Sterrekopje Healing Farm in South Africa offers wellness retreats emphasizing non-alcoholic alternatives. Cofounders Nicole Boekhoorn and Fleur Huijskens transformed a former wine estate into a sanctuary for women's retreats, yoga, and healing therapies. With over half of Gen Z identifying as alcohol-free and nearly half of Americans aiming to reduce drinking, wine regions are rethinking their offerings. The focus is now shifting towards culinary experiences, family activities, and wellness, demonstrating that enjoyment of the locale doesn’t necessarily require alcohol.
People enjoy the alternatives to alcohol so much," cofounder Nicole Boekhoorn told me as we returned to the main house for a lunch of miso soup, sea bream with labneh, and rosemary bread from the adjacent bakery; the meal was paired with cordials in vivifying blends like passion fruit-marigold, lemon-buchu, and lavender-juniper. "Guests say, 'I was coming here for wine, and I came with all these plans'-then they cancel them.
When Boekhoorn opened this lush sanctuary in 2022 with her partner, Fleur Huijskens, they decided to focus on the alternatives. So they yanked out the vines at the 125-acre former wine estate and reimagined it as a place for women's retreats, yoga classes, and healing therapies.
With more than half of Gen Z claiming to be alcohol-free and 49 percent of Americans reportedly trying to drink less, wine regions are striving to craft experiences for nondrinkers.
After all, you don't have to be an imbiber to enjoy the rolling hills, temperate weather, delicious cuisine, and outdoor activities these areas are known for.
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