At times, the chaos of our current reality reverberates noisily against the walls of my innermost sanctuary. Feeling tired and a little bit weary of the world, I recently retreated to the sacred spaces of Angala Boutique Hotel to nurture my mind and body in nature. Introduction Inevitably, the last 16 months of pandemic living…
Tag: Cape Town
{news} Franschhoek restaurant recovery initiative aims to help local restaurants
Following on the huge success of the Support Stellenbosch Restaurant Campaign initiative, which raised just over R1.7 million for restaurants in the Stellenbosch Winelands, the Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourism organization has jump started something similar. Save The Franschhoek Restaurant Appeal aims to raise enough money to help those affected establishments in the region, who have…
{news} SA Olive’s Basic Olive Oil Tasting Course
SA Olive is excited to announce its first Basic Olive Oil Tasting course of 2021. The course will be run by Reni Hildenbrand and Louise Rabie on the 20th of July at the Klein Joostenberg Farm, Muldersvlei. Please note: Should Lockdown Level 4 be extended after the 11th July 2021, the course will be rescheduled and respondents notified accordingly. Reni and…
{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…
{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…
{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} 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…