CREATED as a tribute to South Africa’s oldest Sauvignon Blanc bush vines, Spice Route Wines launched its Amos Block Perpetual Reserve this month. The first hand-bottling of this sherry-style dry fortified wine was created from three vintages – 2014, 2015 and 2016 – and filled just one barrel. This translates into a little more than 400 […]
MERAKI is a stylish, modern eatery that is the sensation of Stellenbosch. In a typical winelands setting with treelined, sophisticated surrounds, the menu reflects the beautiful simplicity that is the trademark of this superb restaurant. Seeking inspiration from all over the world, the dishes are eclectic, offering the discerning guest a variety of dishes served […]
MANY wine estates and farms in the Western Cape have old manor houses. Some you can visit, usually with limited access, but at Weltevreden in Stellenbosch, you can spend a night or three in one which has been proclaimed a national monument. The first title deed of the property is dated March, 1692. The cellar […]
WHEN the finalists – as voted for by the public – for the annual Wolftrap Steakhouse Championships are announced, I eagerly skim the list; firstly for Cape Town steakhouses, and secondly for ones I haven’t been to. The competition is in its fifth year and has become well spread out around the country. This year, […]
IN my kitchen is a “man drawer” – if you don’t know what this is, watch here – and in my man drawer there is always chocolate, usually Lindt. For most people, darker chocolate is an acquired taste and Lindt has many ways to make this journey pleasurable. Cocoa percentages increase gradually, and a wide […]
ONE of the best things about Cape Town winters is the abundance of restaurant specials. It’s the perfect time to take advantage of these and enjoy exceptional value for money. Today we had lunch at the multi award-winning Terroir in Stellenbosch. It’s always a treat but the four-course tasting menu (with or without wine pairing) […]
THEY – whomever “they” are, although the quote is widely attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt – say do something every day that scares you. That’s a bit extreme; a more moderate and achievable goal is to try new things as often as possible. And so it came to pass, after many years of theatre opening nights, I […]
UBER has been a game changer for me in so many ways, from getting me home safely when I’ve been out somewhere alcohol is involved, to never having to negotiate city traffic or look for parking. As much as the ride app takes me where I going and back again, its companion uberEATS seems determined […]
FRANSCHHOEK – the world renowned and picturesque food and wine capital of South Africa – is abuzz with the imminent opening of the iconic La Colombe’s new La Petite Colombe, which is replacing The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français – an exciting new partnership with the owners of the stylish and luxurious Leeu Collection. […]
CONSTANTIA Glen is making a big deal out of the June long weekend starting on Youth Day on the 16th till Father’s Day on the 18th of June 2017. Visitors to the tasting room can enjoy 20% off for the entire weekend when purchasing 1.5 litre magnums of the award winning Constantia Glen TWO 2016. This flagship white […]