In addition, the South African Wine Tasting Championships invited wine buffs to test their tasting ability in order to qualify for the national championships and it was Eric Botha, sommelier of Big Easy Winebar & Grill opening in Hilton Durban in October 2015, who came out top in this round (Eric is pictured here with Nadia Hefer, Brand Ambassador for Ernie Els Wines).Echoing Ernie Els’ unique and easy style, Big Easy Winebar & Grill will be a comfortable and fun place to be among friends. The farm-to-table, seasonally driven menu will offer a combination of fresh from the grill food, local specialities and Ernie’s personal favourites, inspired by the cultural crossroads of South Africa. Eric looks forward to guiding you to select the best of the Ernie Els wines to highlight your experience at the Big Easy Winebar and Grill!2. King of Cultivars is Celebrated at Ernie Els WinesKnown as the ‘king of cultivars’ and yielding wines with great depth, it is no wonder that there is an entire day dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon! Louis Strydom, wine maker of Ernie Els Wines, is renowned for producing ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Sauvignon based blends.Falling on one of the last chilly days of the year in Stellenbosch, guests celebrated International Cabernet Sauvignon Day with a glass of wine in front of the fire place at Ernie Els Wines. The special tasting offering of the 5 star John Platter and Double Gold Veritas Awarded Proprietor’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 was a phenomenal addition to the festivities.What’s more, chef Amelia Hanekom prepared an incredible lunch to pair with the Cabernet Sauvignon: Rump wrapped in Parma ham with potato fondant, smoked aioli, wilted spinach and crispy onions. We hope that you too enjoyed a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon to celebrate this remarkable varietal.3. Grand News of Exciting New Partnership in Northern IrelandErnie Els Wines proudly announces the listing of wines at the sublime Slieve Donard Hotel & Spa in Northern Ireland, a relationship established whilst Ernie played at the Irish Open earlier this year. The warm welcome and luxurious hospitality enjoyed by Ernie left an impression on him and it was not long afterwards that resort GM, Stephen Meldrum, was presented the opportunity to sample the Ernie Els wines. As a result Ernie Els Wines now have not only an avid proponent in the form of Mr Meldrum but also the owner of the resort, Sir William Hastings. Indeed, Sir William, Mr Meldrum and Louw Strydom recently celebrated the new relationship over a bottle of Ernie Els Signature. As always, only great ideas and fond memories flow once a cork has been pulled from a Signature!Ernie Els Wines looks forward to growth in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the Hastings Group will form an integral part of this vision.4. Tastebud Alert! Ernie Els Wines Spring Menu is LiveSpring time is here! The change in season not only awakens the vineyard but also announces our delicious new menu. Chef Amelia Hanekom has created a sensational selection of fresh and wholesome dishes including a Prawn Pop Taco with pineapple and chilli salsa. Delectable, tasty, scrumptious and simply yummy describes the new beef burger topped with bacon, brown mushrooms, feta cheese and smoked aioli, served with handcut chips. Perfection in its simplicity is our dry aged sirloin served with hand cut chips, leek puree, onion rings and gremolata. Cheese and charcuterie platters are a perfect combination for a wine tasting!The Ernie Els Wines tasting room is open from Monday to Saturday, 09h00 to 17h00, with the kitchen open from Tuesday to Saturday from 12h00 to 15h00. For further enquiries, please contact tastingroom@ernieelswines.com.5. Top Ratings for Ernie Els Wines from Acclaimed Writer Tim AtkinsErnie Els Wines are thrilled to announce top ratings from UK Wine Master and acclaimed wine writer, Tim Atkins. The Ernie Els Proprietor’s Blend 2013 scored an incredible 91 points, short on the heels of the Ernie Els Signature 2012 at an astounding 92 points.The 2013 Proprietors Blend is a towering Bordeaux style with a dash of Shiraz. It has a pitch black core with a deeply rich hue, leading to a nose that dazzles with vanilla, blackberry, liquorice and cherry. Whiffs of wild flowers and a touch of cedar spice add refined depth and complexity, all coated by incredibly fine, chalky tannins.The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux-style blend really shines in the epic 2012 Stellenbosch vintage. It shows an intensely purple rim and deep crimson core, leading to impressive concentration and startling depth. Nuances of fig jam, cigar box and meat spice slowly arise from the glass, complemented by ripe red cherries and a hint of fine milk chocolate. The palate is supported by ultra-fine, layered tannins that are seemingly wrapped in mixed red berry fruits. Pure and elegant, the finish lingers with juicy cassis and a salty, mineral tail.For more information on Ernie Els Wines, please visit www.ernieelswines.com.