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…
Category: Wine
{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…
{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…
{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} 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} 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…
{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…
{wine} A table for two: Steenberg’s stylish 2020 Sauvignon Blancs
If I could only drink wine from one wine estate for the rest of my life, it would be a difficult decision, but a quick answer: Steenberg Vineyards. Especially now with Cellarmaster Elunda Basson setting her sights on producing award-winning top-tier Sauvignon Blancs, and unveiling her 2020 masterpieces in stylish new outfits. Introduction I’m completely…