WITH the changing of the seasons the warmer weather is a welcome relief (although the rain isn't quite done with us yet) - perfect for exploring one of South Africa’s premier lifestyle destinations, the Franschhoek Wine Valley. It's home to award-winning wines, internationally acclaimed restaurants, exquisite art as well as an array of cultural and outdoor offerings. Make the most of your visit…
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La Colombe once again shows why it’s among the best in the world
THERE was a bit of an awkward moment when I was on my way out of La Colombe the other day after lunch. I met chef James Gaag at the bottom of the stairs and he asked me what my highlights had been - and the lowlights. To learn, he said, which I understand. Feedback is important.
I felt like a deer caught in headlights, frozen but with eyes darting side to side trying to remember which way means…
10 years of summer movie magic at Galileo Open Air Cinema
CAPE TOWN’S favourite outdoor cinema welcomes movie goers back to The Galileo Open Air Cinema for a 10th season this summer, with more than 100 movie screenings set in some of most picturesque and exclusive locations across Cape Town and the Cape winelands.
Season 10 will begin on October 21, 2021 until April 24, 2022, showcasing a series of blockbuster hits, from family favourites to…
CHEERS to South African Sauvignon Blanc, especially those of the 2020 vintage; Sauvignon Blanc South Africa announced the winners of the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 competition – and no fewer than seven of the champion wines are from the 2020 vintage, which turned out to be an excellent one for Sauvignon Blanc.
This year's Top 10 (in alphabetical order) are:
Bellevue Sauvignon Blanc…
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Franschhoek’s La Petite Ferme appoints new head chef
LA PETITE Ferme, the renowned manor house and vineyard suites on the Franschhoek Pass and member of The Nest Collection, has appointed a talented new head chef. Odette Olivier comes with a wealth of local and international experience and is set to re-invigorate the dining experience at one of the Cape’s most scenic locations. From its mountainside perch at the very top of the Franschhoek…
Eat Play Drink’s highlights on Showmax for October
TWO words: Alan Tudyk. I loved him in Firefly (a series which was far too short-lived) and Serenity, and even more in the original Death At A Funeral - NOT the one with Chris Rock currently on Netflix. I could so easily have let Resident Alienslide under the radar but I did my due diligence and watched the trailer. It looks hilarious and I'm going to get stuck into it as soon as I finish the…
EDIT: Due to the rain forecast for this weekend, the event has been postponed to November 27 and 28, 2021.
In celebration of Garden Day, The Cellars-Hohenortin Constantia is opening its magnificent gardens to members of the public on the weekend of October 16 and 17, 2021. All proceeds are in aid of the hotel's chosen charity, St Luke’s Hospice, which provides palliative care to more than 650…
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Celebrate summer in style at Franschhoek Uncorked Festival
FRANSCHHOEK Uncorked Festival on October 16 and 17 is an excellent reason to explore one of South Africa’s premier wine destinations, while uncovering a fine selection of wine gems from the Franschhoek vignerons. This year, 12 wineries have confirmed their participation, with more to follow.
Participating wineries in and around the valley will use the opportunity to showcase this season’s new…
Dead Man’s Fingers – rum done differently
THE world’s been upended for far too long, but one thing remains undeniable – our spirit to claim and own who we are and how the planet perceives us. This is where Dead Man’s Fingers(DMF), a premium rum, created in a famous seafood joint in Cornwall, UK, is changing the way we distinguish and savour rum. In its quest to have us resist the usual, DMF’s arsenal embraces a further taste-bud-teasing,…
EVER noticed how many wines in South Africa have “Chateau” as part of their name? Only one: Chateau Libertas. In 1935, the country signed an agreement with the French* that prevented the use of the term by any local producer from that point on. Why the exception for Chateau Libertas? It was established in 1932, before the deal was inked, so it escaped the prohibition.
At almost 90 years…
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Tintswalo recognised with Condé Nast Readers’ Choice award
TWO of Tintswalo’s properties received the nod in the recently announced 2021 Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge is retaining its spot as one of the Top 20 Resorts in South Africa, while Tintswalo Atlantic (pictured above) was included in the Top 30 Hotels in Southern Africa list for the first time. Earlier this year, Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlanticalso…
Win tickets to Societi Bistro’s spring soirée on October 16
THERE'S something in the air...things feel somehow looser, lighter, more relaxed. The weather is definitely playing its part, as is the relief of being at Level 1 of lockdown, which to be honest, is almost like no lockdown at all. It's time to celebrate.
Societi Bistro has been encouraging us, with a sexy saucy campaign on social media here, the launch party for a new fashion range there -…
THIS month, M-Net Channel 101 brings viewers the very best in gripping series, from police procedurals to courtroom drama to emotional depictions of love.
Beginning on Monday, October 11 at 8.30pm is Vigil, a British police procedural miniseries created by Tom Edge and produced by World Productions (Line Of Duty, The Pembrokeshire Murders, Save Me, Bodyguard). The mysterious disappearance of a…
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Homage to blue: Laborie honours its Franco-South African roots
ALTHOUGH Laborie is a proudly South African wine brand, harnessing the unique qualities of South Africa’s terroir in the making of its elegant wines, this brand’s heritage has a proud French connection – one that dates back more than 300 years. This jubilant historical link is evident in Laborie’s mantra, "Le Grande Vie", a commitment to the vibrant life inspired by French culture, and the active…
Accolades for 2019 Focal Point Chardonnay and Cinsault
FOUR years after first venturing into uncharted waters with his own wine brand Laarman Wines, acclaimed independent winemaker Arco Laarman (pictured above) still personally collects his grapes from Vermaaklikheid, a small town on the Cape South Coast near Witsand, 300 km from Cape Town.
“Driving my beautiful grapes home at 80km p/h reminds me of the day my wife Madeleine and I took our daughter…