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 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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Asara Vineyard Collection Shiraz 2015, the partner to Sansibar’s Slow Roasted Springbok Shank…

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.

June 21st, 2018|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , , , , |
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Jazz & Cheese Fondue at Delheim – every Sunday from 24 June to 26 August

Jazz & Cheese Fondue at Delheim Get cosy at this popular feast of live jazz, wine and dip-licious cheese! The Delheim Jazz & Cheese Fondue series plays an exciting new tune in the Stellenbosch Winelands this year thanks to the announcement of a collaboration with the Cape Town Music Academy (CTMA) and Jazz in the

June 11th, 2018|Categories: Michael's Writings|Tags: , , , |
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Spier – three fine reds for Winter…

There is a formidable team of winemakers at Spier Wine Estate making some serious Spier Reds. Johan Jordaan is the winemaker in charge of the reds under Cellarmaster Frans Smit. Really a lovely place to visit with two restaurants, picnics and a variety of entertainments.

May 14th, 2018|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , , , , |
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Top of the Hill Pinotage from DeWaal Wines & South Africa’s oldest Pinotage Vineyard, Tracy Foulkes obliges with her Vegetarian Wellington – 26.02.2018

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...

February 26th, 2018|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , , |
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Oldenburg Vineyards two new maiden vintage wines, The Oldenburg Joshua Syrah 2007 and The Oldenburg ‘Le Quartre Enfants’ Cabernet Franc 2007, good with Jane Anne Hobbs’s Slow-roasted Stuffed Leg of Lamb with a Basil Walnut Sauce – 21.02.2018

Oldenburg Vineyards two new maiden vintage wines released, The Oldenburg ‘Le Quatre Enfants’ Cabernet Franc 2007 and The Oldenburg Joshua Syrah 2007, available from the Estate....

February 21st, 2018|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , , , |
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Asara Vineyard Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2017, matching the Hotel’s Mise-en-place Restaurant’s Pear, Gorgonzola & Blue Cheese Salad – 31.01.2018

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.

February 1st, 2018|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , , , |
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Peter Falke Blanc de Noir 2017, good with Dianne Bibby’s Roast Aubergines with Miso & Pomelo – 28.12.2017

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.

December 28th, 2017|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , , , , |
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Glenelly Glass Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 & Anina Meyer’s Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Gravy – 12.05.2017

The Glenelly Class Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Madame May Eliane de Lencquesaing, creator of the new Glenelly has a passion for glass as much as she has a passion for wine.  The former owner of Chateau Pichon Lalande is Bordeaux Royalty and certainly highly regarded in Stellenbosch. As is her team of Winemaker Luke

May 13th, 2017|Categories: wine of the day|Tags: , , , , , |
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Spier people – Heinrich “Bones” Opperman – Senior Cellar Assistant

Heinrich Opperman_Senior Cellar Assistant Spier is home to a diverse bunch of passionate people, doing what they love, and committed to making a difference every day. Senior cellar assistant Heinrich Opperman, better known as Bones by his colleagues, joined Spier seven years ago as a farm worker. Now a senior cellar assistant, “the growth has

February 25th, 2017|Categories: Questions & Answers with the Pros|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