South African WineNews (wine.co.za)

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2012 - the results are out!

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The results of the 2012 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles have just been released. Once again, the competition has revealed critical insight into the latest trends within the world of wine, providing a snapshot of the global industry that is updated annually.

Wellington Wine aplenty for a (Leap) Year

Wellington Wine Route — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

At the recent Wellington Wine Harvest Festival, the annual 365 competition once again attracted wine lovers from all over to enter the competition which puts a bottle of wine on the table for every night of the year. In 2012 that meant 366 bottles contributed from roughly 20 estates, wineries and farms.

Movers and shakers gather for exclusive Alto Evening

Alto Estate — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The 4th instalment of the Alto Red and Black Lounge Party held at the Back o' the Moon Restaurant in Gold Reef City on Thursday 19th April 2012 was an exclusive evening of fine dining, chic style and absolute glamour.

The first-ever China Spirits Awards to take place this September

The China Wine Awards — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

China Wine Awards announces the first-ever China Spirits Awards to take place this year alongside China Wine Awards. Set to be held in Hong Kong this September, China Spirits Awards is the only spirits competition bringing in a judging panel of top–tier spirits buyers from Greater China.

Grande Provence appoints new Executive Chef

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek has appointed Darren Badenhorst as it's new Executive Chef.

Inn on the Square uncorks wine evenings

Inn on the Square — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Inn on the Square, Cape Town's landmark hotel on Greenmarket Square, is kicking off the first of their monthly wine pairing evenings on Wednesday, 16 May, to celebrate a fusion of culture, cuisine and fine wine.

Neethlingshof Wine Maker goes Mushrooming

Neethlingshof — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Autumn has been good to Neethlingshof wine maker De Wet Viljoen. "Just after a demanding but excellent 2012 harvest, we were rewarded with a lovely crop of mushrooms that grow wild on the estate and are absolutely delicious to eat, paired with wine," he says.

La Motte's Chardonnay: Elegant and exceptional with food

La Motte — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With the release of La Motte's ever so elegant 2010 Chardonnay, it is time, once again, to appreciate the beauty of this varietal when it is made as an intricate and well-balanced wine.

Tokara's Richard Carstens - more rock star than magician?

Christian Eedes — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Lunchtime service is finished and Richard Carstens, chef at Tokara in Stellenbosch, is sucking on a beer. I have come to quiz him on the topic of food and wine pairing but insights will prove elusive.

Keeping (sighted) Platter Panelists Honest

Jonathan Snashall, Hunter Gatherer Vintner — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

One of the loudest criticisms levelled at Platter's is that - until they are nominated for 5 stars - only one (sighted) panelist assesses and rates a particular wine. This is how Editor Philip van Zyl keeps panelists honest.

Emerging opportunities in the Chinese Wine Market

Jenny Li, Wine Intelligence — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

China is the hottest wine market on earth. And yet at the same time it is one of the most difficult.

Wine tasting in supermarkets

Cluver Markotter Incorporated — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Under the 1989 Liquor Act which governed the sale of liquor in the Western Cape until the 31st of March 2012 supermarkets with grocers' wine licenses could not apply for an approval to offer wine for tasting similar to the approvals granted to the tasting rooms of wine estates.

Round the World at Bosman's Restaurant with Simonsig Wines

Grande Roche Hotel — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A culinary evening with an international twist! That's what guests can expect on Friday May 25 when the Grande Roche Hotel hosts their next "Culinary Innovations" evening. What better way to start the weekend than enjoying great food and wine at a hotel that promises a treat with every reservation.

Bouchard Finlayson hosts tutored tastings in Joburg and CT

Bouchard Finlayson — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A vertical tasting of our famous Hannibal wines will be sampled alongside some delectable Italian nibbles at La Cucina de Ciro in JHB on the 6th June and at Il Leone in CPT on the 20th June. This is one of those tastings that cannot be missed by the wine-enthusiast.

The story behind Noble Late Harvest

Lourensford Wine Estate — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Noble late Harvest (NLH) doesn't occur every season but only when the conditions are absolutely right. The weather must be moist at night and humid in the mornings, not too wet and rainy, followed by drier, sunny days. The previous NLH from Lourensford was produced in 2009 and before that, 2005.

LIWF launches App and builds online presence with Access Zone

The London International Wine Fair — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The London International Wine Fair App went live on 4 May 2012. Designed to allow visitors to create their own unique agenda for the LIWF, the App will enhance the experience of visiting before during and after the show.

New dates for internationally-recognised WSET courses

Unwined with Cathy Marston — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Cathy Marston is offering her next set of the internationally-recognised WSET wine courses in Cape Town and Stellenbosch in June.

Riesling Challenge attracts leading international judges

Riesling Challenge — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The 2012 Canberra International Riesling Challenge (CIRC) has once again secured a first class line up of judges, which includes three world renowned international judges.

Saronsberg winning Gold at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2012

Saronsberg Cellar — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

SARONSBERG proves consistency with yesterday's announcement of the results at CONCOURS MONDIAL DE BRUXELLES 2012.

Food of the Farm

Norman McFarlane — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Do you know where the food that you eat comes from? Are you aware of how it is produced? How far is it transported before it actually gets into your kitchen and onto your dining room table or the restaurant table for that matter? Do you care? Should you care?

Announcing the Shortlist for 2012 Born Digital Wine Awards

borndigitalwineawards.com — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We are extremely excited to announce the Shortlist for the 2012 Born Digital Wine Awards!

Hartenberg The Stork scoops world's top Shiraz in France

Hartenberg — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hartenberg Estate is on top of the world after its highly acclaimed The Stork Shiraz 2008 clinched first place in the top 10 ranking of the 2012 Syrah du Monde competition in France.

Charging a tasting fee - legal or not?

Cluver Markotter Incorporated — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Although many wine estates charge a fee for wine tasting very few are aware that the Liquor Act under which their liquor licenses were issued did not allow them to do so.

New release: Lourensford MCC Chardonnay Brut 2008

Lourensford Wine Estate — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

"Making Méthode Cap Classique in the traditional French method is a fine art that will test the winemaker's skill to the limit. It keeps you humble and on your toes as there is no margin for error."

Saronsberg Shiraz 2010 takes Gold at Syrah du Monde

Saronsberg — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

And what's more one of the Top 10!

Shannon Vineyards releases "Rockview Ridge" Pinot Noir 2010

Shannon Vineyards — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Situated high on the western rim of the Elgin Valley plateau, Shannon Vineyards has released the latest vintages of its three site-specific wines, now all with names taken from geographical features along the mountain range above the vineyards.

Cassia's Winter menu a seasonal feast

Nitida — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This winter sees Cassia restaurant, located on the scenic Nitida wine farm in the Durbanville valley, boasting warming comfort food favourites on its brand new winter menu.

Asara Wine Estate & Hotel Newsletter - May 2012

Asara Wine Estate & Hotel — Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I hope you had a wonderful Easter celebration and managed to relax and enjoy the many public holidays we have had in April and May. The school holidays saw many of you visit us and we were happy to host you and your families at our hotel of this period.

Chef Shaun's recipe, Delta Trap & Draf Feedback, Cook Franschhoek ticket giveaways, new Fyndraai menu and so much more...

Solms-Delta Wine Estate — Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

May is the month for spoiling mums and getting ready for winter. On the estate the leaves have already started changing colour as the vineyards prepare for the cold and rain.

Oak Maturation of wine

Leilani Sell — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It is understood by most wine drinkers and "lovers of the heavenly sap", that some wines are wooded. Mostly red wines and some white wines.

Nederburg brings Masterchef SA Judge to Gugulethu

Nederburg — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Nederburg is adding impetus to its role as the wine sponsor of the popular cooking show MasterChef South Africa by hosting MasterChef judge Pete Goffe-Wood at its interactive Taste Theatre at this year's Gugulethu Wine Festival in May.

Hamilton Russell embraces amphorae

Gabriel Savage, www.thedrinksbusiness.com — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

South African producer Hamilton Russell Vineyards is finding that experiments with clay amphorae are creating wines with improved structure than those matured in barrels.

Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2012: into the next decade

Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The 2012 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show looks set to consolidate its position as the most important arbiter of the top end of the South African wine industry. With 1023 entries - fractionally down on last year's 1059 and slightly up on 2010's 1014 - it has not succumbed to the cut-backs which appear to have afflicted other competitions.

Launch of Weltevrede's Cherychoc Merlot 2011

Weltevrede Wine Estate — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A simplistic approach to a multifaceted wine...

Spicing it up for Mother's Day

Amarula — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Remember Mum's all-night sessions to get your costume ready for the play or to put the finishing touches to your Matric Dance dress? What about when she helped with the homework, tended grazed knees and broken hearts? Show her how much you care this Mother's Day (May 13) by treating her to a bottle of Amarula and introduce her to the Spirit of Africa's spicier side with this great and easy-to-make cocktail.

Grande Provence grows into 2012

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Latest information on Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate.

De Krans Port and chocolate, perfect partners

De Krans Wine Cellar — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

De Krans Wine Cellar, situated in the picturesque town of Calitzdorp along the world famous Route 62, has, over the years, established itself as one of South Africa's leading port producers. The ports produced range from the traditional to modern, catering for all palates throughout the year.

Grande Provence Celebrates the Franschhoek Literary Festival

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate will be presenting two exhibitions during the Franschhoek Literary Festival on Saturday, 12 May 2012.

Winter is the time to experience the true value of Terroir

Kleine Zalze — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The upcoming months in the Cape call for modern comfort food and satisfyingly earthy flavours. With an inviting fireplace and warm, knowledgeable service, Terroir situated on the Kleine Zalze estate offers foodies that rare thing in winter: a real deal.

Something special for a special Mom at Longridge

Longridge — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Spoil Mom with an elegant outing to Longridge Wine Estate and Restaurant for Mother's Day. Experience the tranquility of this gorgeous wine farm with its sweeping views of Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula, while enjoying great food and wine.

KWV shines at the WSWA awards

KWV — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

KWV is, once again, proud to announce their strong competitive ship on the international front. The brand won the most medals during the 2012 annual convention of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Wine and Spirits Tasting Competition.

Raka of the Bay

Raka Wines — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Scarely home after the Wine Festival Jo'burg where Piet and Jorika Dreyer had a roaming time promoting Raka Wines, Raka is off to yet another destination.

Syrah du Monde 2012 results

Syrah du Monde — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The 6th edition of the Syrah du Monde international competition has just come to an end. Syrah du Monde 2012 brought together 24 countries, making this competition one of the world's top events for Syrah/Shiraz wines.

Inaugural South African Wine List Awards calls for entries

24.com — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Restaurants of all sizes are encouraged to enter their wine lists in the South African Wine List Awards 2012, open to all restaurants.

The Bollinger Exceptional Wine Service Award 2012

The Bollinger Exceptional Wine Service Award — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Entries for First Round of The Bollinger Exceptional Wine Service Award 2012 are now open and candidates are urged to enter soon as entries close on the 31 May 2012. See below for entry details.

Latest crop of exceptional quality

VinPro — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The South African wine industry is excited about a particularly promising wine grape crop, both in terms of quality and volume. The harvest season was characterised by healthy, ideal growing conditions and a cool, though lengthened, harvesting period without rain or prolonged heat.

New indulgent marshmallow, meringue and J.C. Le Roux sensations

J.C. Le Roux — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Brand new marshmallow and meringue tastings, pairing sweet delights with some of J.C. Le Roux's finest Cap Classique and sparkling wines, is sheer heaven for bubbly lovers in search of Le Good Life at The House of J.C. Le Roux outside Stellenbosch.

Fresh face for Laborie Still Wines

Laborie — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Enjoying a good bottle of wine is one of life's true delights and Laborie knows this. Producing the finest wines since 1691, Laborie offers a collection of wines set to indulge wine-lovers around South Africa.

Celebrate South Africa's coffee culture with a Fairtrade cuppa

Fairtrade Label South Africa — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A premier event on South Africa's 2012 coffee calendar, FAIRTRADE COFFEE WEEK is back in full swing to celebrate South Africa’s coffee culture with an increased range of Fairtrade labelled coffees.

KWV The Mentors: a journey to excellence

KWV — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The story of KWV The Mentors begins with a vision to produce wines that honour the diversity of terroir and climate that influences the different styles of wines from South Africa. It is a pursuit of excellence that is bound only by a vision of supreme quality and begins with the vine.

Warm up this winter with Cappupinoccinotage

Boland Cellar — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The name is a mouthful, but so is the wine. With winter drawing closer, this is the perfect time to try Boland Cellar's Cappupinoccinotage. This full-bodied Pinotage captures the quintessential earthiness and sweet red berry flavours of South Africa's indigenous cultivar and delivers seductive notes of mocha and ground coffee.

Saving the whino

Chicks4Change — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Chicks4Change initiative is hosting an intimate and exclusive wine tasting and art event to raise money for the protection of South Africa's Rhinos. They have asked small, privately owned wine labels as well as local artists and photographers who are interested in supporting wildlife conservation and sustainability to participate in this event.

Peter Finlayson on Pinot Noir; 'The Continuous Tease'

Dave March, CWM — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

At the fourth tasting Peter Finlayson had done of his Bouchard Finlayson wines, this one was of the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir's and he was asked what he hoped they would show. His reply was that the tastings should prove the quality of his Pinot's at an international level.

Actress wins R20 000 mountain bike in Du Toitskloof Competition

Du Toitskloof — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Actress Ira Blanckenberg from Somerset West was the lucky winner of the R20 000 Momsen mountain bike in the Du Toitskloof Spar promotion held recently in the Western Cape.

KWV rated amongst world's top 50 wine brands

KWV — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

KWV wines is a proudly South African wine brand, produced by KWV in Paarl, that has just been ranked 27th amongst the world's top 50 on the Drinks International World's Most Admired Wine Brands 2012 list.

Cape Legends to have strong presence at Nederburg Auction

Cape Legends — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Fifteen wines from eight of the top wineries represented by Cape Legends have been included in the line-up of wines for the 38th Nederburg Auction to be held in September. They are Allesverloren, Alto, Jacobsdal, Le Bonheur, Lomond, Neethlingshof, Plaisir de Merle and Stellenzicht.

Tesco opens its doors to UK Wine Industry at LIWF

London International Wine Fair (LIWF) and Distil — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In a first for a multiple retailer, Tesco has announced it will be taking a stand at this year’s London International Wine Fair (LIWF).

Add flavour and vitality to your cooking with poppy seeds

Pouyoukas Foods — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If your tried and trusted recipes are getting long in the tooth, it's time to experiment and pep up your menu with poppy seeds. Pouyoukas Foods' Poppy Seeds add delicious flavour, healthful fibre and a host of nutritional benefits to a wide range of dishes.

Warm-up for the winter chill with Durbanville Hills Wines

Durbanville Hills — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As part of the Durbanville Wine Valley's annual Soup, Sip and Bread Festival to be held on the weekend of 2 and 3 June, The Eatery at Durbanville Hills Wines will offer a soup buffet at lunch time on the Saturday and the Sunday. The menu includes four different soups each paired with Durbanville Hills' wines and served with a selection of oven-fresh breads.

Celebrate this Mother's day with Mother nature's precious vines!

Bouchard Finlayson — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In celebration this Mother's day, spoil your mother with some of SA's finest white wines.

De Grendel - unlocking new ways to enjoy food and wine

De Grendel — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The newly-opened De Grendel Restaurant unlocks new ways to enjoy food, wine and produce from the region's earth, sky and sea. Meaning 'the lock' De Grendel, once a gateway to the interior, is now the first destination on the Durbanville Wine Valley, literally unlocking the region's bounty.

A short harvest report for 2012 at Teddy Hall Wines

Teddy Hall — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Stellenbosch had a slightly above average winter rainfall in all months except for a dry July. Like last year our annual average was below norm and water reserves are under strain.

Doolhof: Place of magical Malbec

Doolhof — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Doolhof has reinforced its position as one of the leading producers of Malbec on the South African wine scene by being included in the Top 100 South African Wine Challenge.