned goal. Results indicated that quality and good management, wine farm attributes, effective marketing, route development, festival attractiveness, entertainment and activities and accessibility are the key success factors that are important when managing a wine festival. These results generated strategic insights on what managers need to focus on when they are organising and managing a wine festival, such as the Wacky Wine Festival. Article 2 is titled: "A management appraisal of the Wacky Wine Festival". The main purpose of this article was to identify why a management appraisal is important when managing a wine festival. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether significant differences occurred between the different visitor groups of the wine festival and their perceptions regarding the managerial aspects. Results revealed that there are three different visitor groups, namely the festinos, the epicureans and the social adventurers that visit the Wacky Wine Festival. Each of them agreed or disagreed what managerial aspects they find are very important when managing the Wacky Wine Festival. Some of the factors were found significant, namely quality and good management, effective marketing and entertainment and activities. Hence managers of the wine festival need to regard these key success factors as important to focus on. This research therefore revealed the key success factors for efficient management of the festival. There are further three types of visitor groups that visit the Wacky Wine Festival were also identified, namely the festinos, the epicureans and the social adventures. Research also indicated that specific markets have different evaluations concerning the importance of management aspects in ensuring success. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Wine tourism is very much an "experience", be it the wine, the destination or the opportunity to learn and "grow".Competitive positioning of wine tourism regions has become a strategically important issue, as the number of wine festivals has increased considerably and numerous regions are now marketing aggressively to attract high-yield wine tourists. The Wacky Wine Festival is one of the most unique and popular wine festivals in South Africa, and is the biggest regional wine festival. Managers of the Wacky Wine Festival need to know what visitors see as the important key success factors needed for managing a wine festival. This encourages competiveness and attempts to be sustainable over the long term of the wine festival's product lifecycle. When managing a wine festival, managers also need to identify whether different visitor groups have different perceptions of the managerial aspects. Key success factors (KSFs) are a prerequisite for the success of any organisation. KSFs concern what every manager within the tourism industry must be competent at doing or must concentrate on achieving to be Competitively and financially successful. KSFs are aspects which influence the organisation's ability to thrive in the market place. It is important to identify key success factors as these will assist a business in measuring achievements and indicating the improvement a business is making towards achieving certain targets. The main purpose of this study was therefore to determine key success factors for managing a wine festival by identifying what visitors to the Wacky Wine Festival view as important managerial aspects (KSFs). To reach the above-mentioned goal, the study is divided into 2 articles. Research for both articles was undertaken at the Wacky Wine Festival. Questionnaires were interview-administrated and distributed randomly during the course of the Festival at different wine farms. In total 424 questionnaires werecompleted during the visitor survey from 3-7 June 2009. Article 1 is titled: "Aspects concerning effective and efficient management of the Wacky Wine Festival". The main purpose of this article was therefore to identify the key success factors in managing the Wacky Wine Festival. This was done to determine what people visiting the Wacky Wine Festival view important. A factor analysis was used as instrument for achieving the above-mentioned goal. Results indicated that quality and good management, wine farm attributes, effective marketing, route development, festival attractiveness, entertainment and activities and accessibility are the key success factors that are important when managing a wine festival. These results generated strategic insights on what managers need to focus on when they are organising and managing a wine festival, such as the Wacky Wine Festival. Article 2 is titled: "A management appraisal of the Wacky Wine Festival". The main purpose of this article was to identify why a management appraisal is important when managing a wine festival. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether significant differences occurred between the different visitor groups of the wine festival and their perceptions regarding the managerial aspects. Results revealed that there are three different visitor groups, namely the festinos, the epicureans and the social adventurers that visit the Wacky Wine Festival. Each of them agreed or disagreed what managerial aspects they find are very important when managing the Wacky Wine Festival. Some of the factors were found significant, namely quality and good management, effective marketing and entertainment and activities. Hence managers of the wine festival need to regard these key success factors as important to focus on. This research therefore revealed the key success factors for efficient management of the festival. There are further three types of visitor groups that visit the Wacky Wine Festival were also identified, namely the festinos, the epicureans and the social adventures. Research also indicated that specific markets have different evaluations concerning the importance of management aspects in ensuring success. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Analisar as dinâmicas que envolvem a combinação de atividades realizadas no contexto rural mostra-se uma tarefa pertinente para a temática do agronegócio. A crescente valorização das culturas e sistemas de produção locais, dos produtos agroalimentares, das paisagens e do meio ambiente, bem como as dinâmicas das relações sociais e econômicas, impulsionam o surgimento de novas oportunidades para geração desenvolvimento econômico e social no meio rural. Nesse sentido, o desenvolvimento da atividade turística no espaço rural, motivado pela diversificação e pela demanda das novas relações com esse ambiente, expõe as possibilidades de exploração de novas oportunidades de mercado. Percebe-se que a valorização do local estimula não apenas a economia rural, mas também a atividade turística e o desenvolvimento de pequenos empreendimentos de uma determinada região. No caso dessa pesquisa, tais fatores são explorados através da identificação e análise das iniciativas de enoturismo e turismo gastronômico na região Sul do Brasil. Buscando discutir esse contexto, realizou-se um levantamento da literatura acerca das abordagens que conduzem a construção analítica do trabalho, posteriormente desenvolveram-se dois estudos, que, para a estrutura teórica, relacionam como fio condutor a temática do turismo no espaço rural, com a abordagem de cadeias curtas. O levantamento realizado serviu para embasar a análise dos dados selecionados para compor o estudo acerca do enoturismo e das entrevistas com atores locais, no caso do estudo referente ao turismo gastronômico, que também contempla outros elementos, como Indicações Geográficas e o movimento Slow Food. Como resultados da análise, pode-se considerar que, ao promover os produtos locais, valorizar o tradicional e as estruturas sociais e econômicas de uma determinada região é possível atingir o desenvolvimento regional e agregar valor para os produtos, valorizar os produtores e aproximá-los do setor varejista e de serviços, e, consumidores finais. / To analyze the dynamics involving the combination of activities in the rural context appears as a relevant task for the subject of agribusiness. The growing appreciation of cultures and local production systems, agri-food products, the landscapes and the environment, as well as the dynamics of social and economic relations, drive the emergence of new opportunities for generating economic and social development in rural areas. In this sense, the development of tourism in rural areas, driven by diversification and demand of new relations with the environment, exposes the possibilities of exploiting new market opportunities. It is noticed that the appreciation of the Local encourages not only the rural economy, but also the tourist activity and the development of small enterprises in a given region. In the case of this research, these factors are explored through the identification and analysis of wine tourism and gastronomic tourism initiatives in southern Brazil. Attempting to discuss this context was held a survey of the literature on approaches that lead to analytical construction of the study, subsequently were developed two studies, which, for the theoretical framework, relate as a guide the theme of tourism in rural areas, with the approach of short chains. The survey served to support the analysis of the data selected to compose the study of the wine tourism and interviews with local actors, in the case of study related to gastronomic tourism, which also includes other elements such as geographical indications and the Slow Food movement. As a result of the analysis, it can be considered that by promoting local products, enhance the traditional social and economic structures of a given region can achieve regional development and add value to the products, value producers and bring them closer of the retail sector and services, and consumers.

Este estudo teve como propósito investigar se o enoturismo e a criação de uma marca regional contribuíram para o fortalecimento endógeno do Vale dos Vinhedos. O estudo analisou três elementos: a) enoturismo; b) faturamento; e c) qualidade através da marca regional. O paradigma adotado foi de corte quali-quantitativo servindo-se de metodologia descritiva. A análise documental e entrevistas foram usadas como instrumentos para a coleta de informações. Os participantes do estudo foram os empresários e as entidades atuantes na promoção turística do Vale dos Vinhedos. Para a análise, foram estudados os aspectos socioeconômicos e culturais da vitivinicultura local, o processo de certificação e a conquista da Indicação de Procedência - IPVV, o enoturismo e a sua organização em torno das instituições. O Vale dos Vinhedos foi colonizado por imigrantes italianos a partir de 1876, que tornaram a vitivinicultura a principal atividade desenvolvida no território. Embora tenha sido identificada uma redução da participação da população do Vale no enoturismo local, os resultados apontaram que o processo de desenvolvimento do enoturismo se deu de forma semelhante a outras regiões que criaram suas marcas regionais. Ele foi resultado de especialização produtiva, da cultura existente e da capacidade de organização dos agentes locais. Segundo o discurso dos gestores públicos e privados, a certificação conquistada em 2002 não impactou de forma direta no enoturismo, pois já havia um reconhecimento da qualidade dos produtos pelo consumidor antes da conquista. Identificou-se também que o faturamento decorrente do enoturismo motivou os novos investimentos feitos no Vale, especialmente nos últimos 05 anos, além da criação da marca regional e de uma perspectiva de futuro. / Submitted by Marcelo Teixeira (mvteixeira@ucs.br) on 2014-05-14T17:39:36Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Vander Valduga.pdf: 6021493 bytes, checksum: 1f62079d2db8bd0e7359504cda22f912 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-14T17:39:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Vander Valduga.pdf: 6021493 bytes, checksum: 1f62079d2db8bd0e7359504cda22f912 (MD5) / This study had as intention to investigate if the Wine tourism and the creation of one regional mark contributed for the intern strengthen of ´Vale dos Vinhedos` Vinhedos Valley. The study also analyzed three elements: a) wine tourism; b) invoicing and c) quality through the regional mark. The adopted paradigm was of quali-quantitative cut, serving itself of descriptive methodology. The documentary analysis and interviews had been used as instruments for all the collection of information. The participants of the research were entrepreneurs and entities that operate in the tourist promotion of the Vinhedos Valley. For the analysis, the social economies and cultural aspects of the local viticulture, the process of certification, the conquest of the indication of origin - IPVV, the wine tourism and its organization around the institutions had been studied. The ´Vale dos Vinhedos` Vinhedos Valley was colonized by Italian immigrants, who from 1876 made the viticulture the main activity developed in the territory. Although it has been identified a reduction of the participation of the population of the Vinhedos Valley in the local wine tourism, the results pointed that the process of development of the wine tourism had some similarities to other regions that had created its regional marks. It was resulted of productive specialization, the existing culture and the capacity of organization of the local agents. According to speech of the public and private managers, the certification conquered in 2002 did not incapacitate of direct form in the wine tourism, therefore it had already recognition of the product quality for the consumer before the conquest. It was also identified that the recurrent invoicing of the wine tourism motivated the new investments made in the Valley, especially in the last 5 years, beyond the creation of the regional mark and a great perspective for the future.</

Este trabalho de pesquisa busca aprofundar a relação entre vitivinicultura e o desenvolvimento do enoturismo no município de Bituruna, estado do Paraná. Sendo uma atividade essencialmente agrícola, a vitivinicultura engloba o cultivo e produção das uvas para produção de vinhos e derivados. O enoturismo, atividade turística associada ao vinho, vem se desenvolvendo no território brasileiro e ocasiona a necessidade de se disponibilizar produtos e serviços ao turista. Em Bituruna o cultivo da uva e a elaboração de vinhos teve início entre as décadas de 1930 e 1950, a turistificação do espaço vem ocorrendo lentamente. A pesquisa se caracteriza como qualitativa descritiva, realizada por meio da análise de referenciais bibliográficos e entrevistas com os principais produtores de vinho do município, gestores do setor público e privado, além de representantes comunitários. Os resultados indicaram que a vitivinicultura é uma atividade promissora, mas o enoturismo é incipiente pela falta de planos específicos que contribuam com o seu pleno desenvolvimento. O enoturismo em Bituruna oferece possibilidade de desenvolvimento socioeconômico e cultural, desde que melhor trabalhado. / Submitted by Ana Guimarães Pereira (agpereir@ucs.br) on 2016-10-20T16:45:52Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Leidh Jeane Sampietro.pdf: 1716222 bytes, checksum: de0f38158be4a9453194f01ecba260a3 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-20T16:45:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Leidh Jeane Sampietro.pdf: 1716222 bytes, checksum: de0f38158be4a9453194f01ecba260a3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-10-20 / This research investigated the relationship between viticulture and the development of wine tourism in the municipality of Bituruna, state of Paraná. Being an essentially farming activity, viticulture includes the cultivation and production of grapes for wine production and derivatives. The wine tourism, tourism related to wine, has been developing in Brazil and causes the need to provide goods and services to tourists. Bituruna in grape growing and winemaking began between the decades from 1930 and 1950, the touristification space has been happening slowly. The research is characterized as descriptive qualitative, conducted through the analysis of bibliographic references and interviews with leading wine producers of the municipality, the public and private sector managers, and community representatives. The results indicate that the wine industry is a promising activity, but the wine tourism is incipient by the lack of specific plans to contribute to their full development . The wine tourism in Bituruna can offer the possibility of socioeconomic and cultural development , as long as it better planned.

Mini-thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY: MARKETING MANAGEMENT in the Faculty of Business at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2010 / This study examines the validity of the mystery shopper research method, which was applied in the context of wine tourism. In the process of achieving this objective, the service quality of selected wine estates along the Stellenbosch Wine Route (SWR) was also established. Furthermore, the findings reveal whether this research method is beneficial to facilitate customer relationships. Wine tourism is considered a special interest tourism that has received heightened global attention in the past decade, both practically and academically. This growth is also mirrored domestically, as wine tourism is one of the major attractions in the Western Cape. Since 2006, the number of wine estates in the Stellenbosch region rose by 12.3%, resulting in more than 140 wine estates that are currently available. This ultimately means that there are more wine estates, which all compete for the same customer base, and this increases competitiveness. Moreover, being a relatively homogenous product offering, with the key differential point being the actual winescape, it is important that wine estates focus on delivering superior service quality in order to achieve competitive advantage. This also calls for a need to systematically test service quality and procedures to ensure that desired levels are maintained. The research methodology that was used is exploratory in nature, comprising of two in-depth interviews and sixteen mystery visits via judgmental sampling. The mystery visits were conducted at the Stellenbosch Hills and Bottelary Hills sub-routes. One popular and one less recognised wine estate per sub-route were observed. Findings showed that service quality at these estates are generally high, yet experiences at all estates were vastly different. The most important discovery is that the concept of mystery visitors is, in fact, an appropriate vehicle to assess service quality and to facilitate customer relationships. This method was successful in identifying the source of problems that led to sub-optimal performance, which allowed for corrective action to be taken. As a result, the service quality of the estates can be further increased to ensure a perfect experience on each occasion, which, over time, builds the reputati~n of the wine estate. Ultimately, this research has demonstrated that mystery visitors can be applied in the context of tourism on both an individual and collective scale. Key words: wine tourism, special interest tourism, wine tourists, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch Wine Route, service quality, research method, mystery shopper and mystery visitor.