Spier Creative Block 3 2018, a sublime blend of Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Excellent with a dish of Smoked Brisket from the Vadas Smokehouse…           

The Spier Creative Block 3 is a Rhone Style blend of Shiraz accented by splashes of Mourvèdre and Viognier. The grapes come from the Groenekloof  {Darling] and Stellenbosch Wine Appellations.

June 25th, 2022|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , Spier Creative Block 3 2018, , , |

Valentine’s Day Angel Food, Mussels in White Wine & Garlic with Frites by Carey Boucher Erasmus, perfect with Durbanville Hills Merlot Dry Rosé 2019…

Mussels in White Wine & Garlic Aioli with Frites by Carey Boucher Erasmus is a dish made in heaven for Durbanville Hills Merlot Dry Rosé 2019...

Pierre Jourdan MCC Blanc de Blancs, so good with Fresh Oysters and Nic van Wyk’s Sauce Mignonette…

Pierre Jourdan MCC Blanc de Blancs, is the flagship Méthode Cap Classique, made with Chardonnay on the Haute Cabrière Estate in the Franschhoek Wine Valley...

Valentine’s Day Podcast #8, Delheim Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc 2018…

Delheim Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc 2018, a perfect wine for your Valentine's Day Dinner, a fine oak matured Stellenbosch Chenin...

Valentine’s Day Podcast #6, Villiera Tradition Brut Rosé…

Jeff Grier of Villiera was one of the early pioneers of the wines known now as Méthode Cape Classique, here is a delicious one...

Valentine’s Day Podcast #2, Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé 2018…

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé first appeared in 2004 when Johan Malan blended Pinotage with the Pinots Noir & Meuniére, 2018 is the current vintage...

Douglas Green Pinotage 2019, excellent with Jane-Anne Hobbs’s Oven-Baked Vegetables in a Spiced Coconut Gravy…

An excellent way to celebrate National Pinotage Day on October 12th, Douglas Green Pinotage 2019...

October 9th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: Douglas Green, , Jane Anne Hobbs, , , |
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Durbanville Hills Collector’s Reserve The Lighthouse Merlot 2017, perfect with a tranche of Dalewood Fromage Huguenot…

The Durbanville Hills Collector’s Reserve The Lighthouse Merlot 2017 is an excellent expression of the grape grown in the Durbanville Wine Appellation..

July 31st, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: Dalewood Fromage Huguenot, Durbanville Hills Winery, , , South African Merlot, , |
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Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2018, perfect partner to Ina Paarman’s Hake in Beer Batter with Tartare Sauce…

From the cradle of South Africa's Wine Industry, Groot Constantia, Winemaker Boela Gerber's Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2018 is a stonker...

July 17th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: Boela Gerber, , Groot Constantia Wines, Ina Paarman, Sauvignon Blanc, |
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De Grendel Rubaiyat 2015, when Dianne Bibby’s Red Wine Beef Stew with Potato Gratin is a perfect match…

De Grendel Rubaiyat 2015, the flagship red blend of this Durbanville Wine Estate, made by Charles Hopkins in the Bordeaux style...

July 11th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: Charles Hopkins, , , , Durbanville Wine, South African Red Blend, |
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Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé 2017, perfect with Dianne Bibby’s Cognac Apple Cake…

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé 2017, the latest and very welcome addition to the fabulous range of Methode Cap Classique Kaapse...

Michael Olivier’s Minute of Wine #15 Paul Wallace Brave Heart Pinot Noir 2017…

Paul Wallace Brave Heart Pinot Noir 2017, is an Elgin Wine and so true to variety, part of a truly exciting wines from Paul & Micky Wallace...

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: , Ina Paarman, , , Simonsig Wine Estate, , , Stellenbosch, |
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Delheim sets the trend for Pinotage expression…

Delheim sets the trend for Pinotage with its latest releases - again, fine wines from this mountainous Stellenbosch Estate...

June 23rd, 2019|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: Delheim Pinotage, Delheim Pinotage Rosé, , , Stellenbosch|
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The Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery offer a Winter Special, well worth the trip…

The Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery is a destination at any time. PJ & Tara Vadas have special winter offerings mean you need to get there soon...

June 21st, 2019|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: , , , , Vadas Smoke House & Bakery, Vadas Winter Special|
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De Grendel Shiraz 2017, so good with Alida Ryder’s Ostrich Kebabs with Feta & Herb Sauce…

De Grendel Shiraz 2017 made in the worst year of the recent drought, is a shining example of great grapes making great wines....

June 18th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , Charles Hopkins, De Grendel Restaurant, De Grendel Shiraz, , , Ostrich Kebabs, , South African Shiraz, |
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Haute Cabrière Pinot Noir Rosé 2019, perfect with Jane-Anne Hobbs’s Chicken Liver Paté with a Jellied Verjuice Topping…

Joining an illustrious stable of wines in the Franschhoek Wine Appellation, the Haute Cabrière Pinot Noir Rosé 2019, a perfect year-round wine...

KWV Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 2016, good with Mynhardt Joubert’s Pesto Verde with Squid Ink Pasta, Black Salami & Parmesan…

KWV Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 2016, a fine wine. A blend of 5 different Shirazes from 5 wine appellations, good with Mynhardt's Pasta Verde...

June 13th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: KWV Cathedral Cellar, KWV Cathedral Cellar Shiraz, , , South African Shiraz, |
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Asara Vineyard Collection Shiraz 2015, June is a time to celebrate Venison with Nina Timm’s Venison Pie made with a Batter Blanky…

Asara Vineyard Collection Shiraz 2015 Asara Wine Estate lies in the folding hills of Polkadraai in the western side of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. These hills offer different soils, different aspects and different altitudes which make for interesting winemaking.  The grapes for the Asara Vineyard Collection Shiraz 2015 come from two vineyards. The higher of

Douglas Green Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, good partner to Lizet Hartley’s Mushroom & Mascarpone Pasta with Lemon & Thyme…

Douglas Green Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, a double gold award winner at the South Africa’s Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards...

June 6th, 2019|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Douglas Green Cabernet Sauvignon, , Lizet Hartley, , |
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Landskroon Paul de Villiers Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, so delicious with Dianne Bibby’s Spiced Lentil & Vegetable Soup with Halloumi Flatbreads…

Landskroon Paul de Villiers Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, one of a range of Landskroon Flagship wines named after the 5 generation of Pauls...

Muskadel SA celebrates the top Muscadel Wines at its Annual Awards…

Muskadel SA Awards crowns its winners for 2019, these sweeties should be way more popular and celebrated, they are so delicious...

May 24th, 2019|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: Badsberg, Mont Blois, Muscadel Wines, Muskadel SA Awards 2019, South African Muscadel, |
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Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Reserve Chardonnay 2018 meets Lizet Hartley’s Pork Chops with Mushrooms & Cider Cream Sauce…

Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Reserve Chardonnay 2018, made by Award winning Winemaker Morné Vrey from grapes picked off the Botmaskop slopes...

May 19th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , Chardonnay, Delaire Graff Banghoek Reserve Chardonnay, , Lizet Hartley, Morné Vrey, , |
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Durbanville Hills Collector’s Reserve, The Lighthouse Merlot 2017. Roberta Muir’s Steak Diane, a real French classic & so easy to make, is a perfect partner…

Durbanville Hills Collector’s Reserve is a range of premium wines made from specially chosen vineyards, The Lighthouse Merlot 2017 is featured today

Robertson Constitution Road Flagships offer great pleasure…

Robertson Constitution Road Flagship Constitution Road, Chardonnay and Shiraz are the jewels in the Robertson Winery Crown...

May 16th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , Chardonnay, Constitution Road Wines, Robertson Wines, , , South African Shiraz, |
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Save the date for the Franschhoek Bastille Festival | 13 & 14 July 2019…

One of the fabulous offerings in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley is the annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival on 13 & 14 July...

May 13th, 2019|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: , Franschhoek Bastille Festival, Franschhoek Valley, |
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‘Not all good South African wine will strip your wallet’, Boplaas Cape Portuguese White sells at under R60 a bottle…

Rozanne Nel from Boplaas extols the virtues of their even handedly priced wines, The Boplaas Cape Portuguese White Blend 2018 - only R59 bottle...

May 13th, 2019|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: Boplaas Wine, , Calitzdorp Wine, Cape Portuguese, Nel Family Wines, , |
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Glen Carlou Vineyards The Curator’s Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2017, excellent with NOMU’s Pissaladière…

Made by grapes from the Darling Appellation, Glen Carlou Vineyards The Curator’s Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2017, is a crisp Autumn refresher...

May 2nd, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , Darling Sauvignon Blanc, GlenCarlou Sauvignon Blanc, NoMU Foods, Pissaladière, Sauvignon Blanc, |
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Quoin Rock Red Blend 2015, perfect with Christine Capendale’s warming Goulash Soup…

Quoin Rock Red Blend 2015, an unpretentious name for a sublime Bordeaux style blend of Cabernets Sauvignon & Franc and Merlot...

May 1st, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: Christine Capendale, Goulash Soup, Quoin Rock Red Blend, , |
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Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Grand Vin 2016, from Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards…

Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Grand Vin 2016, one of a collection of fine wines made with food in mind, by Renier van Deventer...

April 30th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: Culinaria Collection, Franschhoek, Leopard's Leap Family Vineyards, Renier van Deventer, |
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The Delaire Graff Icon Wine Club is thriving…

You want a special look into the sublime Delaire Graff Wines? Even wines not on the market? Here's your chance, join their Icon Wine Club...

April 29th, 2019|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: Delaire Graff Wine, Delaire Graff Wine Club, Icon Wine Club, Morné Vrey, , Stellenbosch|
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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...

Asara The Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2015, perfect partner to Roberta Muir’s Vitello Tonnato…

Asara The Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2015, an unusual Cape Blend. While it contains the requisite amount of Pinotage, it is unique in that it is 30% Malbec...

April 24th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: Asara The Vineyrd Collection Cape Fusion 2015, , Cape Blend Wine, , , , , , |
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Crush – 100 South African Wines to drink now, #6, Pasarene Chardonnay 2016…

100 South African Wines to drink now, #6, The Pasarene Chardonnay 2016 was a happy experience for me, meeting Martin Smith, Owner, and tasting his wines with him...

April 23rd, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , Franschhoek, Martin Smith, Pasarene Winery, , |
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Wine Menu’s Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Festival back in Johannesburg in May…

Wine Menu's Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Festival is back at The Killarney Country Club's Crystal Room, May 30th from 18h00...

April 18th, 2019|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: Chardonnay, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Festival, Corlien Morris, Killarney Country Club, Pinot Noir, , , , Wine Menu|
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Glenelly The Glass Collection Syrah 2017, good partner to Dianne Bibby’s North African Lamb Knuckle Bredie…

Part of the sublime The Glass Collection range of wines, the Glenelly The Glass Collection Syrah 2017 is a gem, and a perfect food wine...

Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Nuy Valley..

There is nothing more special and beautiful than to celebrate Mother's Day at Nuy on the Hill in the lovely Nuy Valley...

April 15th, 2019|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: Mother's Day, Nuy Muscat Semi Sweet Sparkling wine, , |
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Flagstone Two Roads Chardonnay 2016, brave enough to face up to Ina Paarman’s Chipolata Ovenbake with Chargrilled Shallots…

One of Gerhard Swart's gems, the Flagstone Two Roads Chardonnay 2016 packs a great punch in aroma and flavour and can match hearty foods...

April 5th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: Flagstone Wine, , Ina Paarman, , |
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Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Courageous Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2016, perfect partner to Christine Capendale’s Smoked Snoek Frittata…

Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection is a range of fine wines using bush vine grapes with no irrigation, the Courageous Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2016 is one of them...

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Glenelly Glass Collection Merlot 2017, perfect with Roberta Muir’s Steak Diane…

A delicious part of a range of wines named for the famous Glenelly Glass Collection, the Glenelly Glass Collection Merlot 2017 is a fine Stellenbosch expression of Merlot...

Nederburg does it again, back in the Top 50…

The Nederburg Manor House Nederburg has been included in the highly-anticipated top 50 list of ‘The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands’ by UK-based publication, Drinks International, for a fourth consecutive year in 2019. The Paarl winery is one of only two South African wine brands to appear on this year’s top 50 list, selected by

March 18th, 2019|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: , Nederburg Wine, , , Top Fifty Brands|

Delaire Graff White Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2018, partner to Roberta Muir’s Manchego, Orange & Walnut Salad…

Made especially for Woolworths, Morné Vrey's Delaire Graff White Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2018 is a sublime expression of the grape...

Escape to Robertson, The Valley of Wine, for a Wacky Wine Weekend in June…

The famed Robertson Valley Wacky Wine Weekend takes place from 7th to 9th June. Over 30 wineries and tourism destinations open their doors....

March 9th, 2019|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , Robertson Wine Valley, |
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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: , Francois Malan, , , Simonsig Cabernet Sauvignon, , , Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, |

Delaire Graff Banghoek Reserve Chardonnay 2017, lovely start to a meal with Carey Boucher Erasmus’s Chicken Liver Parfait, Spiced Cranberry Compote & Brioche…

Made from the Estate's own grapes, picked at different times to add complexity, the Delaire Graff Banghoek Reserve Chardonnay 2017...

Oldenburg Vineyards Series Syrah 2015, so good with Ina Paarman’s French Beef Stew with Shallots…

From the greatest vintage of the century, in the middle of the worst drought in living memory, the truly sublime Oldenburg Vineyards Series Syrah 2015...

February 16th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , Ina Paarman, , , , Oldenburg Vineyards Series Syrah 2015, , , Stellenbosch, , |

Groote Post’s Seasalter, a 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, excellent partner to Alida Ryder’s Grilled Trout Salad with Sriracha Lime Dressing…

A perfect expression of what the combination of position and climate and the finely tuned hand of the winemaker do to a wine, Groote Post’s Seasalter Sauvignon Blanc 2018 by Lukas Wentzel...

February 8th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , Groote Post Seasalter 2018, , Lukas Wentzel, , Sauvignon Blanc, Seasalter, , |

Boschendal Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2018, served with Justine Wall’s delicious retro Avocado Ritz…

Yet another gem from Lizelle Gerber, White Wine Maker at the Estate, the refreshing bright fruited Boschendal Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2018...

February 7th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: Boschendal Chardonnay Pinot Noir, Boschendal Wine, Justine Wall, , , The Plain Kitchen, Western Cape Wine|
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The Glen Carlou Collection Red Blend 2017, good with Christine Capendale’s Red Thai Meatballs & Corn Curry…

Johnnie Calitz, produces a premium range of wines called The Glen Carlou Collection, one of which is the sublime Glen Carlou Collection Red Blend 2017...

February 5th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , Christine Capendale, , , , South African Bordeaux Blend, |
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Celebrate a special Valentine’s at Eight on the Spier Wine Estate…

Celebrate a special Valentine’s at Eight on the Spier Wine Estate, with a great menu and some sublime wines, well worth the visit…

February 5th, 2019|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Farmer Angus, Restaurant Eight at Spier, , Spier, , |
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Malanot Vino Café Pinotage 2016, delicious with Dianne Bibby’s Chocolate Brownies…

Malanot Vino Café Pinotage 2016 If you are one of the so-called ‘coffee flavoured’ wines, like me and you have tasted a number of them, you will know that there is no coffee used in the making of these wines. Carefully toasted oak barrels, judiciously used, combines its flavours with the berry fruits in Pinotage.

January 30th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , Malanot Vin Café Pinotage, Malanot Wines, , |

Sauvage La Bri 2012, a good match to Ina Paarman’s Anchovy Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs…

Sauvage La Bri 2012 To hear Irene de Fleuriot, Winemaker and GM of La Bri, talk about her Sauvage La Bri 2012 is an absolute treat.  The stories of taken the bottles on a tractor trailer to neighbours for disgorgement and then bringing them back, adds a kind of Agatha Christie detective novel twist to

January 30th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , Franschhoek, Ina Paarman, , , Sauvage La Bri 2012, , |

THE BELLINGHAM HOMESTEAD SERIES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018, GREAT PARTNER TO ANINA MEYER’S MUSHROOM, CHEDDAR & CORN WRAPS…

Honouring the Bellingham Homestead and Bernard Podlashuk, Bellingham's restorer - Bellingham Homestead Series Sauvignon Blanc 2018...

January 29th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , Bellingham Homestead Sauvignon Blanc, Bellingham Homestead Series, , Corn Wraps, Mexican Food, Richard Duckitt, Sauvignon Blanc, |
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Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Shiraz 2017, excellent with Christine Capendale’s Slow Roasted Lamb Pie…

Part of a sublime range of wines made by Albertus Louw and his team, Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Shiraz 2017. Made mainly from old bush vine vineyards...

January 24th, 2019|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , Christine Capendale, Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection, , , , South African Shiraz, |
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Du Toitskloof Wines – two white gems for summer, both so good with Ina Paarman’s Whole Fish over the Coals…

Du Toitskloof Wine Cellar is in Rawsonville at the northern end of the Du Toitskloof Huguenot Tunnel. Modern cutting edge cellar making superb wines...

January 23rd, 2019|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: , , Ina Paarman, Sauvignon Blanc, , |
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