Monthly Archives: November 2012
Romance Rocks At One&Only Cape Town
BOOK now for together time with your One&Only at South Africa’s most prestigious urban resort.
Situated in the heart of the V&A Waterfront and blessed with breathtaking Table Mountain views, One&Only Cape Town is certainly one of the city’s most sought after destinations. And come February it’s one of its most romantic too.
What could be more decadent than an escape to this five-star resort where every last detail is taken care of and the focus is all on your enjoyment? From downtime in the state-of-the-art Spa to award-winning restaurant menus designed to seduce the senses and a host of luxe spoils and special treatment for starry eyed lovers, there’s no doubt that couples intent on enjoying the good life will have come to the right place.
Why not check into the hotel for a night or two and enjoy being ensconced with your loved one with a decadent room service menu for company? Dine a deux in the privacy of your luxurious room with a view and enjoy the romantic offerings such as a rose petal bubble bath and Champagne on ice or venture to any of the resort’s world-class eateries.
Perhaps a table at Reuben’s, where South African fare with flair is the signature, or at the famed Nobu, where artistic plates of Asian specialities are presented to diners one after the other? Either way food lovers are spoilt for choice. Indulge in your together time and take a stroll onto the hotel’s own private island and spend an afternoon lounging poolside or sneak off for a sunset cocktail at Vista Bar & Lounge and spend a lazy hour or two watching the toings and froings of the harbour.
One&Only Cape Town even offers guests an opportunity to sail off into the sunset in style aboard a private yacht for dinner and for those wanting to go all out, a decadent private dining experience for two can be arranged in a secluded outdoor pavilion overlooking the water. Meanwhile wine and Champagne aficionados will love the thought of a private dinner in the 5000-bottle strong wine loft, home to a myriad superb South African and international vintages.
Of course, when it comes to pampering One&Only Spa certainly delivers. Recent recipient of a number of international awards, recognising the Spa as the best in Africa, One&Only Spa has a series of impressive signature treatments and specialised facilities not seen anywhere else in South Africa. From the Bastien Gonzalez Mani:Pedi:Cure studios to a fascinating menu of African-influenced treatments, visitors to the Spa are in for a top-to-toe spoil.
A number of packages are on offer at the Spa during February and March, including the All You Need is Love Package where guests will be spoilt with:
Glass of Bubbles on arrival
45 min Hot Stone Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage
30 min Colour Touch and Black Diamond Scrub on Hands OR Feet
Full use of Relaxation Suite and Thermal Suite including Vitality Pool, Steam Room, Sauna, Ice Fountain and Experience Showers
Cost R595 per person (usually R675)
Aside from packages such as this, One&Only Cape Town celebrates that when it comes to romance it’s the details that make the difference and the resort has developed a number of ‘romantic details’ for overnighting guests during the months of February and March. For a supplement of R1999, guests will each receive a the All You is Love Spa Package, a gourmet In-Room Dining Romantic menu including a bottle of Methôde Cap Classique OR a voucher for dining at Reuben’s or Nobu and lastly, a fragrant Bed of Roses bath experience.
From time out in the Spa to multi-course meals at Reuben’s or Nobu, escaping to One&Only Cape Town is always a decadent affair – add the romantic details and a visit here will certainly be an unforgettable rendezvous.
For more information visit www.oneandonlycapetown.com
Be Merry With Food, Wine And No Chores This Christmas At Allesverloren
This year, the Allesverloren wine estate makes Christmas the perfect occasion for doing nothing other than sitting back, relaxing and enjoying a wholesome lunch with family and friends. Forget about endless hours in front of the stove and piles of dirty dishes, and look forward to a day of delicious spoiling at the estate’s beautiful function venue located in the Riebeek Valley.
On December 25, Allesverloren’s function venue will be offering a three-course lunch. For a starter, you can look forward to a phyllo parcel filled with a delicious combination of chicken pieces, mushrooms, caramelised onions and feta. For the main course, you can fill your plate with generous portions of roast beef, leg of lamb and gammon. Some of the side dishes include crisp sweet pumpkin servings, Mediterranean vegetables, fresh salads, cauliflower au gratin, and more. For dessert, a range of hot and cold puddings await.
Booking is essential. Contact Bertus Bester on 073 017 4402 or e-mail enquiries@allesverloren-fcv.co.za for more information and bookings.
During the festive season head to the estate’s tasting facility and try the Allesverloren Tinta Barocca Rosé 2012. The wine, which is usually sold in Sweden, will be sold at R40 a bottle during December and January at the tasting facility only. The Danie’s Backyard Blend 2011 will also be available at a special rate of R55 per bottle. Festive season trading hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 17:00 and Saturday from 8:30 to 14:00. The centre will be closed on public holidays.
The Allesverloren Tinta Barocca Rosé 2012 and 2011 Danie’s Backyard Blend will be on sale at the function venue’s Christmas buffet. A cash bar will also be open on the day.
Date: Tuesday, December 25
Time: Starts 12.00
Price: R285 per person; R125 for children 12 and under.
Place: Allesverloren wine estate, Function Venue, along the R311 between Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel, near Malmesbury.
GPS coordinates: S 33 21.554 / E 018 52. 418.
Visit www.allesverloren-fcv.co.za for further directions.
Mosaic Wins Award For Best Restaurant Of 2012
Mosaic at The Orient has won the award for best restaurant of 2012 at the sixth annual Rasa Rosetta Awards.
Presented by the Restaurant Association of South Africa, the awards honour restaurants which strive for excellence and is recognition of the highest honour for service excellence and overall contribution to the upliftment of the restaurant industry.
Mosaic is the type of place dining enthusiasts love to find: a little gem in an unlikely location, an independent David in a world of franchised Goliaths and, most importantly, a restaurant where the focus is on the entire food experience.
In charge of the kitchen is Chantel Dartnall who has become renowned, not only in South Africa but in culinary circles around the world, for her innovative and meticulous approach to modern fine dining.
The Mosaic Team with their Best Restaurant Award
She regularly travels the world to keep up with international trends and ensure that Mosaic continues to compete with the best dining establishments around the globe.
The restaurant’s hard work throughout the year has paid huge dividends. Mosaic was awarded the 2012 Diners Club International Diamond Wine List Award for the second year thanks to its world class cellar under its sommelier, Cape Wine Master and wine authority Junel Vermuelen.
For the sixth consecutive year it was also honoured at the 2013 American Express Platinum Fine Dining Awards which recognise the country’s finest restaurants.
Mosaic will be hosting both a special Christmas Eve dinner on Monday, 24 December and its popular lunch on Christmas Day on Tuesday, 25 December.
• Restaurant Mosaic is located in The Orient Boutique Hotel in the Francolin Conservation Area, Elandsfontein, Crocodile River Valley, Gauteng. It is a 45 minute drive from Johannesburg and 30 minutes from Pretoria. Tel: 012 371 2902
Groote Post Sauvignon Blanc 2012 – The Perfect Wine For A Girls Night Out
Groote Post’s 2012 Sauvignon Blanc is the ideal wine for a ‘Girls Night Out’, according to the Ultra Liquors 100 Women 100 Wines 2012 Competition, a noteworthy compliment considering that ‘The most important market for wines in South Africa is women’, as noted by retail guru Mark Norrish, GM of Ultra Liquors.
This latest award for Groote Post’s Sauvignon Blanc 2012 follows hot-on-the-heels of a Top 10 placement at the 2012 FNB Top 10 Sauvignon Blanc Awards and a Gold medal at the 2012 Michelangelo International Wine Awards.
Groote Post’s winemaker, Lukas Wentzel, describes the wine as, “An explosion of fruit driven by lime, gooseberry and kiwi fruit, and underpinned by a thread of minerality. A lively wine, with intense flavours, that has a long finish, making this a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.” And a crowd pleaser it certainly is.
100 South African women, a diverse group of all creeds, colours, backgrounds and tastes in wine, gathered recently at a fun, informal occasion at the Table Bay Hotel, to sip, swirl and taste their way through 200 wines (including whites, reds, blends, varietals, MCC’s, rose’s, blushes, sparkling, sweet, dry, value for money as well as top end wines) in order to choose their top 100 wines and select their favourites to enjoy at 10 different social occasions.
“It gives us a lot of pleasure to know that this rainbow cross-section of sassy and adventurous wine-loving ladies would desire our 2012 Sauvignon Blanc as their vinous date for a ladies night out, a much-appreciated thumbs up indeed from this influential segment of the wine-buying market”, enthused Groote Post co-owner, Nick Pentz.
Groote Post’s Sauvignon Blancs are their biggest sellers and have become synonymous with this historic cool-climate West Coast farm ever since their highly-rated maiden 1999 vintage Sauvignon Blanc was launched.
The Groote Post Sauvignon Blanc 2012 is widely available nationally at leading retailers and restaurants and retails nationally at approximately R75.
Groote Post, the beautiful, historic Cape West Coast farm, with a rustic, rural atmosphere, undulating hills, vast open spaces and warm country hospitality, is only an hour’s drive from Cape Town. In addition to a wide range of award-winning wines, cheese platters and summer picnics, a superb culinary offering at Hilda’s Kitchen and Farm Drives through the 2 000-hectare Game Camp, Groote Post also offers a jungle gym and rolling lawns where children can play, spectacular views of the Atlantic coast and Table Mountain, nature walks and bird-watching. Being part of the famous West Coast spring flower route and a member of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, Groote Post also holds much appeal for environmentalists.
Groote Post is open for wine tasting and sales seven days a week. Hilda’s Kitchen is open for lunch from Wednesday until Sunday. Pre-booking is essential for lunch, picnics and Farm Drives. Tel: 022 492 2825 • Email: wine@grootepost.co.za • www.grootepost.co.za.
PERDEBERG: Serious About Connecting
Once again Perdeberg Winery is setting the pace in the wine industry with its innovative connection with social media. All Perdeberg’s wine products in its Popular Range now feature the main social media icons - Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest as well as a QR code – on pack. Perdeberg is the first winery in South Africa to take this bold step.
By placing these icons on the front of the packaging, Perdeberg is openly inviting people to connect with it.
The new labelled bottles are already in stores in Gauteng, Western Cape as well as KwaZulu-Natal and will be nationally available from next week.
Perdeberg Winery, which has been quite a pioneer in the digital space (in 2007, Perdeberg was the first commercial wine enterprise in South Africa to run competitions on Facebook and with bloggers), is planning more exciting ‘online savvy’ plans for imminent release … so watch this social media space!
Krismiskoortjies – Picnic And Song In The Cape Winelands
(Afrikaans volg na die Engels)
Gather your family and friends for a festive evening of Christmas carols and rural gospel songs at Solms-Delta wine estate, on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 December 2012.
Bring your own picnic blanket and basket, or order a delicious picnic basket for R145 pp, from Fyndraai restaurant. Wine and Cape snacks such as samosas, frikkadelle, mini pies and milk tarts, koeksisters, will be available to buy on the night.
Gates open 18h00 music starts 19h00. R50 per person, children under 12yrs free.
Place your picnic basket booking before 12 noon on Sat 15th Dec.
Entrance bookings are recommended as limited places will be available on the night.
All bookings: restaurant@solms-delta.co.za or call Henry or Thozi 021-874 3937 Ext 115. www.solms-delta.co.za
Krismiskoortjies – piekniek en musiek in die Kaapse Wynlande
Nooi jou familie en vriende saam vir ’n gesellige aand van Kersliedere en landelike gospelmusiek by die Solms-Delta-wynlandgoed op Saterdag, 15 Desember, en Sondag, 16 Desember.
Bring jou eie piekniekkombers en –mandjie, of bestel ’n smaaklike piekniekmandjie teen R145 pp van Fyndraai-restaurant. Wyn en Kaapse lekkernye, soos samoesas, frikkadelle, klein pasteitjies, melktert en koeksisters sal die aand te koop wees.
Hekke open om 18h00. Musiek begin om 19h00. R50 per persoon, kinders jonger as 12 jaar gratis.
Plaas bestellings vir piekniekmandjies voor 12-uur op Saterdag, 15 Desember.
Besprekings vir toegang word aanbeveel aangesien beperkte plekke op die aand beskikbaar sal wees.
All besprekings: restaurant@solms-delta.co.za of bel Henry of Thozi by 021-874 3937 bylyn 115. www.solms-delta.co.za
Cheese Festival SA’s Best!
The SA Cheese Festival has just been named Southern Africa’s Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition for events of 12 000m2 and more by EXSA (the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa). This gourmet festival which was held in April for the 11th time has through the years kept its focus on cheese and annually lures more than 30 000 dedicated cheese lovers from all around the country to Sandringham.
“This award is an exceptional achievement if one considers the high standard of exhibitions and events in South Africa,” says Johan Ehlers, CEO of Agri-Expo, an agricultural society that has been promoting the image of agriculture in the Western Cape for the past 180 years. “We see this as a feather in the cap of agriculture. The achievement of the Cheese Festival confirms that Agri-Expo is accomplishing its aim to expose the public to agriculture’s entertaining and exciting side.”
Ann Dalton (left), Agri-Expo event manager and Johan Ehlers (right), Chief Executive Officer, Agri-Expo, receiving the award from Nigel Walker (EXSA Chairperson)
“Naturally it is a big challenge to present an event of such a high standard using temporary structures and in the outdoors,” says Ehlers. The Cheese Festival moved to Sandringham, Agri-Expo’s farm, in 2011 and has to compete with similar events held in the CTICC and the Durban and Sandton International Convention Centres. “This honour proves that Sandringham is successful as a venue – visitors enjoy the picturesque surroundings and the outdoor feel of the event.”
According to Ehlers the number of visitors is not their only criteria for success. “The festival enables artisan cheese makers from the far reaches of the country to present their products to the consumer, and simultaneously the visitor experiences the wide variety that the South African dairy industry has on offer – all under one roof.”
Entries to this year’s EXSA awards were judged by representatives of the business world, the media, venue owners and event organisers. Criteria includes the quality and visual impact of the event, safety and security standards, client experiences, social responsibility and the optimal utilisation of value adding marketing opportunities.
The SA Cheese Festival also won this award in 2007 and 2009. Other events presented by Agri-Expo that received accolades from EXSA in the past include the 2009 From the Earth event that received a Certificate for Excellence, the SA Dairy Championships (2010’s Most Memorable Event) and the Cape Premier Horse Sale that received this same honour in 2011.
Visit www.cheesefestival.co.za for more information about the 2013 SA Cheese Festival taking place from 26-28 April at Sandringham.
New Winemaker: La Vierge Brings One Of Our Own back
La Vierge, a private wine estate, situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley is known for their quirky collection of wines. The immaculate vineyards, planted in the early 2000’s on the varied shale slopes of the Bokkeveld series, produces true cool climate wines.
The La Vierge Collection consists of three white wines, three red blends and a Pinot Noir. La Vierge has become synonymous with quality Pinot Noir and with this focus, they are welcoming Gerhard Smith to the team as the newly appointed winemaker. Smith has been working abroad at the Gladstone Vineyard in Wairarapa, New Zealand for the past eight years where he managed the 250 ton winery.
“I am excited about the prospects at La Vierge and share their passionate approach to producing only the finest wines”, says Smith. “My winemaking philosophy is a very simple one. I believe in wines with great balance, elegance and texture. Attention to detail in all aspects of producing a great wine are linked, from the first actions in the vineyard to the finishing touches at bottling. First grow great grapes, handle them respectfully and with minimal interference in the winery. Trust your palate, know and believe in what you are trying to achieve and have the courage to follow through on your convictions.”
Gerhard Smith
La Vierge produces the ultra premium – ‘The Black Madonna’ albeit officially labelled the La Vierge Noir. Smith has had a love affair with this cultivar which he has refined in New Zealand. “When I started working with this great cultivar I was surprised by its unique combination of ethereal elegance, subtle power and wide flavour spectrum. It is easy to fall in love with wines with such floral delicacy, dark brooding fruit and savoury spice notes, all from the same varietal. It always leaves you wanting more”, adds Smith.
Highlights in his career include four wine making experiences in France, USA and Australia during the early 2000’s at prestigious wineries such as Chateau La Rose Cotes Roll, Columbia Crest Winery and Wynns Estate.
Being awarded with the Trophy for the best Pinot Noir at the Australian Winemakers Awards 2012 and The Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Competition 2010 is an accolade to this winemaker’s drive to produce high quality wines.
“We are pleased that Gerhard is joining the La Vierge team and we are looking forward to working closely with him. Bringing with him some interesting innovative experiences, especially with Pinot Noir, we urge you to watch this space.” comments Uschi Van Zweel, General Manager at La Vierge.
La Vierge encourages consumers to enjoy their products responsibly. Products are not for sale to persons under the age of 18.
For more information visit: www.lavierge.co.za
Striking New Summer Art Exhibitions At The Holden Manz Collection In Franschhoek
Get an exclusive first look at captivating new works by artists Karin Miller and Luhanri Bekker when you visit the Holden Manz Collection art gallery in 30 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek this summer.
Both artists are signed exclusively to the gallery and will give visitors food for thought with their exquisite art.
Eye-catching collages by Pretoria based artist Karin Miller adorn the interior of the Holden Manz wine estate country house, and her fourth solo exhibition at the gallery, Say Yes, boasts more thought provoking works with a contemporary twist. True to form, her new works depict strong, critical views of politics, current affairs and history and include famous local and international personalities, featuring “the usual suspects” such as President Jacob Zuma and Queen Elizabeth II, as well as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
As Numerous As The Stars In The Sky by Karin Miller
Artist Luhanri Bekker will have her first solo exhibition, I am/You are, at the Holden Manz Collection in January. Also hailing from Pretoria, she sees herself as a figurative artist and works mainly in oils, combining her two passions in life – painting and people. She draws her inspiration from people she meets during her travels in Africa. Luhanri depicts beauty as she sees it, in the form of people – people she has learnt to love and built relationships with. She captures these images as she experiences them and feels energised to paint what she describes as an authentic beauty with simplicity.
Her first solo exhibition at the Holden Manz Collection is a celebration of one year’s work in collaboration with her models, her inspirations, her gallery and her own intuitive approach towards a process of research and expression.
Maforga by Luhanri Bekker
Karin Miller’s exhibition Say Yes will be on display at the Holden Manz Collection, starting with her vernissage weekend from the 7 to 9 December (10h00 to 19h00) to preview her works that will be on show throughout the whole summer.
Luhanri Bekker’s exhibition I am/You are will open with her vernissage weekend from 18 to 20 January 2013, also from 10:00 to 19:00. Collectors can view her works in the gallery and at the Holden Manz wine estate throughout the summer.
Visitors to the exhibitions will be treated to a glass of Holden Manz Rosé 2012, an easy drinking summer sip with a fresh, lively, crisp and dry finish.
For digital brochures and price lists, email migo@holdenmanz.com. Visit www.holdenmanzcollection.com or contact the Holden Manz Collection on 021-8762738 or e-mail collection@holdenmanz.com for more information.
Holden Manz Wine Estate offers a spectacular setting for weddings. For more information or bookings, phone 021-876 2738. To reach the Holden Manz wine estate, turn right at the Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek and follow the signs for two kilometres. GPS coordinates: Latitude: 33° 56’ 7” S; Longitude: 19° 6’ 54” E.
LINDT’s Christmas Surprise
In the lead up to Christmas, chocolate lovers will be able to indulge in the secret recipes of the Master Chocolatiers as LINDT unveils a unique Christmas Advent Calendar app on Facebook.
Running from 1-25 December 2012, each day will reveal an opportunity for LINDT Facebook fans to click on the LINDT Christmas Advent Calendar to unlock carefully selected recipes to delight the family.
The indulgent LINDT recipes range from simple to more challenging – creating the perfect occasion to get the whole family involved and allowing budding chefs a chance to impress the ones they love. The one thing that all of the recipes have in common is their exceptional taste, decadence and irresistibility.
In addition, this Christmas LINDT Master Chocolatiers presents a special gift idea in the shape of the charming LINDT Bear.
Made of the finest LINDT milk chocolate and dressed in festive gold and red with a heart around its neck – the endearing, happy-faced chocolate bear is a global ambassador of affection, friendship, empathy and appreciation for those we love.
If it comes from the heart, show you care with the LINDT Bear… and let wishes come true this Christmas.
LINDT Facebook Address: www.facebook.com/LindtChocolateSA
Taste Le Good Life At The House Of J.C. Le Roux At Summer In Stellenbosch Valley
Saturday, 8 December to Monday, 17 December, 10h00 to 15h00 daily, R50 per person
Toast the holiday season and visit the newly renovated House of J.C. Le Roux for a taste of Le Good Life during Summer in Stellenbosch Valley, taking place from Saturday, 8 December to Monday, 17 December.
With special tasting experiences on offer from 10h00 to 15h00 daily, South Africa’s leading home of sparkling wine will definitely be the highlight of your summer in the winelands.
A Sugared Indulgence of three different whoopie pies, America’s take on macaroons, served with a glass of Pinor Noir Rosé 2008, Best MCC Rosé at the 2012 Amorim Méthode Cap Classique Challenge, will be offered from 8 to 9 December. Fashionistas will definitely want to try The Sushi Duet from 10 to 11 December with the refreshing J.C. Le Roux Brut as the perfect companion for a salmon rose and maki.
Delicious savoury treats of droë wors, camembert and green fig sosatie, biltong quiche and Carpaccio with a glass of J.C. Le Roux Sauvignon Blanc 2012 will be offered as South African Chic from 12 to 13 December. Bubbly lovers with a sweet tooth must not miss out on Delicately Delectable from 14 to 15 December, with sweet decadent treats paired perfectly with sparkling wines.
A special treat is in store from 16 to 17 December, with a blind tasting of J.C. Le Roux wines that will indulge and challenge your sense of taste.
With a glamorous make-over and new additions to the restaurant, your favourite home of sparkling wine is the ultimate hotspot to celebrate Le Good Life.
The special tasting experiences at The House of J.C. Le Roux during Summer in Stellenbosch Valley cost R50 per person. Booking is essential, call 021-865 8200. For more information, visit www.jcleroux.co.za or www.facebook.com/TheHouseofJCLeRoux.
VIVA Van Ryn’s VIVA!
Van Ryn’s has managed to top its already impressive prize-winning record to earn two major international trophies for the same brandy in a single year. Van Ryn’s 12 Year Old potstill in the prestigious Van Ryn’s Collection Reserve range was announced as the winner of the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) Best Brandy trophy at a gala dinner in London’s Grosvenor Square in November. A few weeks earlier, the same brandy was judged Worldwide Best Brandy at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, also in London.
This is the first time the same brandy in the Van Ryn’s range has performed the double feat, although it is not the first time that Van Ryn’s as a range has been accorded the double honours in a single year.
This year marks the fifth IWSC top title for the Van Ryn’s Distillery, and its fourth from the ISC.
Maija Hansen, global spokesperson for the brand said: “Van Ryn’s hallmark style of beautifully balanced, fruity and soft-textured opulence has become the gold standard for brandy excellence and is acknowledged by industry leaders from across the world as the benchmark for quality aged brandies outside the AOC regions of France.”
The brandy, along with its luxury siblings in the Van Ryn’s Collection Reserve range, is available for tasting at the Van Ryn’s Distillery, close to Stellenbosch. It is also stocked by select retailers and style bars nationwide.
