Glen Carlou Sauvignon Blanc 2018, a lovely expression of the grape, vines grown on the east facing slopes of the Simonsberg...
Rooiberg Winery in the Robertson Valley has for years produced excellent wines, the Rooiberg Flagship Reserve Shiraz 2016 is a stunner.
Groote Post in the hills of Darling, is perfectly situated to make the best use of the superb climate of that Appellation. Salt of the Earth is a great expression...
Henry Kotze pulls off a major International wine award for the Morgenster Estate Reserve 2014....
A fine expression of a vintage, Cabernet Sauvignon from the Helderberg used to great effect in the Peter Falke PF Blanc de Noir 2018..
The Asara White Cab 2017, a Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir is a history making wine, the first of its type made from the noble grape of Bordeaux.
Using a loved grape, Albert Louw and his team has produced a sublime Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Bushvine Cinsault Dry Rosé 2018
The Simonsig GSM 2017 is a fairly new innovation by Francois & Johan Malan, pioneers like their father, Frans.
A fine wine with which to celebrate Pinotage Day on October 13th, The Bernard Series The Bush Vine Pinotage 2016, named for Bernard Podlashuk who restored Bellingham to its former glory over 70 years ago.
The awesome threesome, Mike Ratcliffe, Phil Freese & Zelma Long, founders of Vilafonté Wines have a magnum of their superb Vilafonté Series C...
In celebration of Pinotage Day on 13th October, you might want to land a bottle or two of the Bellingham Homestead Pinotage 2017...
Paul Murray, history teacher and lifestyle writer, expert on C Louis Leipoldt, lifts the lid on De Grendel
Ross Sleet is producing some fine wines at Rascallion, the RPMs are a pair of great easy drinkers. A truly interesting range of wines to get the conversation going...
Some superb Rosés coming out of the 2018 drought ridden harvest, Glen Carlou Pinot Noir Rosé 2018 is amongst them...
Asara Wine Estate & Luxury Hotel adds more medals to its collection with the Asara The Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2015 leading the charge....
Three great local comedians to appear in Comedy in the Vines this summer at Spier.... Kurt Schoonraad, Rob van Vuuren and Barry Hilton....
Asara #5 The Vineyard Collection Chardonnay Lightly Wooded 2015 is a fine example of delicate oak treatment and great quality fruit..
Simonsig, pioneers in Methode Cap Classique, take the top prize at the Amorim MCC Awards
Your opportunity to land some great wines at Steenberg’s online Vinoteque Auction. Vintage Steenberg, other top marque Cape Wines and Imports..
Landskroon Cinsaut 2016, an elegant expression of one of my favourite wine grapes coming back into fashion again.
Douglas Green Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Sauvignon Blanc was not the most popular wine grape variety in 1942 when the legendary Douglas Green founded his wine company in Paarl. Chenin Blanc, Groendruif were de rigueur at the time. However, the philosophy behind the company, to offer customers wines that were of excellent quality and even handedly
De Grendel Rubaiyat 2015, a wish of the late Sir David Graaff, come true with Founding Winemaker Charles Hopkins...
La Bri, Franschhoek, introduces a new range of sublime wines named Double Door with a charming etching of the cellar door on the label...
Chef Michael Broughton extends his Terroir Restaurant winter menu offering due to great demand. Am I surpised? Hell no!
Asara Vineyard Collection Pinotage Rosé 2018, takes an Award of Excellence at the 2018 ABSA Pinotage Rosé Awards. One of three in the winelands.
Specially selected grapes go into the making of Peter Falke PF Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, a fine Stellenbosch wine. Perfect with Nadia Travers's Beef Ribs
Part of the Soft Smooth Range of Perdeberg Wines with new gussied up packaging, Perdeberg Soft Smooth Rosé 2018, is a delicious fruity sipper
Made from about two thirds of the juice, the De Krans Free-Run Chenin Blanc 2018, offers some different flavours from the Klein Karoo.
The packaging for the Perdeberg Classic Collection Chenin Blanc & Merlot has been gussied up, the wine inside stunners as always.
Delaire Graff Banghoek Reserve Merlot 2016, grapes harvested from a single vineyard on the Estate. A pure fine Merlot.
The Flagstone Dragon Tree 2016 is a fine expression of a Cape Blend, one of the larger components of which is Pinotage...
Groot Constantia Pinotage 2016, a fine example of a South African invention, by Boela Gerber...
Peter Falke PF Ruby Blend 2015, a half half Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz, showing the best of both grapes.
With grapes sourced from the Graaff family farms high on the Witzenberg Mountains in Ceres, Charles Hopkins makes this sublime De Grendel Op die Berg Chardonnay 2017.
Oldenburg Vineyards, with its state of the art Winery almost complete, has appointed Nic van Aarde Winemaker from November 1st.
Pierre Jourdan Tranquille, a classic still wine, made from the classical Champagne & Burgundy varieties, Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
The Asara Bell Tower 2013, the perfect expression of a Stellenbosch Bordeaux style Blend.
Peter Falke PF Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, is a fine expression of a Helderberg Cabernet and a fingerprint of the vintage
Bellingham The Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah 2015, a truly premium expression of a grape and its vintage year.
Landskroon Shiraz 2016, a wine with all the classical Shiraz flavours and ready for drinking now. Excellent food wine...
Noble Late Harvest is one of our most special wines, The Asara Carillon 2014 is one of them. Made solely from Chenin Blanc, it partners food perfectly.
Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2016 The Delaire Graff Wine Estate sits below Botmaskop at the top of the Helshoogte Pass in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. Named Helshoogte, some think by the Rev Pierre Simond, a Protestant priest and meester who came over from France with the first flush of the French Huguenots fleeing from France as
The Flagstone Dark Horse 2014, is a fine expression of Shiraz which just calls out for food, Ina Paarman comes to the rescue.
From Riebeek Cellars, celebrating its 75th birthday this year, a trio of sublime wines, so easily accessible and even handedly priced.
Lautus Savvy White is South Africa's first de-alcoholised wine. Alcohol is removed by spinning cone technique to produce a delicious crisp and fresh wine.
The sublime Asara The Vineyard Collection Chenin Blanc 2017 is Asara#1 in my series on Asara Wines with food by Dianne Bibby...
8 different Red Wine Grape varieties go into the blend that is Groot Constantia Constantia Rood 2016. Jane-Anne Hobb's Roast Chicken with Roasted Onions, Grapes & Verjuice is the perfect partner.
The De Wet family of De Wetshof Estate in Robertson are third generation Chardonnay specialists. There are already two grandchildren who may take up the reins in future. De Wetshof Bateleur Chardonnay 2016 is the flagship...
A real classic, the Delaire Graff Banghoek Reserve Chardonnay 2017. Made from the Estate's Mountain Vineyard grapes. Perfect with my fish paté....
This is a grape variety you really should try if you have not. The Oldenburg Viognier 2017 is dry. bright fruited with generous flavours.
Made from a grape produced in the 1920s by Abraham Perold, the Landskroon Pinotage 2016, is a fine expression of the grape. Paul de Villiers, 5th generation Cellarmaster carries on the fine wine tradition of the family...
Boschendal Workshops - always exciting events on this beautiful Groot Drakenstein Estate. Lots of gardening, compost making and fermentation workshops.
Remember Rosé is not only for summer - the De Grendel Rosé 2018, will bring summer into your winter. A delicious 50/50 blend of Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon...
Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Cinsault 2014, a perfect expression of dry land Cinsault by Albertus Louw, Cellarmaster. Perfect wine with their Winter Picnic...
Oldenburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, a fine example of Cabernet Sauvignon, from a much punted Cabernet Sauvignon region, Stellenbosch. Superb 6 year old which needs a plaster of good meat.
Asara Vineyard Collection Shiraz 2015, such a special wine. This June it is available to partner the Slow Roast Springbok Shank with Colcannon Mash in the Sansibar Gin Bar & Bistro.
Founded in 1942 by Negociant Douglas Green, the company still adheres to his philosophy of excellent wines at even handed prices, and a good expression of the grapes used.
One of the great wines of the Constantia Wine Appellation, resulting in many awards for its Maker, Boela Gerber. Groot Constantia Chardonnay 2017 is a successor to the Classic Wine Trophy Award Winners of the past.
A favourite since it first appeared om the scene. A classic blended red, Roodeberg is one of South Africa's iconic wines. This sought after wine is made in the KWV Cellars in Paarl, 100 years old this year.
Durbanville Hills Collector’s Reserve The Lighthouse Merlot 2016, a new premium Merlot from a winery which overlooks Table Mountain and Table Bay...
The Red Wine Rendezvous at Steenberg’s Bistro Sixteen82 on 28th June will showcase the Farm's fabulous red wines and the equally fabulous food of Kerry Kilpin, the Bistros Chef.
Fine Red Blend, Steenberg Stately 2016, made by Award winning Winemaker JD Pretorius from Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grapes from Darling and Stellenbosch. Perfect with Nadia Graves's Beef Cheeks...
From Groenvlei Farm on the slopes of the Helderberg comes Peter Falke Signature Exclusive Bland 2014, such a good wine with Justine Wall's Harrisa Duck & Cherry Salad.
Carrol Boyes Fine Red Blend 2014, is part of a limited edition. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (20%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (5%) it is a premium wine from a top South African designer.
Perfect as a gift pair for Dad for Father's Day, Groote Posts The Old Man's Blends.
A fine expression of Stellenbosch Shiraz is the Delaire Graff Shiraz 2016. And a great fingerprint of the vintage. Lovely midweek supper wine with Alida Ryder's Bolognese Pasta Bake
Simonsig Malan Family Collection Frans Malan 2006, named for pioneer Wine Estate Owner, Frans Malan. A Cape Blend, 60% Pinotage. A fine Stellenbosch wine matched with some fine Florida food....
Glenelly Lady May 2012 is a fine blend of main Cabernet Sauvignon in the Bordeaux style, perfect food wine. Accessible now and perfect for a couple of years of cellaring.
The rolling hills of Polkadraai in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation and breezes from False Bay helped to create this sublime Asara Vineyard Collection Merlot 2015
The cradle of the South African wine industry, Groot Constantia was granted to Simon van der Stel 333 years ago in 1685. Boela Gerber now wears the distinguished mantle of Winemaker. A true destination wine experience.
The grapes for the Durbanville Hills Collector’s Reserve The Cape Mist Sauvignon Blanc 2017 come from separate vineyards which provide the building blocks for a fine expression of a cool climate Sauvignon Blanc.
Steenberg Catharina 2015, Steenberg's Flagship blend of Merlot Shiraz & Petit Verdot, is such a beautiful expression of a great vintage year. Hein van Tonder's Pork Belly Kebabs are the perfect partners.
The grapes for the Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Grenache Blanc 2017 were harvested from a 32 year old vineyard, a delicious sappy wine, perfect with Roberta Muir's Flammekueche...
Sansibar Gin Bar and Bistro on the Asara Wine Estate & Luxury Hotel Exciting things happening in the Sansibar Gin Bar and Bistro on the Asara Wine Estate and luxury hotel for the month of June. The menu has on offer a delicious slow cooked Springbok Shank, which has spent 6 hours in the oven
if you have not visited Terroir and eaten Michael Broughton's sublime food, now's your time. Accompanied by the excellent Kleine Zalze Wines, you are in for a treat.
De Grendel Rubaiyat 2015, a Bordeaux style blend with grapes from Firgrove and De Grendel. Made at the request of the late Sir David Graaff of Charles Hopkins, Founding Cellarmaster to creat an iconic wine for the De Grendel Estate...
From what many regard as the finest vintage of latter years, the Peter Falke Signature Syrah 2015 is a wonderful expression of Stellenbosch Syrah and a fingerprint of the 2015 vintage.
La Bri Merlot 2015 is a perfect expression of a Franschhoek Merlot and a fingerprint of what is generally accepted to have been a great harvest year...
Boschendal Demi Sec Méthode Cap Classique for those who like it not so dry and those who like a bit of bubble with their bakes....
Celebrating International Chardonnay Day - no better way than to celebrate with Asara The VIneyard Collection 2015, lightly wooded and a great food wine....
A sublime Merlot and Petit Verdot blend, the Oldenburg Vineyards Rhodium 2014 spends 20 months in French oak Barrels. Full rich and flavoursome this meaty savoury wine needs well flavoured food as the perfect partner. Nina Timm steps in with her Pork cutlets...
Glenelly Estate Reserve 2012 is made by Luke O'Cuinnegain on the Glenelly Estate in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. Well worth a visit not only for its wines, but also The Vine Bistro and the Glenelly Glass Collection...
A legend in his life time, Frans Malan and his wife Liza created something very special in Koelenhof - Simonsig Wine Estate, leaders in not only the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation, but also the Cape Wine Industry. Simonsig 50 years on still shines...
Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Showcase offers wine treasure trove. 33 years in existence and doing so much for the wine industry with, amongst others, their Protogé Programme.
From one of The Cape's oldest Wine Estates comes a regal blend, the Groot Constantia Goeverneurs Reserve 2015. A fine example of a Constantia Wine...
On Steenberg Farm in cool climate Constantia, JD Pretorius and his cellar team have made a sublime Steenberg Merlot 2015, well matched with a grilled sirloin dish by Kerry Kilpin..
Peter Falke PF Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 comes from Groenvlei Farm, home of Peter Falke WInes, in the foothills of Stellenbosch's Helderberg Mountain. A perfect expression of the 2015 vintage and of place.
This Wine Menu tasting is an excellent affair if you are interested in wine and particularly the two great Burgundian and Champagne varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Flagstone Time Manner Place Pinotage Reserve 2014, a perfect expression of a single vineyard in the Breedekloof. Matured in American Oak. Excellent with Ina Paarman's Potjie...
Home of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines and Pierre Jourdan Cap Classiques, also has the fine Haute Cabrière Restaurant where chefs Nic van Wyk and Westley Muller plate up truly excellent dishes in the marriage of food and wine...
From the bo-hoek in the Franschhoek Wine Appellation, Holden Manz - producers of fine Cabernet Franc... Winners in the annual Cabernet Franc Awards. This one is a beautiful expression.
From my home town of Durbanville two sublime wines from Groot Phesantekraal. On International Sauvignon Blanc Day here are great expressions of the celebrated Sauvignon Blanc and also of Cabernet Sauvignon...
The grapes for The Garden Route Wines come from Waboomskraal Valley in the Outeniqua Wine Appellation and are made in the cellar at De Krans Calitzdorp by award winning winemaker Louis van Riet
Neil Ellis Sauvignon Blancs for International Sauvignon Blanc Day 4th May. Neil is one of the early negotiants in the modern era. A man who in the 1980s identified Darling and its vineyards as premium cool climate wine growing Appellations...
De Grendel Wine Estate and Restaurant offers an exciting three course weekday lunch paired with the Estate's sublime wines for the next two months. Ian Bergh, the Chef, has brought some delicious dishes out of his culinary bag of magic.
Landskroon Sauvignon Blanc 2017 is made in the Estate's Cellar from a selection of grapes from Western Cape Appellation Vineyards. An anytime wine, especially good food.
The grapes for the De Grendel Op Die Berg Pinot Noir 2015 come from a specially created Wine Appellation in the Witzenberg Mountains near Ceres. Unique continental climate.
Perfectly positioned in the Polkadraai Hills, Asara Wine Estate & Luxury Hotel, offers both Food destinations and delicious Asara Wine. A short drive from Cape Town and well worth the trip as they say in the Michelin Guide....
Chenin Blanc. Its home in the Loire. South Africa has 6 times more vineyards. So it has crept in as our most planted wine grape. The Bellingham Homestead Series The Old Orchards Chenin Blanc 2017, a perfect expression..
Oldenburg Syrah 2014, a gem of a wine from an Estate high up in the Banghoek Valley. Perfect food wine with our spicy foods or something completely different, like Pasta.
Glenelly Wine Estate in Stellenbosch bought as a plum farm by Madame May Eliane de Lencquesaing in 2003 boasts fine award winning wines, a superb The Vine Bistro and a large eclectic glass collection and is well worth the visit. Get it high on your bucket list - now!
Steenberg Syrah 2015, is a perfect expression of what can be done in this cool climate, so affected by cooling breezes off the Atlantic and False Bay....
A premium Chenin Blanc, the Perdeberg Endura is made from Swartland grapes from a single vineyard. Masterful Winemaker Albertus Louw has created a gem. Perfect food wine, goes with any white meat, fish or vegetarian main courses - loves chicken.
La Bri Syrah 2015, a perfect expression of a co-fermented Syrah and 5% whole bunch Viognier. Herb and spice aromas and plum and black berry flavours. Sympathetically oaked to allow the fruit to shines.
Exceptional wines from Stellenbosch, the Oldenburg Grenache Noir 2016 is one of them. Philip Costandius just builds this wine year on year into something really special. Justine Wall's Beef & Black Olives are a great match...
Classy, bright, sparky, the Durbanville Hills Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc is an any time wine. Great on its own and great with food. Not to be taken too seriously, so drink with abandon...
Perdeberg Winery has such a fabulous offering, it is well worth your putting it on your bucket list. An eclectic range of wines from a modern wines made under Cellarmaster Albertus Louw.
In Romeo and Juliet, she says, 'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet'. While the P word is not allowed, the Groot Constantia Cape Ruby 2016 weighs in better than many others. Made from the traditional Port variety of Touriga Naçional, it is as good with Blue Cheese as it is with Chocolate...
Simonsig Malan Family Selection Redhill Pinotage 2015, the Estate's Flagship Pinotage. Matured for 15 months in French and American White oak barrels it is a fabulous glass on its own and just so perfect as a food wine.
The crisp, sassy Delaire Graff Sauvignon Blanc 2017, an anytime wine. So perfect with food, do try Anina Meyer's Garlic & Coriander Kebabs...
The cleverly named Flagstone Word of Mouth Viognier 2017 is a wine you will want to tell you friends about. Pass it down the telephone line, tell your friends...
Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc Steen op Hout 2017 a superb expression of an oaked Chenin Blanc by Adam Mason of Mulderbosch Vineyards in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation...
Simonsig Malan Family Selection Tiara 2012 is a fine Bordeaux style blend from one of Stellenbosch's Premier Wine Estates.
De Grendel Viognier 2017, wonderfully aromatic wine made from grapes raised by Kudwai Mwerenga and elevated by Charles Hopkins.
Douglas Green Pinotage 2017, a fine youthful Pinotage made from bush vine grapes from the Wellington and Swartland Wine Appellations. Even handedly priced, good roar for your Rand.
The Glenelly Glass Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 is part of range of wines named for the Estate's well known Glass Collection. A fine Simonsberg Cabernet by Luke O'Cuinneagain.
Peter Falke PF Pinot Noir 2016 is a wine which reflects its soil and the climatic conditions of the Helderberg in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation.
Landskroon Paul de Villiers Shiraz 2015, a fine expression of Shiraz from Paul de Villiers, 5th generation Cellarmaster of this well known family owned Paarl Wine Estate
A delicious Dry Summery Rosé made from the noble Bordeaux grape Merlot. From cool climate grapes grown in the Durbanville Hills.
Botrytis Cinerea or the Noble Rot, turns grapes into golden raisins from which the sublime Mulderbosch Noble Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2014, perfect with Ilse van der Merwe's exceptional Paté.
Asara Vineyard Collection Chardonnay Lightly Wooded 2015 is ideal with Tamsin Snyman's Pilchard-Stuffed Cabbage Roll Bake. A lightly wooded Stellenbosch Chardonnay...
Groot Constantia Shiraz 2015, Boela Gerber's great expression of what Groot Constantia can do with Shiraz. A fine noble wine, so good with food.
There is a fine team of chefs at Asara Wine Estate & Luxury Hotel who produce some excellent produce and great dishes in the variety of restaurant an eating places in the Hotel. The sublime Asara Wines accompany them all...
Top of the Hill Pinotage 2015 from South Africa's oldest Pinotage Vineyard, planted in 1950 by the father and uncle of the present owner Pieter de Waal. A truly fine food wine, good with many fully flavoured foods...
Landskroon's Paul Hugo White 2017 & Paul Hugo Red 2017, two wines for easy entertaining, food wines and sipping wines.
Aquiver for a glass of Rascallion Word Collection Aquiver 2016, a delicious, serious blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc...
Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose, a sublime expression of Franschoek Pinot Noir by Takuan von Arnim. An any time Cap Classique, not only for celebrations.
A bright crisp serious Delaire Graff Cabernet Franc Rosé 2017 by award winning winemaker Morné Vrey. An anytime wine...
From 6th generation family winemaker, Thys Louw of Diemersdal Wine Estate, comes this sublime Bordeaux style blend. Perfect with meat dishes and as shown here, vegetarian dishes too.
Luke O’Cuinnegain's masterly approach to Chardonnay on Glenelly Estate in Stellenbosch. Put a visit to this showcase winery on your bucket list.
Boschendal Black Angus 2014 Boschendal Black Angus 2014 is a recent release from the Boschendal Heritage Collection. Boschendal Farm has a fine herd of pastured reared Black Angus Cattle, appropriate therefore that this fine blend should be named for them. With over 330 years since the granting of the land, this wine is one of
Sublime and delicately oaked, the Steenberg Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc 2017 is named for a Royal Navy Battleship which took part in The Battle of Muizenberg 1785...
A new range of blended wines, offering some fabulous flavours, by Ross Sleet. The Word Collection's Pandiculation 2015, a welcome addition to the Cape Wine Scene...
Excellent expression of Durbanville Hills Chardonnay 2017. Delicately oaked, fabulous food wine by Kobus Gerber.
Stark-Condé & MAN Vintners of which José Conde is a Director, made two significant announcements, show a new move in quality for both brands....
Simonsig Gewürztraminer 2017 In 1977, my wife Madeleine was working in the tasting room at Simonsig. I remember so clearly at the Young Wine Show that year, Frans Malan Simonsig Founder, introduced his first Gewürztraminer, The Simonsig Gewürztraminer 1977. To great acclaim. The Simonsig Gewürztraminer 2017, some 40 years later, is still a gem, 56%
Carrol Boyes, doyenne of South African Design Carrol Boyes, the well-known South African designer, has partnered with her brother, farmer and financier John Boyes, to create a unique range of limited edition premium wine. I recently had to opportunity to taste two of them, and while the bottles have amusing and typical Carrol Boyes labels, the
Asara Vineyard Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2017 is a great expression of the grape and fingerprint of the vintage. Perfect as an Aperitif and with Summer Salads.
De Waal CT de Waal Pinotage 2015 The De Waal family of the historic Uiterwyk Farm in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation are irrevocably bound to Pinotage, South Africa’s own red wine grape, created in the late 1920’s for Abraham Perold. However, it was not until 1941 that there were sufficient grapes to make a barrel
Peter Falke PF Sauvignon Blanc 2017 The Wines of Peter Falke, which are grown and made on Groenvlei Farm up the Annandale Road on the lower slopes of the Helderberg, have the benefits of growing up in a fine climate with the benefit of cooling midsummer breezes off False Bay. These cause a slower ripening,
Steenberg 1682 Brut Chardonnay JD Pretorius, award winning winemaker at Steenberg in the Constantia Wine Appellation, produces a range of Cap Classique and sparkling wines of which the non-vintage Steenberg 1682 Brut Chardonnay is one. Made from a selection of Chardonnay grapes from three other Wine Appellations, Robertson, Bonnievale and Darling. The vines from which
Boschendal's Cap Classique Grande Cuvée Brut Boschendal has started the 2018 awards season with a sparkle. Boschendal's Cap Classique Grande Cuvée Brut has been named one of the Top Ten Cap Classiques by South African Wine & Cellar Classifications for the ten year period of 2008 to 2018. The competition investigates wines’ track records across
Landskroon Blanc de Noir Off Dry 2017 The de Villiers family of Landskroon, have been there for five generations, each Cellarmaster has been called Paul. When I asked the current Cellarmaster Paul who would be his ideal dinner guests, he wanted the previous Paul’s there so that they could tell him how they made wine!
Boschendal Manor House, main reception room for Wine Tastings I said this before – there is always something new out at Boschendal. Or as Pliny the Elder might have put it, and apparently Aristotle before him, ex Boschendal semper aliquid novi. The Manor House has been so tastefully redecorated, with its history taken into consideration,
Janette van Lill, sniffing a glass of Merlot Janette van Lill is part of the Winemaking Team at Asara Wine Estate and Luxury Hotel. She works with Christiaan Nigrini, also an Assistant Winemaker, and Danielle le Roux. The team is producing some truly fine wines across a couple of ranges. I asked her about herself.
Groot Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 I well remember the queues of cars which parked outside the sales room at Groot Constantia in the mid 1970s lining up on Wednesdays and Saturdays to buy the scarce wines of the Estate. Groot Constantia and Cabernet Sauvignon fit together like hand in glove. Viticulturist Floricius Beukes, who has
La Bri Chardonnay 2016 La Bri Vineyards in Franschhoek is set amongst the most impressive mountains which go straight up into the sky in the south eastern corner of this most beautiful wine region. It is blessed with the most perfect little Cape Dutch style Manor house and a cutting-edge technology in its winery. Irene
De Wetshof Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2017, a fine expression of a Robertson Sauvignon Blanc.
The Durbanville Hills Trail Run on Sunday 4th February, have some fun in the vineyards. In aid of the Workers Trust, while you have fun and go home with a gift of wine or chocolates....
Glen Carlou The Curator’s Collection Mourvèdre 2014, a serious expression of this Mediterranean grape by the Estate.
In the best of surroundings Oldenburg Syrah 2014 comes from the Banghoek Valley in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation.
Perfectly built for Summer and perfectly built for food, Flagstone Poetry Cinsault Rosé 2016 is a winner.
De Grendel Amandelboord Pinotage 2016, a truly classy expression of Pinotage, grown on the Estate. Such a privilege to drink this wine.
Garth Bedford, Chef at Joostenberg Bistro, is producing some really exciting food at The Bistro. Well worth the trip - great Sunday Lunch venue.
Franschhoek Summer Wines offers the opportunity to taste Red, White Rosé & MCC wines in the lovely surroundings of Leopard's Leap Family Vineyards...
KWV, South Africa’s iconic wine & spirits company turns 100 years old KWV was originally founded with the single purpose to serve the interest of the South African wine industry and to promote the image of local wines abroad in turn. This mandate changed in the 1990s when KWV’s role essentially altered from that of
The Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Pinot Noir MCC, an any time wine. Made from a noble variety with second fermentation in the bottle.....
A fine restaurant, mise-en-place at the Asara Wine Estate & Luxury Hotel, offers great food, excellent service and a great choice of wines....
Bellingham Small Barrel SMV 2014 is a masterful blend of Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Barrel aged for 14 months, it is a perfect wine for a well cooked meal.
Org de Rac Die Waghuis Wines give Cellarmaster Frank Meaker the opportunity to show how their organic wines shine....
Peter Falke Méthode Cap Classique 2014, a fine expression of Helderberg Chardonnay in this Champagne style any time wine.
The wines of Glenelly. What a fabulous experience tasting them with Luke O'Cuinneagain, the Estate's Winemaker.
Johnnie Calitz's fine expression of Chardonnay in his Glen Carlou Unwooded Chardonnay 2017, fermented in Nomblot Eggs...
Delaire Graff Chenin Blanc Swartland Reserve 2015, a fine expression of Chenin by Morné Vrey. Perfect with Virgil Kahn's Tikka Lamb Scotch Eggs...
A charming wine for easy Summer Drinking, the Landskroon Chardonnay 2017, is as good on its own and a perfect food partner.
The Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve 2016, is a gently oaked blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Drink now though worthy of ageing.
During these lazy, hazy, what-day-is-it, days between Christmas and New Year when lunch time comes around all too quickly and all you are looking for is a glass of meaningful pink to refresh you and go with a delicious little cold lunch time snack, Peter Falke Blanc de Noir 2017 is just the answer.
A superb Stellenbosch Wine Appellation Bordeaux style blend, Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2015 by Adam Mason.
My Advent Calendar #24 wine is the Bon Courage Inkarà Merlot 2015. A delicious Robertson expression of the grape.
My Advent Calendar #23 red wine for Christmas is The Asara Bell Tower 2012. A fine red blend from Stellenbosch, perfect for your Christmas lunch.
Steenberg's MCCs, two any time wines, made in the classical way with a second fermentation in the bottle. So good with food...
My Advent Calendar #22 wine, is a delicious Unwooded Pinot Noir 2017, a brilliant expression of both the grape and the vintage. Perfect with Alida Ryder’s Grilled Trout Salad with Sriracha Lime Dressing
My Advent Calendar #22 Red wine is Baleia Erhard Pinot Noir Single Vineyard 2014. A superb Pinot from Riverdal.
My Advent Calendar #21 wine, grapes harvested 350 years to the day that Jan van Riebeek first made wine in the Cape....
Advent Calendar #20 Nederburg Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, a flag bearer wine made from two dryland vineyards in Paarl....
A fine expression of a Methode Cape Classique, the first in South Africa, Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel.
My Advent Calendar #19 wine is Johan Jordaan's Spier Creative Block 3 2014, an excellent Rhone style blend led by Shiraz with dollops of Mourvèdre & Viognier...
Using a wine grapes from 1973 plantings in the Piekenierskloof Mountains, Anthony de Jager's Fairview Grenache 2015 is my Advent Calendar #18 wine...
A fine range of MCC Wines for my Advent Calendar #17 - The Silverthorns. Produced by John and Karen Loubser on their farm within sight of the Riviersonderend Mountains.
With Shiraz grapes from the southernmost tip of the African Continent and the vineyards around Elim, Charles Hopkins has made my Advent Calendar #16 wine, De Grendel Elim Shiraz 2016....
The Durbanville Hills Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, fun bubbles from two fine winemakers, Martin Moore and Wilhelm Coetzee from a cool climate valley overlooking Table Bay.
The Nels of Boplaas in Calitzdorp make superb wines and spirits, make my Advent Calendar #15 wine, their Boplaas Cape Ruby Port...
Advent Calendar #14, a fine Merlot from Leopard's Leap Family Vineyards in the heat of Franschhoek. A sappy go to wine for any meal.
Advent Calendar #13 wine, Aristea Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, made by 11th generation winemaker Matthew Krone. Exceptional expression from the Golden Triangle, Stellenbosch.
Advent Calendar #12 is a sublime Pinotage from Grangehurst, made by Jeremy Walker. Perfect Christmas table wine, for your hot gammon or well stuffed turkey.
Asara Wine Estate & Luxury Hotel, is caring for the environment on the Estate. Purifying water, allowing the fynbos to prosper and bringing back the fauna.
Perdeberg Vineyard Collection Chenin Blanc MCC 2012, a great expression of the grape and the style of wine. Made from dry land bush vine grapes.
Father and son, Andre and Jacques Bruwer's Bon Courage The Pepper Tree Shiraz 2013 features as my Advent Calendar #11 wine. A sublime wine which will sit happily on your Christmas lunch table.
My Advent Calendar #10 wine is this lovely blend from Abé Beukes at Yonder Hill Wines. Well worth a visit to taste the stunning wines....
Groot Constantia Merlot 2015, a fine expression of the grape by Boela Gerber. Such a perfect food wine and great by the glass on its own.
My choice for Advent Calendar #9 is the Fleur du Cap Essence du Cap Pinot Noir 2016, a sublime delicate wine, a red trying to be a white.
My Advent Calendar #8, the Earthbound Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, is an organically certified wine with grapes grown in the Darling Wine Appellation.
Oldenburg Vineyards Viognier 2016, a deliciously peachy expression of this Condrieu grape. Such a stunning food wine, great with chicken.
Advent Calendar #7 - Allesverloren Tinta Barocca 2015, a beautiful red from a Portuguese Pot variety, stamps Danie Malan's mastery of the Swartland...
The award winning Asara The Vineyard Collection Chenin Blanc 2017, follows its predecessors as each vintage passes, with an improved wine year on year.
The Bruwers of Bon Courage produce my Advent Calendar #6 wine, a fine 2016 Merlot, called The Mulberry Bush.
Advent Calendar #5 - Grangehurst Cape Rosé Blend 2015, Jeremy Walker's clever blend of reds and Chenin Blanc, perfect food wine for summer.
Douglas Green Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 has a great heritage stretching back to 1942 when Douglas Green founded his eponymous company. Good every day drinking at an even handed price.
My Advent Calendar #4 red wine is from Linton Park, a fresh young sappy Cabernet with an undertow of mocha from the high toasted oak barrels...
A fine Mediterranean variety used to make the Fairview Old Paarl Bush Vines Cinsault 2015. Excellent with the Fairview Cheeses.