Monthly Archives: June 2012
Simonsig Pinotage Scores 90 Points In USA’s Wine Spectator
Simonsig Redhill Pinotage 2008 has added another feather to its cap of highly acclaimed accolades with a venerable 90 point rating from Wine Spectator, the leading New York based wine publication.
“Ripe and solidly built, with delicious blackberry, bramble and toasty spice notes framed by a mouth-watering liq
uorice snap note. The long, spice-filled finish has nicely integrated grip,” is how Senior Editor James Molesworth describes this truly South African varietal wine which can be enjoyed now or stashed away safely for special occasions until 2015.
This wine also comes highly recommended with a 91 point score by the International Wine Review, another highly regarded wine report in the USA. At home, the 2008 vintage boasts two Veritas gold medals and a 4½-star rating in the Platter’s South African Wines guide.
Simonsig Redhill Pinotage is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s top Pinotage wines. Enjoy it with family favourites such as Cape Malay bobotie, slow roasted pork belly or juicy oven roasted rack of lamb.
For more information on Simonsig Estate contact Tel: (021) 888 4915 or visit www.simonsig.co.za.
Spoilt For Choice At Neethlingshof This Winter
When the mid-week calls for an evening treat, escape to the scenic Neethlingshof estate on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, and join the Lord Neethling restaurant for its winter Wednesday dinners. Relax to the sounds of jazzy tunes and a crackling fire with a choice of various soups and homemade meat pies. Enjoy this offer until the end of July for only R95 and add a baked pudding to top it off.
Also on Wednesday evenings as well as on Friday nights, you can opt for two impala schnitzels or two beef medallions or two lamb shanks, served with all the trimmings and two 250ml glasses of Neethlingshof wine for only R160 per couple. You can also take advantage of this offer from Mondays to Saturdays at lunchtime until 31 July.
Pensioners are spoilt on Tuesdays when they receive a discount of 15% on their favourite dishes and on wine purchased at the tasting centre.
On weekends, enjoy the crisp country air as well as indulgent buffets. On Saturdays the restaurant prepares a breakfast buffet for only R70 per person. Kids under 12 eat for R35. This offer is valid until the end of July only. On Sundays the restaurant serves an elaborate lunch buffet for R150 per person, with kids under 12 paying R75. After the Sunday meal, keep your receipt at the ready when popping into the tasting centre for it gives you a 15% discount on whatever wine you purchase.
Booking is essential. For more information and all restaurant bookings, contact Reinhard or Michael on 021 883 8966 or rnanny@iafrica.com.
Cape Town Tourism Partners With Thompson’s Holidays To Package Winter Events
Cape Town Tourism has partnered with Thompsons Holidays to create travel packages for the upcoming sporting events in Cape Town. Cape Town will see visiting English Premier League team, Manchester United, go head to head with Ajax Cape Town at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 21 July 2012. In August (18th), Capetonians can see the Springboks take on Argentina at Newlands Stadium for the Castle Rugby Championship Tour.
For soccer fans; either a self-drive or fly-in deal from Johannesburg, Durban or Port Elizabeth includes reserved match tickets, two nights’ accommodation at the Protea Hotel Victoria Junction, return flights and three-day car hire. Packages start at R1 946 per person sharing for self-drive (excluding flights and car hire) to R4 714 per person sharing on the fly-in option.
The Castle Rugby Championship Tour packages start at R4 063 per person sharing self-drive (excluding flights and car hire) to R5 999 per person sharing on the fly-in deal. Package deals include return flights from Lanseria, two days car rental, two nights’ accommodation at Devon Valley Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, match transfers, a Pre Match Hospitality package and a reserved Test Match Ticket for the game.
CEO of Cape Town Tourism, Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold. comments; “Cape Town Tourism is dedicated to countering seasonality and we are partnering with key travel players to make coming to Cape Town easy, affordable and memorable. The package may pivot around the event but we feel certain that visitors will be surprised by how much there is to do and enjoy in winter in Cape Town.”
These package deals can be booked through Thompsons Holidays by calling 0861 84 66 77 or visiting www.thompsons.co.za
BLOC PARTY To Headline Rocking The Daisies 2012
Internationally acclaimed indie rock legends, Bloc Party are confirmed to headline at Rocking the Daisies 2012! This universally respected band has already headlined some of the world’s most famous festivals and will be adding RTD to its very impressive list, which includes O2 Academy, Leeds and Reading Festival, T in the Park, Glastonbury and V Fest. South Africa now has the chance to be blown away by one of the best live acts in the world on Saturday 06 October at Rocking the Daisies, Cloof Wine Estate, Darling.
Just less than a year ago a big question mark loomed over whether new music would ever emerge from Bloc Party. The band went on a hiatus in October 2009 to focus on side projects, and reunited in September 2011. In May 2012 the band announced via their website that their fourth album, Four, will be released on August 20, 2012.
In February 2005 the band released their debut album Silent Alarm. It was critically acclaimed and was named ‘Indie Album of the Year’ at the 2006 PLUG Awards and NME Album of the year which both honour indie music. That same year the record went platinum; with Bloc Party selling two million albums worldwide.
Now they return with their strongest, most vital statement to date in their triumphant new album ‘FOUR’. The four piece of Kele Okereke, Russell Lissack, Gordon Moakes and Matt Tong reunited, prompted by a creative impetus inspired by a dramatic year in world events, as well as a shared desire to rekindle their singular musical kinship. ‘FOUR’ presents a band in the fullest sense of the word: lean, hungry, spirited and uncompromising, armed with a collection of songs as powerful and anthemic as they’ve ever penned, as well as some of their mosthard-hitting and visceral recordings to date! Daisies fans will get to watch this all unfold on the main stage at RTD 2012.
In Kele’s own words: “the record is the sound of four people in a room, loving what they do and doing it to the best of their ability. It is the sound that only the four of us could make, and I am prouder of it than any record we have ever made”.
‘FOUR’ will be released August 20th via Frenchkiss Records. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4M5EqOGsMA
Rocking the Daisies will take place from 4-7th October 2012 on Cloof Wine estate in Darling. Get your tickets NOW from www.webtickets.co.za!
For updates and regular interactions:
Our shiny new website: www.rockingthedaisies.com
Like us on FB: /rockingthedaisiesfestival
Follow us on Twitter: @rockingthedaisy
And watch us on YouTube: /user/RockingTheDaisiesTV
Watch these spaces for lineup announcements and other information.
The Tyger Valley Centre Wine Festival 27th and 28th July 2012
Die Burger Proefees, with a brand new focus, will be taking place at the Tyger Valley Centre in Durbanville on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th July 2012.
This year, the Proefees will be experiencing an exciting revival and promises to be a top tasting event, given the high calibre of wine exhibitors, the professional organisation of the event, and the exciting new venue in the Centre.
The wine festival will be hosted in the Centre’s refurbished, spacious Arena Court, a large open focal-point, just below the Food Court and restaurants; a lifestyle element will include food stands and chill lounges where wine-lovers can relax; wine, for delivery after the event, will be on sale through Cybercellar; and drink and drive support will be on offer.
Approximately 40 top wineries will be showcasing their fine wines at the festival. Winery entries confirmed to date include Altydgedacht, Beyerskloof, Bloemendal, Boekenhoutskloof’s Porcupine Ridge and The Wolftrap, Creation, D’Aria, De Grendel, De Krans, Delaire Graff, Diemersdal, Durbanville Hills, Elgin Vintners, Helderberg Wijnmakerij, Hermanuspietersfontein, Hillcrest, Jaydex Distributors, Jordan, Klein Roosboom, Koelenhof, Krone, Leeuwenkuil, Morgenster, Muratie, Nitida, Raka, Rietvallei, Robertson Winery, Steenberg, Sumaridge, Thelema, Wandsbeck, Winters Drift and Zevenwacht.
IMPORTANT FESTIVAL DETAILS
Dates: Friday 27th July and Saturday 28th July 2012
Times: Friday: 3pm to 8pm Saturday: 12pm to 7pm
Ticket price: R75 per person for wine tasting
Ticket sales: Computicket and at ’the door’
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DieBurgerProefees
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Die-Burger/3509657281
Tyger Valley Centre enquiries Tel: 021 914 1822
Email: proefees@hazell.co.za
Bekrek Promosies Bied Aan: Ons Joke Net! – Komedie Makietie
Kom oefen jou lagspiere op 10 Augustus 2012 om 19:30 by die Durbanville Ouditorium met BekRek se nuutste Afrikaanse Komedie Produksie – Ons Joke Net!
Ons Joke Net! is ‘n mengelmoes van humoristiese sang en vars skerp-skerts komedie wat die talente van Vaatjie, van KykNET se Molly en Wors faam, musikant Rooies en komediante Wayne McKay en Brent Niemandt saamgooi in ‘n ware Komedie Makietie wat gehore gaan laat skater! Hul humor en gekskeerdery in hierdie trots Suid-Afrikaanse komedie-bredie beloof om die lag-krane oop te draai.
Vaatjie het ‘n huishoudelike naam geword sedert rolprente soos Poena is Koning, Vaatjie sien sy gat en Stoute boudjies. Hy het ook onlangs ‘n nuwe CD, Sersant, vol lekker humoristiese snitte uitgereik.
Die groot man met die groot stem, Rooies, is geen vreemdeling in die Suid-Afrikaanse musiekbedryf nie. Met sy kenmerkende kwinkslae, vermaaklike liedjies en radio program op Bokradio, is hy een van die Kaap se top kunstenaars!
Met Wayne McKay se unieke en uitstaande komedie-styl, kan jy verseker wees van ‘n vermaak-rondomtalie wat die maagspiere lekker sal kielie, veral met sy komiese uitkyk op die lewe in die nuwe Suid-Afrika.
Brent Niemandt, onlangs genomineer as Komediant van die Jaar by die IKUSASA Toekennings – ‘n inisiatief wat ‘n platform daarstel vir opkomende Suid-Afrikaanse talent – is ‘n vars oorspronklike grapjas wat kreatief en krities kla, ekskuus, gesels oor die getroude lewe! Brent steek die draak met sy eie huwelik, ontleed die pyn, die leiding… en dis maar nét die skoonma!
BekRek is ‘n komedie promosie maatskappy wat hom daarop toespits om komedie in die Afrikaanse taal te bevorder.
As jy gespanne, gestres of net futloos is, is BekRek se Komedie Makietie die beste medisyne wat jou sal laat ontspan, ontlaai en van al jou sorge sal laat vergeet.
Kaartjies kan bespreek word teen R100 per persoon by Nico op 084 273 7881 of info@bekrek.co.za
Vir meer inligting, besoek ons webwerf by www.bekrek.co.za of volg ons op Twitter of Facebook.
The Glory Of Old Wines
The Telkom Business Michael Fridjhon Wine Experience takes place on the weekend of 1 and 2 September at the Hyatt Regency Johannesburg.
This year’s theme is The Glory of Old Wines and the Benchmark Tasting includes Krug 1995; Mouton Rothschild 1975; Chateau Cheval Blanc 1970; Bonnes Mares 1990 and Niersteiner Fritzenholler Beerenauslese 1945.
The legendary Sunday Champagne Brunch this year will include prestige and standard cuvées from Billecart-Salmon and Pommery while guests at the Gala Dinner will drink the 1997 Bollinger Grande Année poured from the jeroboam.
The full weekend package costs R7 250 per person and includes double accommodation at the Hyatt Regency on Saturday night. The Early Bird package for bookings and payment by 20 July costs R6 500 and the Champagne Brunch R2 150 for guests attending the Sunday proceedings only.
For more information and to book, contact Janice or Alex on 011 482 5936/5/4.
Email: janice@outsorceress.co.za or alex@outsorceress.co.za
Website: www.outsorceress.co.za
Deliciously Decadent Du Toitskloof Hanepoot
Sweet endings always have a special place at dinner parties and late afternoon braai’s so make sure the deliciously honeyed 2012 Du Toitskloof Hanepoot is ready and chilled.
The wine is made from Muscat d’Alexandrie grapes, harvested when fully ripe with some of the berries already turning raisiny, imparting a wonderful honey flavor. The grapes received an extended period of skin contact, rotated as frequently as possible in rotor tanks, to extract the maximum flavor spectrum.
Shimmering, brassy gold with lime-green specks, the wine holds aromas of concentrated citrus fruit with hints of chocolate orange liqueur. The palate is silky with an exceptional long, fruity aftertaste. Serve chilled on its own or with a selection of cheeses and desserts especially ice cream and baked puddings.
The 2012 Du Toitskoof Hanepoot is available from the cellar and leading liquor outlets for about R45 per bottle.
Indaba Wines – Sharing The Secrets To Succeeding In The USA
South Africa’s Indaba wine brand is fast on its way to becoming a big-volume brand in the USA and the results of a recent comparative blind tasting against New World rivals suggest the latest vintage will build on the success which has seen the brand’s reach extend across the USA, Canada and the Caribbean.
The Indaba range, composed of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Shiraz, was launched in the US in 1996 by New York based wine importer Cape Classics. The wines are crafted by consulting winemaker Bruwer Raats in a fresh, juicy, approachable style and have a suggested retail price of $9.99.
In a recent annual comparative blind tasting, held in New York, Indaba Sauvignon Blanc 2011 outscored higher priced, well-respected Sauvignon Blancs including Mount Nelson from New Zealand and Montes from Chile. While Indaba Merlot topped category-leading Merlots from California’s Bogle Vineyards and Washington’s Columbia Crest.
Competitive brands were chosen within the same price bracket, or one to two times higher, based on their significant brand recognition, national sales, or success with key partners. The wines were evaluated based on overall quality, varietal correctness and market “saleability”.
The blind tasting, attended by Cape Classics executives, Raats and an influential retail partner, is an opportunity for the brand’s decision makers to evaluate how well the current 2011 vintage stacks up against competing brands in the USA.
“Our goal with the annual tastings is to ensure Indaba’s quality is as high, or higher, than the brands that lead the market today,” said Cape Classics President Rob Bradshaw. “With Bruwer in attendance, he is able to gain valuable insight and feedback, and then make the necessary winemaking decisions to keep Indaba a leading brand, known for its quality and value.”
The blind-tastings are essential for the winemaker to get a sense of American tastes. “We’ve been hosting these tastings for three years now, and he has really caught on to what styles and flavor profiles excite our customers,” said Bradshaw.
“We all know branding is critical in wine sales, but if you really want to stimulate the US market the juice in the bottle has got to be exciting. The tasting showed us the Indaba range has this factor, and we are pleased with the direction it’s heading.”
Kasteelberg Brand Takes Riebeek Cellars To New Heights
Riebeek Cellars’ flagship wine range, Kasteelberg, made it clear as early as last year that it was destined for greatness when two of its young wines won much coveted awards at the South African Young Wine Show. First the Kasteelberg Pinotage 2011 took the coveted SA Champion Pinotage title ahead of its competitors and then the Kasteelberg Viognier 2011 walked off with the big prize, the highly coveted General Smuts Trophy which is awarded to the champion young wine. This was the first time in the history of this prominent competition that a viognier won this coveted award.
KASTEELBERG-HANDELSMERK VAT RIEBEEK-KELDER NA NUWE HOOGTES
Riebeek-Kelder se vlagskipreeks, Kasteelberg, het dit verlede jaar reeds duidelik gemaak dat hy nog groot hoogtes gaan bereik toe twee van sy jongwyne met gesogte toekennings weg geloop het op die Suid-Afrikaanse Jongwynskou. Eers het die Kasteelberg Pinotage 2011 die titel SA Kampioen Pinotage voor die neuse van al sy mededingers weg geraap, en toe het die Kasteelberg Viognier 2011 met die groot prys, die gesogte Generaal Smuts-trofee wat aan die kampioen-jongwyn toegeken word, weg gestap. Dit was die eerste keer in die geskiedenis van hierdie vooraanstaande kompetisie dat ‘n viognier hierdie gesogte toekenning wen.
Riebeek-Kelder se wynmaakspan: JM Crafford (assistant-wynmaker), Alecia Boshoff (rooiwynmaker), Eric Saayman (senior wynmaker – witwyn) en Hanno van Schalkwyk (wingerdkundige) met die Generaal Smuts-trofee.
Rachelle Greeff Se Skryfkursus By Taalmonument
Die bekroonde skrywer Rachelle Greeff bied van Vrydag 14 tot Saterdag 15 September ’n skryfkursus by die Afrikaanse Taalmonument in die Paarl aan. Kursusgangers het die keuse om in die maand ná die kursus ook hul eie skryfwerk vir kommentaar voor te lê. Die kursus sluit ook een borgskap in.
Greeff is veral bekend vir haar kortverhale en die toneelstuk Die Naaimasjien wat in Augustus in Edinburgh, Skotland, opgevoer word. Haar tweede toneelstuk, Buitepos, met die bekroonde Deon Lotz in die hoofrol, was vroeër vanjaar by die Woordfees en die KKNK te sien. Haar koerantwerk behels boekresensies, onderhoude met skrywers asook ‘n tweeweeklikse rubriek, Voorwoord, vir Rapport.
Kursusgangers ontvang ‘n maand voor die kursus elk ’n kortverhaal asook ‘n koerantrubriek of tydskrifskets. Dit dien as wegspringplek vir die eerste sessie. Daaropvolgende sessies fokus op die taalglipse en stylduiwels waarvan nuwe of potensiële skrywers moet kennis dra voor hulle by uitgewers en media-redakteurs aanklop. Die skrywer deel ook persoonlike wenke en staaltjies wat bygedra het tot haar sukses (sowel as mislukkings) in die media en die literêre wêreld.
As opsionele ekstra het kursusgangers agterna ‘n maand waarin hulle óf ‘n rubriek (620 woorde) óf ‘n kortverhaal (nie langer nie as 2 000 woorde) kan skryf. Dit word eenmalig elektronies en vertroulik deur die kursusleier geredigeer en aan die kursusganger terugbesorg. Dié aanbod word by die kursusfooi ingesluit.
Die sluitingsdatum vir aansoeke is 14 Augustus. Die Taalmonument maak voorsiening vir ‘n borgskap vir een kursusganger, wat bondig deur die voornemende kursusganger asook ‘n mentor gemotiveer moet word.
Die kursus word tot 12 persone beperk en vind daagliks van 09:00 tot 16:00 plaas. Die kursusfooi is R2 000 per persoon. ’n Ligte vingermiddagete en koffie/tee is ingesluit.
Vir meer inligting, kontak Amira Clayton by tel. 021 863 4809/0543 of e-pos kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za.
Visit Theuniskraal During Tulbach’s Christmas In Winter Festival
When on your way to the Tulbagh Valley’s Christmas in Winter festival, why not stop over at Theuniskraal, South Africa’s very first white-wine estate? Plan now, for the festival takes place already on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1!
Theuniskraal, one of the valley’s best-known estates, lies about 7km from the historic town. It’s the first time that the estate is actively participating in the festival. You can taste the farm’s excellent wines at no cost. As a special treat, the first 100 guests that purchase Theuniskraal wine to enjoy on the premises will receive a Dalewood cheeseboard for one free. With the wooden cheese board comes a selection of cheeses – brie, camembert, blue and Huguenot cheese – as well as a packet of biscuits and a wooden picnic knife. Facilities will be available at the tasting centre to sit back, relax, and take in the special atmosphere of the estate.
Musician Ricky Nass will entertain guests in the themed tent with local arts & craft offered for sale. There will be entertainment for children in the form of a jumping castle and tractor rides. Corn kernels will be on sale for the kids to feed the ducks and sheep on the farm.
A minibus will be transporting guests every half-hour between Church Street (with the pick-up point located at the entrance to Church Street, on the side of the Sports Ground) and Theuniskraal, in both directions. The complimentary service will be available on both days of the festival, from 10:00 until 16:00 on Saturday and from 10:00 until 15:00 on Sunday, and will operate on the basis of first-come, first-served.
The festivities at Theuniskraal will run from 10:00 to 16:00 on Saturday and from 10:00 to 15:00 on Sunday. For further information, please contact the estate on 023 230 0687 or info@tkl.co.za.
