When I’m not in the mood for wine (yes, that happens!) I love to sip on a cider. I was recently introduced to Loxtonia‘s range of apple ciders, and just like that, I was transported to an old English pub and a cooperative micro-brewery. Introduction When I lived in the UK, our local pub owned…
Category: Drinks
{wine} A celebration of an exceptional harvest: Stellenbosch Hills’ Kastanjeberg 2020
Uncorking a bottle of Stellenbosch Hills Kastanjeberg Chenin Blanc 2020 is a celebration in all senses of the word – a celebration of terroir, of excellence, of true craftsmanship and of exceptional harvests. Introduction When an elegant bottle of Stellenbosch Hills’ newly released and limited Kastanjeberg Chenin Blanc 2020 landed at my door, I knew…
{news} Loxtonia Non-Alcoholic Cider – the alternative low-calorie lifestyle choice
Non-alcoholic drinks are surging as the trend towards alternative lifestyle choices takes hold across the globe. Loxtonia, the ‘orchard to bottle’ 100% freshly pressed and naturally fermented apple cider from the Ceres Valley, has you covered with a refreshing, low-calorie Non-Alcoholic Cider. Made on the family-owned farm with home-grown apples, Loxtonia Easy Apple Non-Alcoholic Cider…
{news} Durbanville Wine Valley triumphs at Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show
The inimitable excellence of wines from Durbanville has been re-affirmed following a remarkable performance by wine route members at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show (OMTWS). Taking top honours at the event – one of the industry’s most authoritative challenges – Durbanville claimed no less than four trophies including Most Successful Producer Overall. “This…
{wine tasting} From Gouverneurs to liquid gold: chocolate and wine pairing at Groot Constantia
Every time I drive up the vineyard-laden lane to the heart of Groot Constantia, yet another bit of unexplored territory awaits me. This time, this historic estate lured me into its gracious embrace with a Chocolate and Wine pairing invitation. Introduction With hectares of unspoilt beauty and world-reknowned and significant architecture, a visit to Groot…
{wine} Together through collaboration: Boland Cellar’s new-look One Formation wines
With a foundation of strong underpinning ethics, Boland Cellar‘s One Formation range of wines are not just beautiful from the outside, but filled with pure collaborative goodness from vine to bottle. Introduction Eternally drawn to a beautiful label and the dark curves of a wine bottle, I received these two beauties from Boland Cellar with…
{news} Lovin’ dry Rosé? Choose Nederburg!
Refreshing, crisp and zippy with an invigorating dry taste, Nederburg’s Grenache Carignan Rosé 2020 takes South African blush wines to a new level of sophistication. Just the right choice to celebrate International Rosé Day on 25 June! No longer burdened with a perceived gender bias, rosé is enjoyed equally by men and women across the…
{wine} Deetlefs Wine Estate: three courses for three bottles – a celebratory meal
Over the years, Deetlefs Wine Estate has rightfully collected a vast amount of prime property in my ever-full wine racks. In the build-up towards their 200 years’ existence celebration in 2022, I thought I’d introduce you to a few of my favourites so long. Introduction My first meeting with Deetlefs was in the early throes…
{news} Survivor champions Swartland Chenin Blanc
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,…