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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.
Taste Rare Clos Malverne Limited Release Wines On Saturdays
Restaurant puts lid on winter blues with complimentary lunchtime tastings
The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne, a hidden culinary hotspot, idyllically situated on a family-run wine farm in the Devon Valley outside Stellenbosch, offers its guests the rare opportunity to taste the estate’s exclusive Limited Release wines on the house with their lunch on Saturdays.
These wines are available in limited quantities and exclusive to exceptional vintages only and from now until the end of August, the restaurant will be sharing these precious cellar gems as a winter weekend treat with its diners – all at the comfort of their own tables.
Clos Malverne is renowned for its repertoire of quality-driven, food friendly red wines and the flight of exceptional Limited Release wines to be tasted includes Clos Malverne’s brand new Cape Blend, Spirit of Malverne; as well as and old 2001 vintage and more recent 2008 vintage of the estate’s multi-crowned flagship Cape Blend, Auret.
Clos Malverne’s time-honoured, handcrafted wines can only be bought directly from the estate or via its newly improved online wine sales facility which delivers your wine to your doorstep in no time.
Clos Malverne bacon wrapped chicken breast and mash
The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne embraces the chilly season with new Winter Menu that sizzles with hearty, seasonal tastes to transform winter from a period of hibernation into a food celebration.
Wholesome, wintery sensations on chef Nadia Louw Smith’s bill of fare include a steaming Smoked Snoek & Mussel Pot; and Asian inspired Orange & Thyme Marinated Duck Breast; Slow Roasted Pork Belly; an aromatic Chicken & Mango Curry, and all her time favourite Lamb Shanks.
Vegetarians can coax their senses with her homemade Gorgonzola Pasta; a nourishing Roasted Onion Soup; or a rich Sundried Tomato & Goat’s Cheese Risotto, whilst her ever-popular Tempura Prawns with a chilli cucumber, lime and coriander salsa provide just enough sting to melt jaded palates.
Or kiss winter blues goodbye with dreamy desserts such as a dark Chocolate Fondant with a white chocolate centre; Malva Pudding with Butternut & Pistachio ice cream; Apple Crumble, or a White Chocolate Crème Brûlée served with a berry-licious compote.
Most of the accompanying vegetables and greens are organically grown on the estate and The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne uses the eggshells and natural scraps from their kitchen to create their own compost.
In addition to its generous Food & Wine Pairing Menu, relaxed atmosphere and awe-inspiring views from its wraparound terrace, The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne, is also renowned for its signature Ice Cream & Wine Pairings which now feature four new winter inspired sensations – at R65 per person for four scoops and matching estate wines.
Nadia, who describes her own cuisine as ‘world food with an earthy sophistication, cooked from the heart and presented with perfection’ eschews the elaborate and creates sumptuous yet unpretentious food, simple in structure yet complex in flavour, texture and colour.
For reservations contact the restaurant at Tel: (+27)21 865 2022 or visit www.closmalverne.co.za. The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne is open daily for lunch except on Mondays and bookings are essential.
Van Ryn’s For A Connoisseur’s Treat This Father’s day
The Van Ryn’s distillery close to Stellenbosch has lined up a series of great Father’s Day specials. From Friday, June 7, to Saturday, June 15, if you bring your dad and pay for a brandy tasting and distillery tour for youCrself, he’ll be treated to the same experience for free. The tour includes a demonstration by one of South Africa’s few remaining coopers, who will show how a French oak barrel is expertly assembled.
Buy a bottle of Van Ryn’s 12 Year Old, judged the Worldwide Best Brandy, and receive a leather men’s wallet worth R200 absolutely free, to indulge dad even more.
Lap up the luxury and savour wonderful winter cocktails served warm, from apple, brandy and cinnamon to steamy, creamy brandy served latte-style, with chocolate and hazelnut. Prices range from R20 to R35 per cocktail.
Drinks can be sipped and savoured on plush couches in the distillery’s tasting area or if you are lucky enough to catch those warm winter rays, in the gorgeously fragrant garden.
For more details of cocktails, brandy and food pairings, tours and brandies and other items to buy, go to www.vanryns.co.za or www.facebook.com/vanryns, send an e-mail to info@vanryns.co.za or call 021 881 3875.
Nederburg Scores Top Marks With UK Critics
Nederburg’s 2011 Ingenuity White, an eight-way blend led by Sauvignon blanc, has been identified as one of South Africa’s top white blends by Decanter, scoring 93 points, while Tim Atkin MW has given the same wine 94, in his newly released SA Report.
It was singled out by Decanter for its “Fresh, bright, lifted aromatics of white flowers and stone fruit,” and described as “Tight, complex, (and having a ) firm palate with lifted spice (with a) Creamy texture (and as) Very well made and intriguing”.
The wine was also rated five stars in the Platter’s South African Wine Guide. Every vintage, since the launch of the maiden 2007, has earned a 5-star Platter ranking.
The 2011 blend comprises 35% Sauvignon blanc, 15% Semillon, 14% Chardonnay, 10% Chenin blanc, 8% Viognier, 2% Gewurztraminer and 2% Verdelho.
Nederburg’s Ingenuity collection of limited-edition, unusual blends, forms the apex of the range and provides an “exciting opportunity for innovation”, says cellar master Razvan Macici. The Ingenuity Red is an Italian-style blend of Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebbiolo, and has also been critically acclaimed, with Atkin scoring the 2009 vintage, 91.
“These are complex, layered wines styled to work extremely well as partners to food,” adds the head of the Nederburg team, who earned the 2012 Diner’s Club Winemaker of the Year title.
Atkin also scored Nederburg’s 2011 Winemaster Reserve Noble Late Harvest, another Platter five-star wine, 93.
There were two others to which he gave high scores. Both from the recently released Heritage Heroes ensemble, they were the 2011 The Young Airhawk Sauvignon Blanc, with 91 and the 2011 The Anchorman Chenin Blanc with 90.
Last year Nederburg was judged the South African producer of the year at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Silky Red From Durbanville Hills For Father’s Day
If dad enjoys a fine bottle of wine, treat him this Father’s Day to the 2011 Durbanville Hills Bastion, an elegant 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The grapes for this wine were sourced from a number of vineyards, some higher up on the hills and others lower down on the valley floor. According to red winemaker Wilhelm Coetzee, this velvety, fruity blend is sure to impress any dad’s discerning palate.
The vineyards of the Durbanville hills all benefit from the area’s cool climate which is particularly suited to the making of elegant, smooth Cabernet Sauvignon while spice and pepper is the trademark of the Shiraz. Blending these two cultivars combines the smoothness of the Cabernet Sauvignon and tones down the spiciness of the Shiraz to create the perfect balance of fruit and pepper aromas. The wine was matured for 12 months, using predominately French oak of which a small percentage was new wood to prevent wood domination and ensure that the elegance of the fruit is preserved.
This full-bodied wine with its hints of red plums and cherries, pepper and spice is perfect to enjoy with a braai. Available from leading liquor stores and supermarkets, the 2011 Durbanville Hills Bastion retails for around R67 per bottle.
Finland A Major Export Destination For Two Oceans Wines
Finland has an estimated population of around just 5,3 million people, yet remarkably, it has become one of the leading markets for Two Oceans wines, says global marketing manager Jackie Olivier. Sales volumes to this northern European country have grown by double digits year-on-year for the 12 months to March 2013.
Now the third biggest destination for the brand, Finland sells the approachably styled, great value wines through the state-run monopoly, Alko. Canada remains its biggest market, followed by South Africa.
With 350 stores and an annual turnover of R14,32 bn, Alko, according to its most recent annual report, sold 56,4 million litres of wine last year, slightly up from 2011. South Africa was Alko’s second biggest supplier of white wines in 2012, with a 17% share of the segment, behind Chile with 21,5%.
Volumes of South African whites sold through the monopoly were up by 1,1% on the previous year. South African reds were in sixth position with a 9,4% share of the category, with sales volumes growing 2,7%.
South Africa occupied third position when it came to total wine sales in Finland in 2012, as year-on-year sales volumes rose by 6,4%. Chile was in the lead, followed by Spain.
Olivier said Two Oceans continued to benefit from the Finnish appetite for smooth-drinking, well-priced wines and was significantly outpacing South Africa’s growth in the market. The brand’s approachable styling and market positioning and the regular communication of its international quality awards, including those from Finland’s Vuoden Viinit Kilpailu, had also helped to boost sales. The Shiraz, for example, was one of Alko’s top ten se
llers.
She confirmed that most of the Two Oceans wines offered in Finland were sold in a 3-litre bag-in-box format, in line with the Northern European preference for boxed wines but that a 750ml red blend would also soon be listed.
“We tailor our packaging to suit individual markets. The versatility of the range has seen Two Oceans grow sales in a mix of developed and developing markets. To give you an idea, there has been good growth in New Zealand but also in countries as varied as Indonesia and Brazil.”
Last year the brand won several medals and best buy ratings at the 2012 World Value Wine Challenge, held in the US.
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.
OBiKWA Spruce It Up With New Mini-Pack
OBiKWA, the range of adventurous, fun loving, varietal wines has just released an ultra-convenient mini-pack of four wines for your everyday enjoyment.
Sticking their necks out at selected Pick ‘n Pay stores country-wide, these nifty OBIKWA mini-packs bring you four 750 ml bottles of either OBiKWA Sauvignon Blanc or Merlot perfect to go with your chicken or beef. Keep your eye out for the purple and green box-sets boasting the daring, bright yellow OBiKWA ostrich for only R100 per pack.
The OBiKWA Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc will fit right in with your weekly dinner plans. Meat lovers can experiment with juicy red meat dishes and even meaty pizza with the medium bodied Merlot. The crisp and fruity Sauvignon Blanc will turn an ordinary chicken roast or creamy pasta dishes into a relaxed, weekday meal.
OBiKWA is a down-to-earth range of easy drinking, quality cultivar wines expressing their true varietal character and rich, ethnic charm at an affordable price. Visit OBiKWA website for more information on the wide range of wines | and join the OBiKWA tribe on Facebook.
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
Waterkloof Appoints Nadia Barnard As Winemaker
Waterkloof, a biodynamic marvel on the outskirts of the Helderberg Winelands, celebrated for its elegant wines and passionate commitment to sustainable wine farming ethics, has appointed a new winemaker who is everything but a newcomer to this conservation-minded estate, the young and vibrant Nadia Barnard.
“A combination of destiny and good judgement brought me to the wine industry and ultimately to Waterkloof and it is here were I have learned the true aspects of quality vines and wines and realised, that to live and work in harmony with nature is to acknowledge, respect and promote its intrinsic value,” says Nadia.
“I firmly believe in the biodynamic and organic philosophies of Waterkloof. I have been here since the cellar opened its doors in 2009, and today, after five years working here as Assistant Winemaker, I can truly say that I know every square inch of vineyard on the farm like the palm of my hand and the amazing potential that lies within them,” adds this new cellar guardian who chooses to discover Mother Nature’s helpings hands-on.
After matriculating from Bloemhof High School in Stellenbosch, Nadia followed her dream of becoming a winemaker and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture (BSc Agric) specialising in Viticulture and Oenology from the University of Stellenbosch.
Always in search of a great challenge, Nadia has had an eclectic training as a winemaker with experience in man
y top Cape and international wineries which include an internship at Vergelegen Estate and a stint at Flagstone Winery. Her pursuit of quality winemaking also landed her harvest internships at Balnaves of Goonawarra, a small family-owned wine company in South Australia; Koru Wines and Moutere Hills in New Zealand, and Domaine La Roche and the Rhône valley in France, where she gained valuable knowledge in terroir variation and the crafting of diverse wine styles.
“Sauvignon blanc and Shiraz are unequivocally my two most favourite grape varieties to experiment with and my favourite Waterkloof wine is the Circumstance Syrah 2009, which speaks of elegance and femininity,” shares Nadia, an avid animal lover who reckons the best time of day at Waterkloof is at six in the morning, when the farm comes to life and all its animals rise and shine, eager to get trotting and tilling and take bio-dynamic farming in their stride.
With idyllic terroir and wines of vitality, which have a truly defining sense of origin, on top of her priority list, Nadia has certainly found her match at Waterkloof.
“Albeit somewhat of a cliché, my winemaking philosophy is one of minimal intervention. Fine wine is made in the vineyards. Just apply meticulous care and guidance and you can just let the wine make itself,” explains Nadia who expresses a real love for Waterkloof’s natural winemaking process.
Wine, travelling and the outdoors are three of her biggest passions in life. When Nadia is not hard at work she enjoys spending time with friends or exploring the road less travelled with her mountain bike.
For more information on Nadia and her Waterkloof wines contact the estate at
Tel: 021 858 1292 or visit www.waterkloofwines.co.za.
