Survivor, the unbridled range of terroir driven wines inspired by the indigenous Nguni, is a proud champion of Swartland Chenin Blanc, with two thoroughbred renditions of this South African signature grape variety. Survivor Chenin Blanc 2020 and the limited release Survivor Bushvine Chenin Blanc Reserve 2019 showcase the best of what the hardy Swartland can…
{sparkling} Timed to perfection: 50 years of Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel
I feel quite sheepish to admit that I’ve never tasted Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel, the absolute alpha and omega of South African Cap Classique. Having said that, this gap in my internal wine library was recently filled by being invited to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year with two sparkling new releases. Introduction My wine career…
{wine}{recipe} Zandvliet’s Shiraz 2017 and a cheat’s sausage pie
When you combine my most beloved winelands district with my most beloved red wine varietal, you get the Zandvliet Shiraz 2017 from Robertson, a gratifyingly rich and complex wine. Add glassesful to a hearty ostrich sausage pie and you’ve unlocked the direct path to most people’s hearts. Introduction I’ve never been quiet about my love…
{news} Stellenbosch Hills unveils second vintage of Kastanjeberg Chenin
The exciting second vintage of a limited-edition Stellenbosch wine only made in years of exceptional harvests has just been released. The Sense of Place Kastanjeberg 2020 is the flagship wooded, single vineyard Chenin Blanc made by Stellenbosch Hills. The new addition has the hallmarks of an award-winning wine and bears the gravitas and poise that,…
{news} Sugarbird Craft Gin Awarded Best Premium Gin in South Africa
The spectacular Cape Floral Kingdom sits at the south-western tip of Africa. It is by far the smallest, yet easily the richest of the six floral kingdoms in the world. This unique region, encompassing Cape Town itself, offers an unusual but intricate landscape of flora and fauna. This floral kingdom is predominantly ‘fynbos’ (meaning very fine bush), and it comprises thousands of different species, which attract multiple insects and…
{news} Groote Post presents a wine tasting and music event not to be missed!
Groote Post will be hosting a memorable wine tasting & music experience on 19 June. Winemaker, Lukas Wentzel, will be presenting a Groote Post wine tasting in the barrel cellar, while Red Sheep Music, the ever-popular duo from Stellenbosch, will be curating a selection of songs to pair with the wines. This event is not…
{wine} Glen Carlou wines delight from soil to glass
The joy of opening a great bottle of wine is doubled when shared. The more glasses filled, the more joy there is for everyone. And that is exactly what Glen Carlou‘s wines brought to our table – a feast of togetherness, delight and tangible excitement. Introduction My first encounter with Glen Carlou wines was at…
{news} Orchard to bottle – the core of Loxtonia Cider from the Ceres Valley
The true essence of the apple from ‘orchard to bottle’ is the promise of every Loxtonia Cider made with hand-picked apples from the Ceres Valley. Made on the farm with home-grown, 100% freshly pressed and naturally fermented apples, the Loxtonia range of award winning ciders has a taste for every palate. A blend of the…
{news} Make it a Father’s Day to remember at Nederburg’s The Manor
This Father’s Day (Sunday, 20 June), Nederburg’s The Manor restaurant in Paarl will be welcoming dads and their loved ones with an array of delicious wines and eats. Add a fireplace and a touch of history to the mix, and just like that, you have all you need for a memorable day out in the gorgeous Cape winelands. There’s…
{news} South African Pride at the 2021 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition
Five SA Olive Industry Association members have won nine awards in the annual NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition. The NYIOOC (The New York International Olive Oil Competition) is the world’s largest and most prestigious olive oil quality contest and is rated the most trusted guide to the year’s best Extra Virgin Olive Oils. South Africa’s awards list…
{news} Cape Town’s bold artistic landscape creates a stir of inspiration
Cape Town, with its great natural masterpieces, iconic landmarks, architecture and traditional artistic influences, has played muse to many international artists and brands alike. Most recently, Nespresso celebrated Cape Town’s beauty and art culture through its inclusion in the World Explorations collection, and the launch of this new range of Lungo coffees. A large part…
{wine} Thinking inside the box: Fleur du Cap’s bag-in-a-box Rosé
I’m all here for innovation, sustainability and accessibility in the wine industry. In fact, I prefer thinking inside the box, rather than out, just like premium wine brand Fleur du Cap. Introduction With a growing movement towards finding sustainable and eco-friendly ways of producing and packaging household items, the spillover into the wine and hospitality…