Category Archives: Events
Live The Sweet Life With 4th Street At The Gugulethu Wine Festival
The TOPS at SPAR Gugulethu Wine Festival is taking place at the end of May, and 4TH STREET wines will be there to showcase their range. 4TH STREET is all about living the sweet life and the sweet life is about being at places and being seen. And this year, visitors to the TOPS at SPAR Gugulethu Wine Festival will want to be seen at the 4TH STREET stand.
“We are excited and proud to be taking part in the Gugulethu Wine Festival again”, says Ebith Jurgens, SA brand manager. “Last year was a great success for us and this year we plan to make it even more fun for festivalgoers! We will be launching an exciting new game to entertain visitors who try our wines, and they’ll also stand a chance to win.”
Visitors to the stand will get a chance to play the Grab the Sweet Life game to win instant prizes. To enter, any of the 3 delectably sweet and easy-drinking 4TH STREET wines – white, rosé and a red – can be tried. “Our wines are perfect for everyday enjoyment, or special occasions, and we invite Gugs festivalgoers to come and try our range for themselves.” And who knows, they might even win a prize that will fit right into their fabulous sweet life.
Visit the 4TH STREET stand at the TOPS at SPAR Gugulethu Wine Festival on 24 and 25 May to see what the sweet life is all about. One thing is certain: you can expect good times, good tunes and great wines. See you there!
Changing Of The guard – New Chief Winemaker For KWV
We are pleased to announce that Johann Fourie, formerly Senior Winemaker with KWV for the past eight years, has been promoted to the position of Chief Winemaker.
Former Chief Winemaker, Richard Rowe, said “Johann has been a pillar of strength and inspiration in the winemaking team, and should be proud of his achievements. His promotion has been well deserved. This appointment sees the implementation of a succession plan that commenced six years ago, from the beginning of my tenure at KWV, and I am delighted that our winemaking will continue in such capable hands.”
“During the past six years we have successfully refocused our winemaking, and taken our brands to heights that have exceeded everyone’s expectations. This has been a fantastic journey and a credit to our young and energetic winemaking team.”
Johann, who has already commenced with his new role, said “I have learned so much over the past six years and am under no illusions as to the amount of work we still need to do. It’s been exciting to evolve the Mentors range in particular. It is a brand that allows us to express winemaking excellence and the pure expression of some exceptional vineyards.” Johann went on to say, “I am pleased that Richard Rowe will still be with us for at least another couple of years to consolidate and continue to support me in my new role.”
CEO Andre van der Veen, said “We look forward to Richard’s new role as Brand Ambassador / Consulting Winemaker, which will see him spending considerably more time in our domestic and international markets. We believe there is so much opportunity to tell the KWV wine story. Recently boutique wineries have been making headlines but we believe that the story behind our diverse wine portfolio provides a similar, if not more, compelling tale which can best be told by Richard in his new capacity as Consulting Winemaker. It is so important for the wine team to keep in touch with our markets and to align our winemaking styles to ensure relevance, quality and price expectations. Richard’s input will be invaluable in ensuring continuity, as we constantly strive for the improvement which is integral to our core values at KWV.”
KWV is one of the leading wine and spirits producers in South Africa. Its head office is located in Paarl, in the Western Cape region – one of the country’s top wine producing regions. The company sources wines and grapes from the best and most sought after viticultural regions in South Africa. KWV is known internationally for brands such as Roodeberg, KWV wines, Golden Kaan, Cathedral Cellar, Café Culture and the KWV 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 Year Old brandies. KWV is a founder member of the Industry Association for the Responsible Use of Alcohol (ARA).
Dad’s The Man At Nederburg This Father’s Day
Do it for dad this Father’s Day at The Red Table restaurant at Nederburg in Paarl on Sunday, June 16, (also Youth Day).
The restaurant’s braai-themed Father’s Day menu offers slow-roasted tomato soup, curried potato samoosas, succulent lamb and beef burgers, gourmet boerewors rolls, grilled chicken, vanilla ice cream and traditional malva pudding for only R195 a head.
If you buy a 12-bottle case of Baronne, you get a manly Nederburg apron, absolutely free, for braaiing at home, worth R90.
The Red Table will be serving from 12:00 to 16:00. Booking is essential. To do so, please contact the restaurant well in advance on 021 877 5155 or theredtable@nederburg.co.za.
Nederburg’s Visitors’ Centre will be open for wine tasting and sales from 10:00 to 16:00 on June 16, with a cellar tour offered at 11:00. To reserve a place for the cellar tour, kindly contact Sunette Rust of Nederburg on 021 862 3104 or on nedwines@distell.co.za.
Graham Beck Wines – Wacky Wine Weekend Offerings – Thursday 6 To Sunday 9 June 2013
Graham Beck wine & Cap Classique portfolio tasting:
Savour award winning wines & MCC’s whilst revelling in the unique atmosphere of this magnificent tasting venue, with its impressive display of Graham Beck’s private art collection.
Dates: Thursday – Saturday: 09h00 – 17h00, Sunday: 09h00 – 16h00
Venue: Graham Beck Tasting Room
Cost: Free, no booking required
Graham Beck Masterclass Tasting:
Indulge in exclusive Masterclass tastings with our winemaker whilst savouring a sensory marriage made in heaven featuring superb combinations of award-winning wines/bubblies & mini canapés.
Dates: Thursday: 15h00 – Bubbly Masterclass, Friday: 15h30 – The Game Reserve Masterclass
Venue: Graham Beck VIP Tasting Room
Cost: R 100 per person, duration 60 minutes. Booking required.
Graham Beck Wacky Wine Adventure:
Tuck into succulent oysters, gourmet delicacies & fine wines whilst enjoying live entertainment by The Swingsetters & True Blue – Take a walk on the wild side with the captivating creatures of The Game Reserve range.
Dates: Friday: 10h00 – 17h00, Saturday: 09h00 – 17h00, Sunday: 10h00 – 16h00
Venue: Graham Beck Wacky tent
Cost: Free Entrance, no booking required
Karen Zoid “Unplugged”
Indulge in an evening of soulful acoustic rock with SA’s song bird, Karen Zoid, as you sip stellar bubblies and wondrous wines sophisticated, scrumptious meal options
Date: Friday: 18h30-22h00
Venue: Graham Beck Wacky Tent
Cost: R 120 cover pp – Booking Required
Arno Carstens, featuring Karen Zoid
An unforgettable live acoustic rock experience with internationally acclaimed über muso, Arno Carstens, featuring the inimitable Karen Zoid. Delectable nibbles and fine wines available.
Date: Saturday 19h30 – 22h30
Venue: Graham Beck Wacky Tent
Cost: R150 pp – Booking Required
Delectable food, Graham Beck wine and Cap Classique will be for sale.
To book, please contact Marguerite on (021) 874 1258 or on marguerite@grahambeckwines.co.za. For more information, please visit www.grahambeckwines.com
Note that each visitor needs to purchase a Wacky Wine Weekend Passport (R100) at their first stop. This passport acts as registration to all events and is valid for the entire weekend.
Plan For A Wine-Divine ‘TOPS At SPAR Gugulethu Wine Festival’ Weekend
Start spreading the news and plan for a wine-divine weekend of wine tasting, music, food and wine-education at the 3rd annual TOPS at SPAR GUGULETHU WINE FESTIVAL taking place on Friday 24th May and Saturday 25th May 2013 on the rooftop of the Gugulethu Square Mall.
Festival co-founders and local entrepreneurs, Mzoli Ngcawuzele from Mzoli’s place and Lungile Mbalo are promising visitors a divine wine festival whilst also celebrating Africa Day, which falls on Saturday 25th May 2013.
Says Mzoli Ngcawuzele, Co-founder of the festival and owner of Mzoli’s Place in Gugulethu, “We look forward to this festival and invite all our Cape Town suburbs to come and learn something about our heritage wines and each other. This festival is beautiful, safe and an amazing experience. It is truly a mixture of colours and cultures all with something in common pulling us together. It is our love of wine and it’s amazing ability to make us see what is important in life.”
TOPS at SPAR, the festival headline sponsor and Friday VIP Lounge sponsor, have a great belief in this festival and audiences. Says Mark Robinson, TOPS Group Liquor Manager, “TOPS at SPAR is proud to headline the TOPS at SPAR GUGULETHU WINE FESTIVAL. Our motivation in business is broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others; therefore a home-grown festival like this that encourages sustainable entrepreneurship is close to home at TOPS at SPAR. We are really looking forward to meeting our customers and friends at the festival too.”
Jimmy Jagga Wine Spritzer, Akhona Maqhina, Samantha Chapman
Lucindi Branfield, SA Brand Manager for J.C. Le Roux says “The glamorous J.C. Le Roux lounge is the ultimate spot for fashionistas to live Le Good Life at the TOPS at SPAR GUGULETHU WINE FESTIVAL. Visitors can choose from a stunning selection of Cap Classique and sparkling wines, from everybody’s favourite, Le Domaine, to the prestige cuvée, Scintilla. There will be prizes to be won and nougat tastings on offer, as well as the opportunity to have your picture taken at the J.C. Le Roux stand. Cellar Master Elunda Basson will be available to chat to J.C. Le Roux fans who would like to know more about how wines at South Africa’s leading home of sparkling wine are made”
MasterChef South Africa Judge, Pete Goffe-Wood will be appearing alongside Nederburg winemaker Wilhelm Pienaar at this year’s TOPS at SPAR GUGULETHU WINE FESTIVAL. They will present the winery’s now famous Nederburg Taste Theatre, a fascinating journey of flavours.
The dextrous duo that created such a spark last year in explaining to festival goers why some wine and food pairings seem heaven-matched will bring their fun, entertaining and common- sense reasoning to this year’s festival with a line-up of wines and elemental food flavours to demonstrate exactly what they mean.
Their joint appearance comes just a few weeks before the June 11 start to the second season of MasterChef South Africa that once again stars Goffe-Wood in a judging role, together with his colleagues Benny Masekwameng and Andrew Atkinson.
Guests, accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis in the Taste Theatre within the festival venue, will be encouraged to interact with the presenters, ask questions, express their opinions and share their own experiences of wine and food pairing favourites and fiascos.
Ashlene Adams, Urshaula September and Ash Thomas
The presentations will be staged at 17:30, 18:30 and 19:30 on the Friday, and at 16:30, 18:00 and 19:30 on the Saturday.
The TOPS at SPAR GUGULETHU WINE FESTIVAL objective is to create wine awareness and wine education amongst the broader consumer markets in the Western Cape whilst also expanding the wine consumer base for wineries, and for these wineries to meet and greet their present and future consumers.
Festival Info
Venue: Rooftop @ the Gugulethu Square Mall, Corner NY 1 and NY 6, Gugulethu, Cape Town
Date: Friday 24 and Saturday 25 May 2013
Time: 4pm-9pm (Fri); 3pm-9pm (Sat)
Cost: R90 per person per night
Tickets from: www.webtickets.co.za or at the door on the night.
E-mail: info@gugulethuwinefestival.co.za
Website: http://www.gugulethuwinefestival.co.za
The 2013 Diemersfontein ‘Pinotage On Tap’ SA Tour Event
The Diemersfontein Pinotage on Tap, South Africa’s most anticipated wine event on the annual calendar is set to take place for the ninth year running on Saturday 12th October 2013 at Wellington’s Diemersfontein Wine Estate outside Cape Town. Diemersfontein will also bring this event to Johannesburg and Durban, on the 7th September 2013 and 21st September 2013 respectively.
Guests attending this year’s ‘Pinotage on Tap’ events can look forward to ‘prepped and primed’ barrels of Pinotage. In Cape Town guests can also enjoy one barrel of Chenin Blanc and one barrel of Shiraz. The official Beer partner for the POT festival is the premium, craft slow beer from Darling Brewery. A range of lunch dishes and sweet treats will also be included in the ticket price, as well as some interesting food stalls in a market style environment. Great entertainment is also in store with an exciting musical line-up for the day, including Gangs of Ballet, Newton’s 2nd Law and Natasha Meister.
Mark your calendars, book your tickets, and make sure you’re at one of the Diemersfontein Pinotage on Tap events this year. Tickets will be available through Computicket from 10 June 2013. Numbers are limited so wine enthusiasts are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment! Weekend accommodation specials are also available. Please contact Rene at Diemersfontein on 021 864 5050 or online@diemersfontein.co.za (Bookings will only be open with ticket sales)
Diemersfontein is situated on the famous Wellington Wine Route in the Western Cape, teaming with traditional charms, and elegant beauty. Diemersfontein is known for its natural grace and of course – its Pinotage. Bought by the Sonnenberg family in the 1940’s, Diemersfontein is founded on the key-stone stately Manor House overlooking a picturesque valley of vineyards, a number of well-appointed guest cottages and approximately 45 residential properties which all make up this award-winning working wine estate.
Diemersfontein’s flag carrier “The people’s Pinotage”, known as The Original Coffee Chocolate Pinotage is praised for its easy accessibility, uniqueness, wonderful rich coffee taste, and smokey overtones. This unique style of Pinotage is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, venison and dark chocolate desserts, and is a firm favourite at the popular Pinotage on Tap events. Diemersfontein also offers a host of activities on the farm and its surrounds, which makes the Cape Town leg of the Pinotage on Tap events the perfect weekend getaway.
For more information about Diemersfontein, or their Pinotage on Tap events, visit www.diemersfontein.co.za.
SAVE THE DATE DIARY DETAILS:
Event: Diemersfontein Pinotage on Tap 2013
POT JHB
Date: 7 September
Ticket Price: R340 per adult
Ticket and Wine: R770 – this includes a case of 6 bottles of the Diemersfontein Pinotage to be collected on the day.
Future Fans (All under 18’s)
Timing: 12:30 – 18:30
Venue: Oakfield Farm, Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg
Bands: Newton’s 2nd Law & Natasha Meister
POT DBN
Date: 21 September
Ticket Price: R280 per adult
Ticket and Wine R720
Future Fans R80
Timing: 12:30 – 18:30
Venue: The Litchi Orchard, Seaforth Rd, Salt Rock, Durban
Bands: Gangs of Ballet & Natasha Meister
POT Cape Town
Date: 12 October
Ticket Price: R340 per adult. No Kids ticket.
Ticket and Wine R770, incl Free gift of an original POT Peak Cap.
Timing: 12:30 – 18:30
Venue: Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate, Jan van Riebeeck Drive, Wellington.
Bands: Gangs of Ballet, Newton’s 2nd Law and Natasha Meister
Foodie Heaven Descends On Taste Of Helderberg 2013
Quality tastes, quality times in one gastronomic hub
Food lovers visiting the 2013 Taste of the Helderberg showcase on Thursday, 6 June, are in for a royal taste bud treat, with an exceptional line-up of eminent winery restaurants and artisan producers all stirred up to transform the NH Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West into a foodie hub of the finest local delights.
In addition to a spectacular array of cellar gems stemming from this prime winemaking triangle, which stretches from Somerset West to Stellenbosch and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, guests will be indulged and entertained with signature dishes by some of the most popular culinary hotspots and heroes from the area. They include Ghenwa’s Lebanese Cuisine, Pomegranate Restaurant, 96 Winery Road, The Restaurant at Longridge, Somerbosch Bistro and the Restaurant at Avontuur Estate.
The ‘winter blues busting’ dishes that will be on sale in tasting-size portions on the evening include 96 Winery Road’s world-famous Duck & Cherry Pie, or a hearty Creamy Cauliflower Soup from their kitchen. Chef Craig Cormack of All Things Culinary will whip up a spectacular array of nom-nom-ness ranging from Lamb Koftas with hummus and succulent Lamb Fillets with pea puree to Quail Roulade with roasted figs.
The ladies will love Avontuur’s sexy Salmon Roses stuffed with prawns, wasabi mayo and pickled ginger whilst Somerbosch Bistro will tantalise with a scrumptious Camembert, Sweet Onion, Bacon & Sage Quiche. Vegetarians will not be left out in the cold as they can tuck into Ghenwa’s more-ish offerings which include gluten free and vegan dishes.
Other culinary nibbles include olives by Morgenster and Yonder Hill as well as Waterkloof’s naturally matured Healey’s Cheddar, which was recently crowned as South Africa’s Best Round Cheddar at the prestigious 2013 South African Dairy Championships.
Taste of Helderberg 2013 is a true celebration of the latest tastes and triumphs of the Helderberg Wine Route – all under one roof – and guests will be able to mingle with at least 25 wine producers ranging from time-honoured stalwarts to ultra-chic boutique wineries; popular family-owned estates to eco-conscious pioneers.
Participating wineries that will share their passions and pleasures include Haskell Vineyards, Lourensford Wine Estate, Lyngrove Wines and Vineyards, Peter Falke Wines, Vergenoegd, Eikendal, Waterkloof, Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate, Yonder Hill, Avontuur Estate, Grangehurst Winery, Ken Forrester Vineyards, Longridge Estate and Somerbosch Wines.
“Taste of Helderberg 2013 is more than just another food and wine festival. It is a culinary occasion, revealing to locals just what fabulous, world-class food, wine and dining experiences are available right on their doorstep, and giving them the chance to sample and learn about new tastes and flavours at the same time,” shares Annareth Bolton, CEO of Stellenbosch American Express ® Wine Routes.
Since its inception in 2009, Taste of the Helderberg has grown extensively, each year becoming more and more popular. At last year’s event guests turned up in the 100’s despite of rainy weather and nothing less is expected this year.
The doors will be open from 17h00 to 21h00 and tickets cost R70 per person, which include an elegantly branded wine glass and access to the fruits of the Helderberg Winelands.
During and after the wine tastings, guests can relax in cosy chill areas or make use of the hotel’s restaurant for dinner. Pre-bookings for the restaurant are recommended to avoid disappointment. Call 021 855 1040 to make a reservation.
For more information on Taste of the Helderberg 2013 and to reserve your tickets contact Bjorn van Oort at bjorn@cvomarketing.co.za or 021 981 0216. Tickets will also be available at the door.
As part of the route’s commitment to responsible drinking and driving, the NH Lord Charles is offering an accommodation special on the evening: Please contact the hotel directly on 021 855 1040 and quote reference: Taste of the Helderberg accommodation.
Top South African Chefs, Authors And Food Bloggers Taking Part At The Cape Town Good Food & Wine Show – May 23 to 26
The Cape Town Good Food & Wine Show – South Africa’s premiere food, wine and lifestyle exhibition – will play host to some of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs, authors and food bloggers who will show off their culinary skills and show that this country is right up there when it comes to international culinary trends.
The event, which will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from May 23 to May 26, will also feature international celebrity chefs, Gordon Ramsay, French pastry chef Eric Lanlard, Australian chef Bill Granger and Isabella Bliss, winner of Junior Masterchef Australia and her twin sister, Sofia.
The South African contingent comprises an interesting mix of personalities who will all share their expertise in the cooking arena in different ways.
They include:
Peter Tempelhoff
• Andrea Leeson, owner of The Red Kitchen, has been passionate about being creative with food since her days at school, where she provided healthy alternatives at the tuck shop. Her passion for art, design and cooking have all come together in baking, particularly in her unique hand-painted biscuits and cakes.
• Anél Potgieter’s blog lifeisazoobiscuit was the recent winner of the 2013 Eat Out DSTV Food Network Produce Best Food Blog of the Year Award. This follows on from her winning SABC2’s first season of Dinner Divas in January in which 12 food bloggers were pitted against each other. She is also a regular face on SABC3’s breakfast show, Expresso, and her recipes and photographs are often shared on the leading foodie site of Food24.
• Annerie MacDonald is a cake decorator and sugar art teacher and is also the chairlady of the South African Cake Decorators Guild for the Somerset West branch. MacDonald, who has her own small business called Anny MacCakes, has been decorating for 12 years and teaching for the past five years. Her main focus is on creating wedding and speciality cakes. On Thursday, May 23, she will be preparing a soft cake for covering with sugar paste and will then be using ready-made ornaments to complete the task.
• Bjorn Guido is the owner and executive chef of the Millhouse Kitchen at Lourensford. He combines his rich pedigree in the kitchen with his natural entrepreneurial instincts. As one of South Africa’s most successful young chefs, he brings his cheeky, irreverent attitude to seasonal local produce to create dishes that surprise and delight the palate.
• Christiaan Campbell, Executive Chef at Delaire Graff Estate, Stellenbosch, will be in action in the Real Food Theatre and the Little Children’s Theatre and will be using free range and ethical produce.
• Debbie and Wally Fry, committed vegetarians, started the Fry Family Kitchenand will be showing how to create delicious and cruelty-free food that has as little impact on the natural environment as possible.
Christiaan Campbell, Delair Graaf
• Franck Dangereux of the Foodbarn will be doing his demonstrations in the Real Food Theatre on Friday, 24 May. “It will be something with sustainable seafood and exotic mushrooms. I am also doing a demo in the brilliant baking theatre, baking bread.”
• Geoffrey Murray, Executive Chef of Conrad Pezula Resort and Spa, first started working in restaurants at the age of 13. Since then he has achieved international renown for his prowess in the kitchen. Murray will be cooking at the Real Food Theatre and Little Chef’s Theatre on May 23 and is particularly excited about working with children and teaching them ab
out the wonderful world of food.
• Grace Stevens is the founder and owner of Cupcakes by Design in Cape Town. She is the author of Celebration Cakes, step by step with fondant, which was awarded the 2012 Gourmand World Cookbooks Awards for the best South African Dessert Book. Grace teaches the art of fondant modelling and cake decorating in Cape Town. She is a member of the South African Cake Decorators Guild and has become well known for her flower fairies and their original faces. She will be demonstrating a flower fairy at the show.
• Jane-Anne Hobbs is a writer, editor and cook and has been fervently interested in food for most of her life. Her successful independent blog Scrumptious – which pioneered recipe blogging in South Africa – launched a new career for her as a food writer and recipe developer. Her first cookbook is Scrumptious: Food for Family and Friends.
Grace Stevens, Cupcakes by Design
• Peter Tempelhoff oversees the five Relais Châteaux restaurants within The Collection by Liz McGrath. Since then he has been awarded 3 Stars in the Rossouw’s Restaurants Guide and the Eat Out Top 10 Award for The Greenhouse. He will be doing a garden stir fry with children in the Little Chefs Kitchen. He will also be doing a dish with a ‘sustainably farmed Kabeljou’ and garden vegetables, in the Real Food Theatre.
• Samantha Linsell has had 20 years of hospitality management and food marketing experience under her belt, and now works as a professional food stylist and recipe developer She writes the popular food blog: DrizzleandDip.com. She has written her first cook book, Drizzle and Drip, which was published in July last year. Samantha will be giving a talk on Friday, May 24, around recipe development, food styling, and photography for blogs.
• Sanli Albertze has been decorating cakes for 19 years. She has won numerous gold certificates at shows and is also a qualified tutor (from basic to advanced levels) of the South African Cake Decorators Guild. She teaches all the different techniques in cake decorating and sugar art, but her big love is Royal Icing. At the show on Sunday, May 26, she will be demonstrating how to do a “Picture in Paste”.
• Sarah Graham will be speaking on her experiences as a blogger, food writer and cook book author. Sarah is currently filming a 13-episode TV show based on her cookbook bitten, set in and around Cape Town. The show has begun airing on SABC 3 on Sundays at 3.30pm.
For more details go to www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za. Booking is also open at Computicket.
Cape Town Calls On Responsible Tourism Supporters To Vote Indaba 2013
Delegates at this weekend’s Tourism Indaba will have a chance to contribute to the future sustainability of tourism in Cape Town by voting for the beneficiary of a development prize to be awarded by the City of Cape Town and Cape Town Tourism.
The Responsible Tourism Tree at Indaba 2013 showcases four tourism projects that need help in expanding their fledgling Responsible Tourism efforts.
The winner of the Responsible Tourism Tree will receive R20 000 in funding from the City of Cape Town and a further R15 000 in marketing support from Cape Town Tourism in order to take their Responsible Tourism project to the next level.
How to Vote
Tourism Indaba attendees should bring a business card to the City of Cape Town stand (DECF13) on Saturday, 11 May between 16h00 – 17h00. The business card will be exchanged for a project-specific voting leaf – as denoted by its colour. As votes increase throughout the hour the colourful Responsible Tourism Tree will blossom and the winner will begin to emerge.
The winning project will be announced on Sunday, 12 May at the Cities at Indaba conference.
The four shortlisted candidates are:
Imizamo Yethu Tours
Imizamo Yethu Tours is located in Khayelitsha and offers school groups and leisure visitor’s educational and entertaining tours of Khayelitsha Township, the Cape Peninsula and City Centre. A walking tour of Khayelitsha currently includes visits to the pensioner’s project, primary school, housing developments and shebeen, amongst other things; however, the owner of Imizamo Yethu Tours, Mr. Mzukisi Lembeni, would like to expand his operations in Khayelitsha to include more tourist activities and thereby employ more local people.
If they win, Imizamo Yethu Tours will set up an official office from which to operate the business, create a township museum where the history of the township will be on show, open a kitchen that offers truly African food made by local cooks, as well as organise a craft market that showcases and sells the works of ladies from the community.
SEED
SEED (Schools Environmental Education and Development) is a non-profit organisation that primarily works at transforming learning environments through permaculture.
SEED facilitates a national schools program at 34 schools across the country that aims to fill learner’s tummies and educate children about the ecosystems that support them. SEED is also ‘growing’ the Rocklands Urban Abundance Centre in Mitchells Plain. The centre functions as a Sustainability Learning Centre. It is a hub for environmental learning, permaculture demonstration and community enterprise. Projects that run from the centre include broader Schools Education, Accredited Youth Training, Gourmet Mushroom growing and a Sustainable Homes program that sees 110 Mitchells Plain homes starting food gardens.
SEED currently runs tours, but winning the prize would mean they could drive more awareness in the media and the tourism industry about coming to do the tour and will develop an interactive ‘take home’ map that includes educational information.
TCD Trust
The Tourism Community Development (TCD) Trust was formed in 2004. It is comprised of a range of tourism related companies working collectively to create meaningful changes in the daily lives of previously disadvantaged communities. The TCD Trust focus on green building, the upgrading of surrounding environments and introducing communities to environmental, social and educational groups. They also host children from these communities on excursions designed to expose them to the beauty of their own city and give them access to cultural exchanges with locals and international visitors.
The TCD Trust is a member of the City of Cape Town’s RT pilot project.
The prize money and support would be used to develop projects of urgency, which, at the moment, includes funding towards the new Sports Centre in Heideveld and the upgrading of the Red, Green and Gold Educare Centre in the Marcus Garvy Informal Settlement.
Uthando (Love) South Africa
Uthando (Love) South Africa is a non-profit, non-government organisation with a certificate from Fair Trade in Tourism. The aim of Uthando is to raise funds and other forms of assistance for community development projects in South Africa and one of the ways that they do this is by offering community tours in townships. Uthando offers tailor made, interactive cultural tours visiting projects that receive funding and other forms of assistance from Uthando and its benefactors.
If Uthando (Love) South Africa wins they will kit out the Better Choice Gumboots Dance Project so that they can attract more business. They will also offer a scholarship for a student at Dance for All, a company which provides children in historically disadvantaged communities with the opportunity for enjoyment, empowerment and self-improvement through dance.
Celebrate Tulbagh’s Christmas In Winter Festival At Theuniskraal
Theuniskraal, South Africa’s very first white-wine estate, situated 7 km from Tulbagh, will again be participating in the valley’s annual Christmas in Winter festival which takes place on Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30. Get into the festive spirit and join the fun!
The farm will have special treats on offer for the two days of the festival. Its recently upgraded range of wines will be available for tasting at no cost. On both days the first 30 guests to purchase a six-bottle case of wine or more, will receive a free Dalewood cheese platter for one. The selection of cheeses – brie, camembert, blue and Huguenot – comes on a wooden cheese board. A packet of biscuits are included as well as a wooden picnic knife. Facilities will be available close to the farm’s tasting room to sit back, relax, and sip a glass of Theuniskraal wine while taking in the special atmosphere of the estate.
Tulbagh musician, Ricky Nass, will entertain guests in the themed tent where local arts and crafts will be for sale. Children will not be disappointed – a jumping castle and tractor rides (weather permitting) will be available, and farm animals such as ducks and sheep will help keep the young ones amused.
There will be a free shuttle service every half-hour between the estate and the town (the pick-up point in the town will be at the entrance to Church Street, on the side of the sports grounds). The shuttle will run on both days of the festival, from 10:00 to 16:00 on Saturday and from 10:00 to 15:00 on Sunday, and will operate on the basis of first-come, first-served.
The same hours will apply to festivities at Theuniskraal. For further information, please contact the estate on 023 230 0687 or info@tkl.co.za / tkraal@lando.co.za
South Africa Has Its First Wolftrap Steakhouse Champion!
The nationwide quest to identify the country’s best steakhouse has come to an exciting conclusion with the announcement of the inaugural winner and 2013 Steakhouse Champion of South Africa on the 8th May – and the winner is:
The Local Grill in Parktown North.
Convenor JP Rossouw: “The Top Three Steakhouses were all excellent in terms of selection, knowledge, maturation and preparation of their meats, but what gave The Local Grill the edge was the fantastic meat experience it offers in terms of range of cuts (including grass and grain) and even choice of bovine. The fact that you get a tour of the meat locker if you show the slightest bit of interest, is also fantastic and says it all about a place that truly “preaches” steak!”
The Top Three were completed by the excellent Carne SA (Cape Town) and Little Havana (Umhlanga Rocks), both superb exponents of steak. The awards were held at Luke Dale-Roberts’ famed Pot Luck Club, where his innovative platters of excellent Chalmar Beef accompanied The Wolftrap wines. Very proud winner, Steve Maresch of The Local Grill and runners-up, Martin Lombard of Little Havana and Giorgio Nava of Carne SA, were all in attendance to receive their respective awards.
The Awards brings to a close a search that began with an open round during which the public nominated their favourite steakhouses – and nearly 200 establishments were named as contenders in the Championships. The Top Five from this nomination round then joined an expert’s selection of award-winning steakhouses to go into the Play-Off Round in April where 14 steakhouses went head-to-head during personal visits by the Steakhouse Championships judges, led by well-known MasterChef SA judge Pete Goffe-Wood.
Pete Goffe-Wood was very happy with overall quality: “The standard of the last 14 was very high indeed and it is clear that the steakhouse category is alive and well in South Africa. Of course, steak is a South African passion and the steakhouse is the quintessential South African restaurant experience – it’s who we are – and this competition celebrates those who push the envelope of that experience.”
It’s been nearly a decade since we last had a steakhouse champion and The Wolftrap – steak’s ideal partner – was excited to take on the challenge of identifying the ultimate house of steaks. Over the next months, there is a prize of a meal for two at The Local Grill – simply buy a bottle of The Wolftrap for details!
Cape Town’s Tourism Players Working Together To Showcase Exciting Prospects For The City
“Cape Town is famed for its natural beauty and that’s one of our biggest draw-cards. Yet, the city’s offer extends far beyond leisure and this is the message we will be driving at the Tourism Indaba.” says Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Marketing at the City of Cape Town, Councillor Grant Pascoe, “This is an opportunity to showcase Cape Town’s offering for visitors, business and students at one of the continent’s largest tourism marketing events.”
Cape Town will be represented at Indaba by a collective of key tourism players from the region, led by The City of Cape Town. Cllr Pascoe, said the City would be joined by its partners Cape Town Tourism, the South African National Parks, the Big 6 Attractions and the province’s official trade promotion agency, Wesgro. The Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC), Cape Town’s World Design Capital team and the City’s Arts and Culture department will also join the delegation.
The City of Cape Town stand (DEC1F13) will reflect Cape Town’s position as a value-for-money destination famed for sporting, entertainment and arts events but will also examine its focus on golf and adventure tourism, as well as Responsible Tourism. “The city is developing a golf strategy and our partners will be at our stand at the Tourism Indaba. This will ensure collaboration between golf clubs to present an attractive, packaged destination offering,” said Pascoe.
“We are happy to pursue our traditional markets, but we are going to be tapping into new growth areas. And many of these are based on our existing strengths. Arts and Culture tourism, Muslim travel, youth travel and sports tourism are among the fastest growing markets and Cape Town is well placed to take advantage of these.”
In addition, the City of Cape Town will once again host the Tourism Cities at Indaba Seminar on Sunday, 12 May 2013, exploring urban tourism and the importance of sustainable energy in the urban environment and tourism landscape.
Indaba also marks the launch – and preview – of the National Geographic documentary; A Tale of Two Cities – featuring authentic, people driven perspectives on Cape Town and Durban. The documentary is the first international outcome of an aligned marketing effort between Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg – The Three City Alliance – which was signed into agreement at Indaba in 2012.
Cape Town Tourism will share information about Cape Town Tourism’s online Cape Town Toolkit resource – the ultimate digital box of tricks used by trade, media and visitors to uncover, showcase and sell destination Cape Town. The revised Cape Town Toolkit no longer requires login to access the tool and the design allows for truly easy navigation by all.
There will also be info on ‘Love Cape Town City Breaks’ packages. Cape Town Tourism and Thompsons Holidays winter packages that offer diverse and highly affordable itineraries for domestic travel from May to September 2013. Cape Town Tourism’s first ever printed broadsheet with details of the ‘Love Cape Town City Breaks’ winter deals and a central Cape Town street map will be available from the City of Cape Town stand at Indaba – or in the coming months from Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centres, Thompsons Holidays offices, in MANGO aircrafts and at events in Cape Town.
Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism explains; “With an increased focus on events and an exciting World Design Capital 2014 year ahead, Cape Town Tourism is working with our industry partners to demonstrate the diverse destination offering that is Cape Town. As a collective of tourism players we are carrying one message about a place that is a hot bed of experiences, hidden gems and adventures.”
There will be a special Indaba preview of the National Geographic documentary; The Tale of Two Cities. The documentary will be privately screened on Friday, 10 May from 16h30 – 18h30 at The Playhouse Company, Durban, ahead of its official airing on the National Geographic Channel. The hour-long show explores the cities of Durban and Cape Town as two complex urban centres of South Africa -telling a less traditional tourism story through the everyday lives and history of its people.
