BETWEEN majestic mountains and surrounded by luscious, bountiful vineyards lies the picturesque and internationally renowned town of Stellenbosch. Wine-lovers come from all over the world to visit South Africa’s second oldest town and the region’s many award-winning wine estates – taking with them not only memories of an unforgettable experience but inevitably also a couple of cases of their…
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Before & After – finding a treasure in a blunder
WHAT began as a blending mistake, a few years ago, between a tank of Noble Late Harvest red wine and some brandy spirit in the cellar, turned into Blaauwklippen’s most beautiful "blending blunder" - the Before & After. Or also known as a Christmas-in-a-bottle experience.
Presented in the most eye-catching (and perfect gift) bottle, the aperitif is a blend of wood-matured red Noble Late…
Blaauwklippen’s new Tasting House – a sensory experience
DAY three of my trip to Stellenbosch last month was packed with food and wine from morning till evening. It was the marathon I've been training for my whole life, and it began bright and early (10am) with the new pizza and wine pairing at Blaauwklippen.
The new-look Tasting House has streamlined its offerings; the smaller portions for pairings can also be ordered full-size, which no doubt makes…
AS we prepare to celebrate Pinot Noir Day on Friday, August 18, we ask: what are the secrets of a fine wine that captivates enthusiasts around the globe?
“I believe it begins with a commitment to sustainability and a deep understanding of the vineyard’s unique terroir,” says Creation Wines' co-owner and winemaker Jean-Claude Martin (pictured below).
It has been 21 years since Creation’s…
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Potatoes in all their wonderful shapes and forms
THE potato is one of the world's favourite foods, beloved for its versatility and adaptability for all types of dishes and snacks.
The potato can be cooked in a variety of ways, fried, baked, boiled, steamed, roasted, microwaved or sauteed; they can be used in soups, salads, main courses, breads, side dishes and even desserts. Potatoes are found in the recipes of most cuisines including African,
…Brookdale hibernation season getaway for locals
BROOKDALE ESTATE in the Paarl winelands has launched a special offer for SA residents offering luxury accommodation in the Manor House at R3450 per room per night. The offer is valid until 30 September 2023, and includes breakfast, as well as a complimentary wine tasting for two at the tasting room.
Paying homage to its ethos "stay curious", Brookdale Estate is as unexpected as it is enchanting.
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WITH seven weeks to go before voting closes, this year’s Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge is hotter than a wood-fired oven, with a close tussle for the top spot between last year’s winner Ferdinando’s (Observatory, Cape Town), 2021 winner and last year’s runner up, Gino’s (of Robertsham, Johannesburg) and Gino’s in Stellenbosch which is currently in the lead.
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Not far behind and closing in fast
…A celebration of exquisite Simonsberg red blends
BEING located between Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch, not everyone knows Simonsberg-Paarl is a wine region in its own right. The area makes some of the country’s most distinctive red blends with a distinct style, using predominantly Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Simonsberg Wine Assembly, taking place at Vrede en Lust on September 2, will give you the opportunity to explore the finest…
Make haste – Night Of The Long Tables selling out fast
A PERIPHERAL event of Solo Studios in Riebeek Kasteel from August 18 to 20, seats for The Night Of The Long Tablesare being snapped up; in the 24 hours since I last looked at the website, when only one was fully booked, two more are now too.
Aardvark Eats, Kokos Huis, and the Friday at the Royal Hotel are sold out. This leaves The Valley Deli on Saturday, August 20, Royal Hotel on the…
YES, I still have stories from my trip to Stellenbosch last month, and these three aren't even the last of them. It was a jam-packed itinerary with so many wonderful experiences. A new one for me was Canettevallei Lavender and Wine Farm.
I met Ingrid de Waal, who handles the lavender side of things, and she told me all about the history of the very old family farm, "one of the oldest farms -…
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All the major food groups on one plate
PIZZA can be a nutritionally balance meal that combines all the major food groups. You've got the protein in cheese (or meat if you're adding) - which also brings dairy and fat to the table, carbs of course, and all the vegetables you can think of. Here are two delicious recipe ideas from the South African Mushroom Farmers' Associationand if you just can't go vegetarian, simply add some bacon.…
Key Change – a night of piano magic
JONATHAN ROXMOUTH is an incredible pianist - and I mean that in the true sense of the word: "difficult to believe; extraordinary". In fact, when I saw him previously I pondered whether he was even playing for real, so hard it was to conceive that anyone's fingers could move like that, so impeccably.
I pondered this publicly on Facebook where he replied that he indeed was playing. I no doubt…
SOLO Studios – Intimate Art Encounters returns to the Riebeek Valley this month with what promises to be another highlight on the cultural calendar. Calling the event "Intimate Art Encounters" means exactly what it says. Seventeen artists’ studios will be open to the public over the weekend of 18–20 August, with eight of these artists having invited external collaborators to co-exhibit in their…
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New vintage releases from La Petite Ferme
LA Petite Ferme – the name translates simply as "the small farm" – in Franschhoek has over decades, grown and evolved into a memorable winelands destination that today includes a boutique hotel, an award-winning restaurant which serves country cuisine with a fresh contemporary touch, an acclaimed country restaurant and a celebrated winery that produces hand-crafted wines from its own small and…
Dark comedy, time travel, drama – and a heart-wrenching true story
ARGUABLY the only cast member from Big Bang Theory to have a decent follow-up career, Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant) is on M-Net 101 at 8pm from August 7 in her new show, Based On A True Story, produced by Jason Bateman (Ozark). It will also be available on Showmax.
Cuoco plays Ava, a realtor struggling to land deals by day and a true crime fanatic by night, and she’s joined by Chris…