THE family-owned farm Mooiplaas recently became the first WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Conservation Champion in the Bottelary ward of Stellenbosch.
This outstanding achievement follows the submission of its latest IPW-audit (Integrated Production of Wine), which acknowledges the environmental responsibility of its production practices. The audit includes factors such as carbon footprint, effective…
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Stellenbosch stalwart Delheim goes back to its wine roots
DELHEIM estate has seen three of its wines awarded five-star status in the 2021 edition of Platter’s South African Wine Guide, arguably the country’s most widely referenced wine authority.
Enviable five-star ratings were awarded to the Grand Reserve 2017, Vera Cruz Pinotage 2017 and the Edelspatz Noble Late Harvest 2019. Each is a pinnacle wine of the Delheim portfolio and a Simonsberg…
‘Somm’ thing a little different for the SA wine industry
WHILE the rest of South Africa baked banana bread, two well-known sommeliers - Spencer Fondaumiere and Tinashe Nyamdoka - looked past the physical isolation in lockdown and used the time to create an innovative digital platform. Somm On Call is a fully coded reality that leverages the pair's significant shared experience as wine aficionados and trained sommeliers.
“The new site brings the art…
HYATT affiliate has entered into a management agreement with South African real estate company, Millat Properties, to open the first Hyatt hotel in Cape Town. Hyatt Regency Cape Town, a 137-room hotel, is expected to open in December 2020, bringing the total number of Hyatt hotels across Africa to eight, with two in South Africa. The new Hyatt Regency Cape Town will be rebranded from the former…
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Eendracht’s new restaurant Senobia’s opens in Stellenbosch
THE elegant Eendracht Hotel and Apartments, a luxurious establishment in the heart of the oldest part of historic Stellenbosch, has opened a new restaurant. Daniel Lutz, owner of the hotel has named the new restaurant in honour of his mother, Senobia Lutz.
Opened on October 21, 202 at Daniel’s 50th birthday celebrations, Senobia’s serves breakfast and lunch every day to the public who, together…
Looking to the future of fine dining – local is the answer
THE future of the restaurant industry requires a focus on what is local and sustainable, not just in sourcing produce and ingredients, but in attracting local diners and being part of the local community. This is one of several conclusions of the recent S.Pellegrino Food Meets Hope online event, and is born out of the experiences of three new South African restaurants brave enough to launch…
EMBRACE the fabulous flair of Chateau Del Rei Sweet Red, the latest addition to the stylish collection of sparkling wines in a can, and delight in the vibrant fruity aromas of ripened plum, strawberry and blackcurrant and savour the elegant, lingering finish long after the last sip.
This vivacious ruby red sparkler pairs well with pizza, light meals and desserts such as a creamy panna cotta…
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With song and dance, Awakening! brings socially distanced theatre
AFTER the success of their last production Encore!at the end of 2019, the students of the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) have, like the rest of the world, had to confront a national lockdown and other restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus, bringing to a halt their studio classes and student life at LAMTA.
With enormous courage, grit and through the help of devoted…
Experience your own wine bar at home, thanks to Wijn’s Wonderwijn
WIJN boutique wine bar and online shop has expanded its wine bar experience to also reach your home, with its latest innovative product, Wonderwijn. At Wijn you have the opportunity to discover, taste and enjoy hard-to-come-by artisanal wines, and hear the stories behind them directly from the winemakers.
Here, you pour wine in your own time from premium wine dispensers allowing you to just…
PEOPLE are truly strange. Pandemic aside, I've never been able to understand why they gravitate towards the only occupied table in a restaurant - being mine. I'm a longtime fan of the personal space, the wider the better, and along with an aversion to shaking hands, if conspiracy theorists had it right, they'd be looking at me right now.
At Boschendal, the Deli has a large outside seating area.…
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Uncomplicated eating any time of the day in Franschhoek
SHAKES and cakes, all day breakfasts and classics, and tapas: that's what you can expect at Tapasco which opened on Huguenot Road in Franschhoek on September 1. It's owned and run by German couple Tim and Nadine Roggenbach, who needed to find something to do during lockdown while their guesthouse was closed.Ashbourne House is award-winning but it's like a zombie, says Tim ruefully. "Alive, but…
Rosé Rocks 2020 – more varieties, more excitement
ROSÉ ROCKS, South Africa’s first dedicated rosé wine competition, has released its 2020 results, in which 29 wines were awarded double gold.
Head of the judging team, wine industry expert Allan Mullins commented: “2020 has been an exceptional year in more ways than one. The quality was really standout, as the wines that were presented reflected the fact that the vines have recovered fully from…
DOUBLE gold medals were awarded to 21 gins out of 125 entries from all over South Africa, in the 2020 South African Craft Gin Awards 2020, presented by Takealotand associate sponsor Schweppes premium mixers. It is the only dedicated competition for craft gins in South Africa.
The gins were tasted blind by a judging panel which included Kurt Schlechter, bar owner and spirit expert; Jean…
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Tintswalo Boulders launches marine adventure experience
TINTSWALO Boulders has introduced an experience for guests to explore the fascinating underwater world of False Bay where renowned cinematographer Craig Foster filmed My Octopus Teacher.The three-day package includes a snorkelling safari in wetsuits through the kelp forests accompanied by a trained guide, guided kayaking in the sheltered bays of Simon’s Town, and ample opportunity to visit the…
Kleine Zalze is Platter’s top performing winery of the year
STELLENBOSCH wine estate Kleine Zalze achieved new heights after being named Top Performing Winery of the Year by Platter’s South African wine guide, arguably the most comprehensive guide to South African wine and one of the most highly regarded in the world.
The guide, sponsored by Diner’s Club, bestowed the title on the winery, which saw no less than seven of its wines achieve the five-star…