Simonsig The Grapesmith Die Kluisenaar 2016, a ZA Confidential podcast….         

Tasting the Simonsig The Grapesmith Die Kluisenaar 2016 with the ZA Confidential team of tasters, and talking about visiting the Cape Winelands...

January 8th, 2020|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2014, so good with Alida Ryder’s Crispy Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Caramelised Onions…

Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2014, a Blanc de Blanc made from the finest Chardonnay grapes from the Simonsig Vineyards, a treat for any time...

September 5th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |
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Crush – 100 South African Wines to drink now, #15, Simonsig Mr Borio’s Shiraz 2016, try it with Ina Paarman’s Twice Cooked Sticky Ribs…

Named for Alessandro Borio, Simonsig Mr Borio’s Shiraz 2016 pays homage to the man who built their early cement fermenting tanks...

July 8th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar 2017, at afternoon tea with Dianne Bibby’s Greek Yoghurt Cake with Granadilla Syrup…

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar 2017, continues the Kaapse Vonkel innovation going on Simonsig with Francois & Johan Malan...

April 26th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |
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Simonsig The Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, perfect match to Roberta Muir’s Asparagus & Goat Cheese Risotto…

Simonsig Wine Estate first produced Cabernet in 1976, 1977 it won the General Smuts Trophy for SA Champion Wine, current vintage is the Simonsig The Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2016...

March 7th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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Simonsig Woolworths Chenin Blanc Pinotage Reserve Collection 2017, perfect lunch time partner to Lizet Hartley’s Pork and Green Fig Terrine…

One of the top sellers on the shelves in Woolworths is the Woolworths Chenin Blanc Pinotage Reserve Collection 2017, made by Johan Malan of Simonsig and his team...

January 22nd, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , , , , |
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Simonsig Merindol Takes Rare Gold at Syrah du Monde

Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2010 A single-vineyard Syrah from the Cape‘s 2010 vintage made on Simonsig Estate won one of the few Gold medals awarded at this year’s Syrah du Monde competition in France. The Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2010 was among only 35 Gold medal winners out of 372 wines entered by 26 countries at this

May 25th, 2017|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: , , , , , |
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Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Demi Sec 2015 & Anina Meyer’s Cinnamon & Nutella Buns with Fudge Sauce – 21.04.2017

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Demi Sec 2015 Simonsig Wine Estate founder, Frans Malan was a passionate pioneer in the Cape wine world in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Early estate bottlings of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage point to greater things to come. In the early 1970s Frans started experimented with wines made in the Champagne style

April 22nd, 2017|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , |
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Braised Oxtail with Pears & Garlic – Nina Timm

Braised Oxtail with Pears & Garlic – Nina Timm Nina says: “Braised oxtail is one of those quintessential winter recipes that you have to make at least once every winter. Braised oxtail, like Waterblommetjie Stew or Curry Beans or Bean Soup with  Marrow Bones, is most definitely part of my food heritage. Growing up in

June 18th, 2016|Categories: Recipes|Tags: , , , , , |
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We cooked in the Karoo 6

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2011 Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel was the first sparkling wine made in the Cape using the classical method used in Champagne of a second fermentation in the bottle.  Frans Malan, the uber pioneer and man ahead of his time, made his early bubblies with Chenin Blanc.  Now his son Johan,

December 10th, 2013|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: |
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about

fav-57 As a young aspiring chef, Michael laid a solid foundation for his career at the Cordon Bleu Cooking School in London. Over the next 30 years he had a series of high profile hospitality management posts, was the Public Relations Manager for Boschendal and ran three successful restaurants in the Cape, one of which, Parks, featured in the national top 10 restaurants.

Michael is a family man, author and broadcaster.
A lifetime devoted to the promotion and appreciation of the South African wine and food industry has earned him many accolades, including the Lannice Snyman Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 Eat Out Awards.

Michael continues to be prolific, informative and entertaining on his wine and food website, michaelolivier.co.za