Category Archives: Festivals
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!
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.
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
Tafelpraatjies Is An Exciting Addition To The Cape Town Good Food & Wine Show Celebrating The Afrikaans Heritage
An exciting addition to this year’s Good Food & Wine Show is Tafelpraatjies which will celebrate the rich and diverse culture and heritage of the Afrikaans nation through its food.
It’s also about stories told around the table, conversations about food, recipes, secret ingredients and the cooking methods that have been part of the Afrikaans table through the generations.
At each session, around the table, 20 to 30 guests will interact with well-known local Afrikaans celebrities: chefs, writers, local storytellers and performers who are there to share their own food and dining stories and memories. These include Johannes Bakkes, Isabella Niehaus, Dana Snyman and Lochner de Kock.
The table will be set in a way that is interesting and surprising, with décor complementing the storyteller and matching the food served.
The set will house an interactive kitchen, including an AGA oven and gas stove. ‘With a retail area forming part A retail aspect is part of the design, with there will be an opportunity to purchase décor items, bric-a-brac, CDs, recipe books, books, jams, table linen and more.
Free workshops in table setting and décor will form part of the schedule.
Johan Bakkes
Another facet of the theatre is a unique restaurant concept, Searle’s Trading Post, which will demonstrate how to set a great table for lunch or dinner using items that people have in their homes, from beautiful linen and candles to antiques, bric-a-brac and kitsch. This is done with style and panache to create a ‘tafelpraatjie’ of note.
Caro Alberts will manage the kitchen for Tafelpraatjies, giving her the opportunity to showcase her flair by taking traditional Afrikaans cuisine and re-inventing it with ‘nuwe maniere en idees’. From humble pumpkin fritters with salted caramel sauce to delicacies such as koeksisters with lemongrass and ginger syrup, Soutribbetjie, Waterblommetjiebredie and biltong – it’s all about ‘wat ís nuut op die rak’.
There will also be easy to follow, back-to-basics demonstrations on doing the simple things like ‘lekker maklike beskuit, pot brood, konfyt, ‘chutney’, marmalade en padkos’.
The Cook Off presenters, all from Smile90.4FM, are Bobby Brown, Eloise Pretorius, Benito Vergitore, Tracey Lange, Maurice Carpede, Mehboob Bawa and Danie Marais.
Celebrities, chefs, cooks and singers who will be attending include:
Johannes Bakkes
He is a world traveller, author of “Samoe(r)sareis,” “Moer toe die vreemde in en Norrevok,” and a qualified CA who lectures in business economics at the University of the Western. He lives on a smallholding in the Paarl, and his adventurous spirit has taken him to destinations all over the world, the common thread being that these places are almost always off the beaten track!
Lochner de Kock
Isabella Niehaus
This stylist, cook and market madame lives on a dune on the West Coast. She was previously a fashion editor for Sarie magazine and is currently a popular blog writer for Sarie’s “Ons-Proe Blog” and known as a “passievolle kok”.
Dana Snyman
He is a well-known and well-loved Afrikaans writer and storyteller. He has published numerous books and writes for Weg, Die Burger as well as for Huisgenoot.
Lochner de Kock
Singer and actor Lochner de Kock is also Cordon Broer for his cooking skills and his fantastic boerekos.
Dates:
• Good Food & Wine Show Cape Town May 23 to 26 – Cape Town International Convention Centre
Booking And Ticket Prices:
Tickets cost R110 for adults for R55 for children. This includes more free theatres than ever before. Visitors will also receive a coupon book that will allow for massive savings and specials.
Contact Us:
• Tel: 021 702 2280
• Tel 0861foodie
• Web: www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za|www.fieramilano.co.za
• Facebook: Good Food and Wine Show SA
• Twitter: #goodfoodSA
Wacky Wine Weekend Celebrates 10 Years Of Unrivalled Success
Demonstrating the Robertson Wine Valley’s commitment, innovation and excellence
in wine tourism development
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Robertson Wine Valley’s biggest annual wine festival, with the ever-popular Wacky Wine Weekend - with Kyknet as the new headline sponsor and ‘celebration’ as the theme – taking place from 6 – 9 June 2013.
Wacky Wine Weekend: a decade of wine, fun and phenomenal success
A decade ago, the Robertson Wine Valley Board, and marketing team led by Bonita Malherbe, identified wine tourism development as one of its core objectives, envisaging a series of weekend events with wine as the central theme but also embracing the wide diversity of activities and experiences on offer in the Valley. The result was the first Wacky Wine Weekend, a festival where all member farms opened their doors to wine lovers for a variety of fun events. The inaugural June 2004 Wacky was an instant hit and Wacky alone now draws over 18 600 visitors to the Valley annually.
Commenting on the phenomenal success of Wacky, Bonita Malherbe enthused: “Events like Wacky attracted visitors who might otherwise not have travelled to our Valley. It was vital that we offered memorable experiences and ‘wowed’ the visitors into becoming loyal, long-term supporters. The Valley’s picturesque beauty, inimitable country hospitality, extraordinary teamwork, value for money offerings and over-delivery on expectation ensured our success. Word-of-mouth became our best form of marketing and the rest is history.”
Between 2006 and 2009 three more annual weekend festivals, spread evenly throughout the year, were launched: Wine on the River in 2006, Robertson Slow in 2007 and Hands-on Harvest in 2009. Furthermore, in 2010 the Robertson Wine Valley team extended their warm hospitality and superb wines up north when they launched their first wine festival in Gauteng.
Elizma Botha, Bonita Malherbe’s successor says: “These events have evolved over the past ten years through the intelligent use of market research and visionary thinking. Wine tourism has been a key element in building the Robertson Wine Valley brand, locally and internationally. Our Valley has become a destination of note, creating opportunities that have a positive financial impact on members’ businesses as well as the local community.”
Wacky Wine Weekend 2013
The 10th Wacky Wine Weekend, sponsored by Kyknet and with ‘celebration’ as the theme, is going to be more festive and wacky than ever, so be sure to join the Robertson Wine Valley clan for an indulgently Wacky Weekend….
Wacky 2013 charity drive for winter
Festival-goers are invited to join the Robertson Wine Valley in supporting their local charities. Help take the chill out of winter by donating blankets and winter clothing, for all ages, for those less fortunate. In return the Valley will reward you with wine, according to the weight of your donation, with a maximum of a 6- bottle case of wine which weighs about 9kg. Donations that weigh less than a bottle of wine will be rewarded with vouchers for wine purchases at La Verne online wine shop (www.lavernewines.co.za). All donations are please to be handed in at the Robertson Wine Valley office, corner of Voortrekker and Reitz Streets, Robertson.
The Wacky Bag Project
As part of the 10 years celebration, members of the local community have been commissioned by the Robertson Wine Valley to produce the ±18 000 Wacky ‘goodie bags’, thus providing much-needed employment and the opportunity to learn new skills for the future. The inspiration came from Khaya Power (www.khayapower.co.za) who are empowering communities all over the Western Cape by offering them an energy source powered by solar energy: 5 litre containers that are safe, portable and rechargeable. No more paraffin and candles! These power units are beautifully packaged in colourful, varnished, recycled cement bags with rope handles. The Robertson Wine Valley has teamed up with Langeberg Doulos Trust who provide the homeless with physical, mental and spiritual care, employing them to produce the 2013 Wacky ‘goodie bags’ from recycled cement bags. A total of 7 pallets of cement bags were sponsored by PPC and 29km of rope, 900 litres of varnish and 29km of duct tape are being used to make the Wacky bags. These eye-catching bags, ideal for gifts and function, will be available for order via the Robertson Wine Valley office: email manager@robertsonwinevalley.co.za.
Four days of celebration
With 48 wineries showcasing their wines and myriad key attractions, both old favourites and novel delights, this well-loved event is a ‘must-do’ on the annual social calendar. In celebration of the 10 year anniversary, festival–goers will be pleasantly surprised to find a variety of vouchers and special offers, from various wine farms, inside the Wacky programme in their ‘goodie bags’. Some of these vouchers and special offers will be valid during the Wacky weekend, and others only after the weekend.
The Wacky Wine Weekend will include four festive days, with each day boasting its unique signature wine theme, to cater for all palates…. Whether you are a fun-seeker, novice or a wine connoisseur, there is something for everyone with: ‘Seriously Wine Thursday’, ‘Wine Up Friday’, ‘Full On Wacky Saturday’ or ‘Wine Down Sunday’. ‘Seriously Wine Thursday’ promises to inspire wine aficionados with a range of tailor-made activities, for instance: master wine-tastings, wine- and food-pairings, educational wine presentations and private tastings with the Valley’s most esteemed winemakers.
The Wacky Wine Weekend will embrace the usual line-up of fun-filled activities, for example:
‘meet-the-winemaker’ tastings, brandy tours and tastings, fun wine competitions, river cruises, tractor trips, cheese- and olive tastings, a simulated rodeo bull, a mountain bike challenge, a fresh goods market and local performing artists. The Valley will also be presenting a gastronomic extravaganza, with visitors spoilt for choice: oysters, perlemoen, sushi, riverside picnics, ‘braaivleis’ and ‘potjiekos’ are just a few of the gourmet delights on offer. And while the adults are revelling in all the above, there will, as always, be a wide range of children’s activities including: fishing, farmyard tours, jumping castles, pony rides, a treasure hunt and face-painting.
As part of the Robertson Wine Valley’s commitment to ensure a safe festival, a Zero Tolerance Policy is implemented towards ‘drinking and driving’. Visitors are requested to make use of the Buddy Bus or appoint their own designated driver. The Buddy Bus facility enables groups of seven or more visitors to hire a chauffeur-driven mini-bus.
Wacky Wine Weekend Bus-In Packages are also available. A2B Charters will be offering one day packages, with transport departing from the Waterfront, Tygervalley, Stellenbosch (Butterfly World) and Paarl, to Robertson, and ‘Buddy Bus’ transport between the participating wineries. See contact details below.
For visitors from further afield, Beyond Reach has once again put together great Fly-In Packages that include flights, car rental and accommodation. See contact details below.
So head out to the Robertson Wine Valley for a winter getaway at the Wacky Wine Weekend – where the fun never stops!
Cost:
A R100.00 passport, valid for the whole weekend, must be purchased at one’s first port-of-call, ie at any of the participating wineries. The passport includes: a stylish tasting glass, free 25mℓ wine-tasting samples, and a ‘goodie’ bag with some great surprises, as well as the programme highlighting some special offers. All other activities during the Wacky Wine Weekend will be ‘pay-as-you-go’, with many of the activities free of charge. Visitors will also be able to purchase wine-by-the-glass or a bottle of wine to share amongst friends.
Programme of activities:
Visit the new website www.wackywineweekend.com. Many of the activities need to be pre-booked directly with the respective wineries.
Buddy Bus:
Buddy Bus costs vary between R127 and R400 per person. The service will be available from 08h00 until 19h00 and guests will be collected and returned to their accommodation. Bookings must please be made in advance.
Accommodation:
Please visit www.robertsonwinevalley.com. Accommodation establishments will require the payment of a deposit to secure the booking.
Bus-in Packages:
Book Day Packages with A2B Charters. Group bookings of between 7 and 60 passengers for day-trips cost R400 per person and include ‘Buddy Bus’ transport between the participating wineries. Bookings close 20 May!
Contact Jacques on 083 258 4769 or info@a2bcharters.co.za
Fly-In Packages:
Book with Beyond Reach:
(023) 614 3937 / 072 203 2457 or info@beyondreachafrica.co.za
Enquiries:
Contact the Robertson Wine Valley on (023) 626 3167
Or email manager@robertsonwinevalley.com
Visit the new Wacky Wine Weekend website. www.wackywineweekend.com.
Robertson Wine Valley office, c/o Robertson Winery, 1-10 Constitution Road, Robertson
Du Toitskloof Wines Celebrates The End Of The Harvest
Join Du Toitskloof Wines in celebrating the end of harvest and taste the first wines of the new vintage on Saturday, 11 May.
A new mountain-bike route will be opened on the same day with a special 5km family route for a gentle cycle or walk. The route meanders through the vineyards of the neighbouring member farms offering spectacular views of the Du Toitskloof Mountains. There are wine-tasting stops along the way. A tractor will continuously circle the route to pick-up anyone keen on getting back to the cellar in a hurry.
The day’s festivities include Sauvignon blanc on tap, spitbraai, food stalls, wine tasting, live music and entertainment for the kids.
Date: Saturday, 11 May
Time: 09.00 to sunset (the 5km family walk/cycle route will close at 15.00)
Cost: Entry is free
Venue: Du Toitskloof Wines, R101, Rawsonville
For more information contact Elzaan Geldenhuys on (023) 349 1601 or send an email to elzaan@dutoitskloof.co.za
Chefs Who Share – The ART Of Giving Beneficiaries
Chefs who share – the ART of giving
New food, wine & art extravaganza for underprivileged children
Cape Town City Hall, Thursday, 5 September 2013
MAD – Make a Difference
http://www.madcharity.org
Contact Details: Chief Executive Officer, Karin Winter
Tel: 021 – 464 8823 Cell: 082 395 1781
Email: karien@madcharity.org
About
The Make a Difference Foundation (MAD) was founded in 2003 by Francois Pienaar and a group of friends who truly believe in the future of South Africa and the endless potential it holds.
The primary goal of MAD is to identify academically talented South African learners from less fortunate backgrounds and support their education and life skills development up until the point at which they are ready to enter the job market. Such a learner will join MAD’s Individual Education Programme under the guidance of the Mentorship Programme.
Secondary to that, MAD also supports a number of Broad-based Education Programmes that promote literacy and environmental awareness in young learners throughout South Africa. To date, MAD has supported in excess of 2 000 youngsters on the MAD Education Programmes.
Vision
MAD strives to give academically talented yet economically disadvantaged youth in South Africa an opportunity to reach their full potential as leaders and role models by providing exceptional educational and related opportunities.
In so doing, MAD’s eventual aim is to create alumni of MAD beneficiaries who will create positive change in an emerging democracy.
MAD’s Mission Statement:
“As friends, we appreciate our beautiful country and realise that as a privileged group, we have exciting opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of promising, less fortunate youth.”
Philosophy:
The development of a select cadre of high performance individuals who in themselves are role models who inspire others, and who will support each other in the future by giving back to others.
MAD seeks to complement this by ‘raising the ceiling’ through the development of a select cadre of high performance individuals who in themselves are role models who inspire others, and who will support each other in the future by giving back to others.
Business organisations and sporting teams have long recognised the importance of nurturing top talent. They believe in the idea of a ‘tipping point’: a small, but vital minority of top performers who can create positive change.
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation
http://www.laureus.co.za
Contact Details: Programme Manager: Prudence Fester
Tel: + 27 (0) 21 659 5610
Email: pfester@ssisa.com
About:
Laureus’ core concept is simple, brilliant and daunting: to create global awards that recognise the achievements of today’s sporting heroes; to bring sportspeople together; united in achievement but divided by sporting code. Once that community is brought together, putting to work their reach and the support and investment of Laureus’ Founding Patrons and Partners, it creates a powerful message that can help social projects around the world who use sport as a tool for social change. That message, simply, is Laureus Sport for Good.
Mission:
“Using the power of sport as a tool for social change”
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation’s goal is to help young people overcome the limitations imposed by challenging social issues including poverty, homelessness, war, violence, drug abuse, discrimination and AIDS. To do this Laureus supports and assists a worldwide programme of sports related community projects that have been working to educate children, protect the vulnerable from illness and even bring people from divided communities together in friendship for over ten years.
This mission was inspired by the words of Laureus patron Nelson Mandela. At the very first Laureus World Sports Awards in Monaco 2000 he said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”
History:
It was in the early 90’s that the idea that would eventually become Laureus first came to Johann Rupert, Chairman of luxury goods company Richemont. A noted sports enthusiast, Rupert was at a dinner with celebrated international photographer Monty Shadow and mused over the fact that there was no Nobel Prize or Oscar-style awards for sport.
It was not until 1998 that Richemont and Daimler teamed up to get the project off the ground. Two years later the Laureus World Sports Awards was launched in Monaco with Nelson Mandela as guest of honour.
Chefs Who Share – The ART Of Giving Participating Sommeliers
Chefs who share – the ART of giving
New food, wine & art extravaganza for underprivileged children
Cape Town City Hall, Thursday, 5 September 2013
Neil Grant
Chairman, SA Sommeliers Association
Paired with chefs Jackie Cameron and Ruben Riffel
Neil Grant is the co-founder and owner of Burrata. Neil returned to his native South Africa in 2006 after spending seven years in San Francisco, California. While in the USA, he worked in various top restaurants. Once back in South Africa, Neil helped to establish Rust en Vrede restaurant with chef David Higgs in his role as sommelier. While at Rust en Vrede the wine list was award the Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine.
In 2011, Neil left Rust en Vrede and after being introduced to Barry Engelbrecht, his current business partner, the vision for Burrata was born. Burrata opened its doors in March 2012 at the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town. Neil currently serves as the Chairman of the South African Sommeliers Association and has also graced the judging panels of numerous wine competitions.
Germain Lehodey
Mosaic at the Orient
Paired with chefs Harald Bresselschmidt and Chantel Dartnall
Germaine comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the food and beverage sector having started his career as a sommelier at the world renowned restaurant Tour d’Argent in Paris. In one of his top accomplishments, he was a finalist in the Best Sommelier of the World competition.
Germain has been the recipient of a number of industry awards, is a self-confessed food and wine lover who has been involved in the business for most of his life having worked at top establishments around the country. He lectured at the Wits Hotel School and sets course papers for the Cape Wine Academy. He also regularly organises “ingredient” tastings for anything from salt to bottled water so that people can expand their food knowledge.
His arrival at Mosaic at the Orient has given him a platform, he says, where he will be able to bring out the best when it comes to the pairing of food and wine.
Francis Krone
Five hundred at the Saxon
Paired with chefs Margot Janse and David Higgs
Francis began his career in 2007 at Sandton Sun Hotel and after a short stint as general manager of a boutique guest house, he was approached to set up the wine program at the Saxon Hotel.
Francis joined the Saxon Hotel in May of 2008 as the sommelier and shot to fame when his wine list won the Diners Club Diamond award. Under his guidance, the Saxon has now won a diamond award for the past five years. In 2009 Francis completed the wine judging course offered by Stellenbosch University.
In 2010 he won the Chaine des Rotiseur Junior Sommelier Competition in Durban and represented South Africa in Spain in 2010 where he achieved a fourth place medal. He passed both the Introductory and Certification qualifications with the Court of Master Sommelier association and was only the fourth Certified Sommelier in South Africa.
Higgo Jacobs
Sommelier at large
Paired with chefs Bertus Basson and Peter Tempelhoff
Before, during and after studying and qualifying in Law at Stellenbosch University, Higgo spent nine years on either side of the cellar door: first making wine, then marketing and exporting it. Relocating to the United Kingdom in 2007, he cut his teeth on the wines of the world, working with highly respected importer – Anthony Byrne Fine Wines and later managing the Notting Hill branch in London of award winning wine merchant – ‘Jeroboams’. He certified with the Court of Master Sommeliers, and also holds a WSET Advanced Certificate (with distinction).
Higgo returned to South Africa and took up the position of resident Sommelier at Steenberg Hotel. He then pursued a career in wine consulting and currently works with various establishments. Holder of a certificate of distinction in the Wine Magazine / Michael Fridjhon Tasting academy, Higgo is a senior judge at the International Wine Challenge (IWC), and tastes for various local publications and competitions. He is General Secretary and founding member of the South African Sommelier Association (SASA), co-ordinator of the Nederburg Auction selection tastings and Tasting Director of the Top 100 SA Wines Challenge.
Pierre Theron
Pierneef Restaurant at La Motte
Paired with chefs Chris Erasmus and Darren Badenhorst
Pierre found his way through a banking career into the hospitality industry. He regards his career move as a conscious lifestyle choice. Pierre sees himself as the storyteller of the rich heritage of wine and the comforting experience represented by food and wine pairing. His achievements include the compilation of award winning wine lists which garnered a Diners Club Platinum Award in 2006 and a Diamond award in 2008; the compilation and complete restructuring of wine lists and the management, planning, marketing and coordination of various dinner shows and events. Pierre is currently the Restaurant Manager at Pierneef at La Motte.
Carl Habel
Planet Restaurant at Mount Nelson Hotel
Paired with chefs Rudi Liebenberg and Christiaan Campbell
Carl started his career at the Protea Hotel Victoria Junction in Cape Town in 2003 before moving to The Commodore Hotel in 2004. He spent a couple of years gaining experience in the United Kingdom at The Pomme D’Or Hotel and The Bath Spa Hotel.
Upon Carl’s return to South Africa he worked at various hotels and restaurants around Cape Town including The Cape Grace hotel, The Showroom and Myogo Restaurant. It was at Myogo restaurant where Carl started working as Sommelier and soon thereafter, in 2010, joined Mount Nelson Hotel as Sommelier. He currently works as Head Sommelier and Restaurant General Manager at Planet Restaurant at Mount Nelson Hotel.
Isabella Immenkamp
Jordan Restaurant
Paired with chefs George Jardine and Marthinus Ferreira
German born and raised, Isabella Immenkamp has been working and living in South Africa for the past four years. She started her professional career in Bern Switzerland after studying in Switzerland, the US and most recently South Africa. In 2009 Isabella moved to South Africa and joined Grand Roche Hotel in Paarl as Sommelier. In 2012 Isabella joined Burrata Restaurant as Front of House Manager and currently works as Assistant Restaurant Manager at Jordan.
