Category Archives: Constantia
Irresistible Mother’s Day Treat For Moms At Constantia Glen Wine Estate
Sunday, 12 May
Spoil your Mom with an irresistible pairing of Sauvignon Blanc with a lemon & passion fruit tartlet on Mother’s Day, Sunday, 12 May at the idyllic Constantia Glen wine estate.
This delectable pairing is complimentary for all mothers who visit the Constantia Glen tasting room situated amidst rolling vineyards with panoramic views, this Sunday.
You can spoil her even further with a delicious soup and wine pairing experience. Choose from three mouth-watering soups available as single or smaller trio servings, or add delicious cheese and charcuterie and a regular wine tasting for a laidback afternoon.
And if Mom is a fan of the Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2012, be sure to stock up on this elegant wine that will be available at a special rate per bottle and case for Mother’s Day only.
Known for exceptional, award winning cool climate Sauvignon Blanc and Bordeaux-style reds, Constantia Glen is open daily from 10h00 till 17h00 on week days and from 10h00 till 16h00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Look out for the Constantia Glen signs towards the top of Constantia Main road. Call 021 7956100 or e-mail sales@constantiaglen.com. Visit www.constantiaglen.com, Facebook or follow @ConstantiaGlen on Twitter. The GPS co-ordinates are S 34º 0’39.6” E 18º 24’30.6”.
Warm Up For Winter With Hearty Soups At Constantia Glen
Back by popular demand, Constantia Glen’s delicious homemade soups served with crusty,freshly baked bread, are a must for the ultimate winter wine tasting experience on offer from May onwards at this picturesque wine estate.
Available in single servings or as a trio of smaller soups, visitors can tuck into hearty Beef goulash, French onion, or Honey roasted butternut and sage soup. Each soup is perfectly paired with a Constantia Glen wine and can be enjoyed with mouth-watering platters of cheese and charcuterie, while enjoying the gorgeous outstretched views.
The winter soups and wine pairings are available until end of August, at R75 per single soup serving and wine, or R80 for the trio of smaller soup portions pairing. Wines are also available by the glass from R30 if you want to linger over lunch.
Known for exceptional, award winning cool climate Sauvignon Blanc and Bordeaux-style reds, Constantia Glen is open daily from 10h00 till 17h00 on week days and from 10h00 till 16h00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Look out for the Constantia Glen signs towards the top of Constantia Main road. Call 021 7956100 or e-mail sales@constantiaglen.com. Visit www.constantiaglen.com, Facebook or follow @ConstantiaGlen on Twitter. The GPS co-ordinates are S 34º 0’39.6” E 18º 24’30.6”.
Steenberg Celebrates It’s Star Cultivar With A Sauvignon Blanc Odyssey Saturday 18 May 2013
On Saturday 18 May, Steenberg will celebrate its signature cultivar – Sauvignon Blanc – with an annual event that will be known as the Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc Odyssey. Renowned as one of the top white wine cellars in South Africa, Steenberg is best known for this varietal, which first put the celebrated winery on the map. Sauvignon Blanc thrives in the cool Constantia climate where the South-Easter brings Atlantic sea breezes to the fragrant Cape Floral Kingdom set against the Stone Mountain, to create a unique terroir that lends great structure, and a strong sense of place to Steenberg’s Sauvignon Blancs.
The Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc Odyssey on Saturday 18 May will be an integrated sensory occasion for media, trade partners and consumers. Starting at 12.30, the focus of this culinary and tasting voyage will be a tutored Sauvignon Blanc Tasting with five different flights, featuring the different styles of Sauvignon Blanc on the local and international front – including a flight featuring Steenberg’s different styles, to showcase its versatility and longevity. This is intertwined with a sumptuous 5-Course Sauvignon Blanc and Food Pairing luncheon at Catharina’s, the farm’s modern fine-dining Restaurant.
After a glass of Steenberg’s legendary Methode Cap Classique on arrival, the journey will commence immediately. Eager to showcase his favourite cultivar, Pretorius says: ‘There is so much more to Sauvignon Blanc than the racy, fresh and crisp white wine we enjoy fresh off the harvest. It surfaces in many different styles, and makes a fantastic blending partner, and in the case of Constantia Sauvignon Blancs, has amazing ageing potential when it develops weight and serious complexity’.
Within its portfolio, Steenberg offers no less than four different styles of Sauvignon Blanc and a blend thereof. The cultivar therefore dominates its total vineyard plantings and is an integral part of Steenberg’s icon wine, Magna Carta, where Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon meet to create a complex, elegant wine with enticingly perfumed aromas of orange blossom, tangerine and green figs. Steenberg’s Sauvignon Blanc Reserve too is a multi-award winning wine that is a true expression of Steenberg’s terroir, with its delicate freshness on the palate and beautiful creamy lingering aftertaste. The classic, signature Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc consistently shows mineral and great complexity, with Steenberg H.M.S. Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc positioned as the farm’s barrel fermented option. The lighter, more tropical style of the Klein Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc completes Steenberg’s hand-crafted range of Sauvignon Blancs.
During the Sauvignon Blanc Odyssey workshop Loubser and Pretorius will be characterising, differentiating and mystifying Sauvignon Blanc, with emphasis on its value as a blending partner and its phenomenal longevity. Entwined with the various flights will be a selection of dishes prepared by Executive Chef Garth Almazan, challenging Sauvignon Blanc to the extreme with the likes of Steak Tartare, Risotto, Veal Picatta to name but a few.
The Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc Odyssey presents a rare and enjoyable occasion for wine enthusiasts to kindle an appreciation for Sauvignon Blanc, and to leave with a much better understanding of this versatile cultivar. Tickets to this top quality food and wine event are R600 per person and pre-booking is essential. Reservations: Jackie Quail on jackie@steenbrg.co.za, or 071 248 5373.
Steenberg Vineyards
Tel 021 713-2211
Blog: www.totallystoned.co.za
Follow on @SteenbergWines
Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Steenbrg
Steenberg Hotel
Tel 021 713-2222
Follow on @SteenbergHotel
WSET Introduces First Stand-Alone Spirits Courses In South Africa.
The International Wine Education Centre is delighted to announce the first ever stand-alone general spirits courses starting in Stellenbosch in May.
The UK-based Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) teaches internationally-recognised wine and spirit qualifications which are the industry-standard in 60 countries around the world. WSET has been educating people about wine and spirits since 1969 and more than 43,000 people, studying in 16 different languages sat a WSET exam in the last academic year alone.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits underpins the skills needed in all areas of the spirit trade – customer service, hospitality, retail and wholesale.
The course covers the history, production and style of spirits of the world: Cognac, Armagnac and other brandies; Scotch, Bourbon and other whiskeys; white spirits, including vodka, rum, Tequila, gin; and liqueurs and other flavoured spirits. Tasting is part of every session with around 40 local and international spirits tasted over the duration of the course.
The first course in South Africa will take place at Van Ryn’s Distillery in Stellenbosch and will be lectured by spirits aficionado Dave Hughes and artisan distiller Roger Jorgensen. The course will last 6 weeks with a multiple-choice exam at the end.
Who is it aimed at?
• People employed in the spirits industry needing information on the characteristics of the principal spirits and liqueurs of the world, to provide guidance on brand selection and assist with tasting and evaluating of spirits and liqueurs using the Systematic Approach to Tasting.
• People who are not employed in the drinks industry, but who have a serious interest in spirits and wish to broaden their knowledge in a fun, informative yet structured way.
• People studying for wine qualifications and who would like a structured spirits course to support those qualifications.
There are limited places available for this course, so for more information, please go to www.thewinecentre.co.za . For more information about future courses in Stellenbosch, Cape Town and elsewhere, please contact Cathy Marston on info@thewinecentre.co.za
Course details.
Course Code L2SWL0513
Location Van Ryn’s Distillery, Stellenbosch
Date & Time Wednesdays from 22 May – 26th June, 6.30pm- 8.30pm (6 weeks, 2 hours/week)
Exam Wednesday 3rd July, 6.30pm
Cost R4,990 per person
Includes All tuition, all course material, exam, tasting of at least 40 local and international spirits and a lapel pin & certificate for successful candidates.
Groot Constantia – Blending Olde Worlde Charm With Modern Day Passion
One truly has to experience Groot Constantia to feel Groot Constantia – it is about rich history, a beautiful setting, friendly people, memories to be made, fun to be had and, of course, wine to be savoured and enjoyed.
Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine farm – in existence for 328 years this year. Wine has been produced on the estate without interruption since 1685 and in fact, Groot Constantia bottles, bottle shards and bottle seals dating from as far back as 1774 have been found in far corners of the world in some unusual circumstances.
Treasure hunters and archaeologists finding Groot Constantia bottles
One bottle was found at the bottom of the ocean in the archipelago outside Stockholm in the late 1940’s by a diver; three bottles were discovered in the cellar of a castle near Belgium that date to the period 1760 – 1840; a bottle piece featuring the Constantia bottle seal was discovered on a beach in the Delaware Bay and identified by historians to be part of the cargo of the Severn – a ship that was stranded there in 1774; another find was a very crude example of the Constantia wine seal – evidently far older than all the other examples – which was unearthed in an excavation in Meiningen in Germany.
The nations wine estate
Commander Simon van der Stel of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) was originally granted the land on which Groot Constantia stands on 13 July 1685. It has changed hands many times over the centuries of course and now Groot Constantia is a National Monument and a living museum with the task of preserving the history and cultural legacy of the South African wine industry for the people of South Africa.
The current owners of the estate, the Groot Constantia Trust, a non-profit company, has ensured that Groot Constantia is beautifully maintained and operated to the highest standards – delivering a top-quality experience to visitors.
What’s in a label – new wine label launched
It is in honour of Groot Constantia’s rich history as the origin of the South African wine industry that the estate decided to resurrect and re-use an original, historic wine label, which prominently features a sketch of the Manor House at the top, and now an exact replica of this label appears on the Gouverneurs Reserve range of wines.
“Groot Constantia’s main point of difference within the industry is the fact that the estate is the oldest in the country and it is for this reason that we chose to use an old label as our ‘new’ wine label,” states Boela Gerber, Winemaker for Groot Constantia. “This special label not only honours the estates history but it also distinguishes the Reserve range of wines.”
Groot Constantia is about so much more
“The estate boasts two top-notch restaurants, Jonkershuis and Simon’s where visitors can eat after they have finished exploring the beautiful old manor house Iziko Museum and its surroundings,” explains Jean Naudé, General Manager of Groot Constantia.
“Visitors can also enjoy a cellar tour and for those looking for something a little more sedate you can spend time relaxing in the shade of the old oak trees.”
And of course there is the wine tasting!
Groot Constantia recently upgraded one of the tasting rooms and this revitalised space reflects how the estate blends the old with the new. Visitors can relax in this fresh, modern and light room whilst sipping on Groot Constantia wines that are made the old fashioned way – with attention to detail, to exacting standards, with pure ingredients that are harvested by hand and packaged in bottles labelled with the historical label.
At the recent Top 100 SA Wines 2013 awards held on 11 April, four of Groot Constantia’s wines achieved Top 100 status. These wines are the Chardonnay 2012, Grand Constance 2010, Shiraz 2010 and Gouverneurs reserve Red 2010.
“Taking into account the fact that entry levels are increasing, entry figures have increased by 15% from last year, and therefore becoming a Top 100 winner is getting tougher every year, we are extremely proud to have four wines chosen for the Top 100 list this year,” says Groot Constantia winemaker, Boela Gerber.
This is the only wine farm that is a member of the Big Six tourist destinations in Cape Town (the other members include Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch and Cape Point) and it is easy to see why when you visit and spend time at this special National Monument.
Groot Constantia is always running special offers for children and seniors and anyone arriving at the estate on the red double-decker City Sightseeing Wine Tour bus, which is offered as a free extension of the Blue Mini Peninsula tour to anyone interested, automatically gets a R5 discount off the regular price of all tours and tastings.
Come and enjoy the Groot Constantia experience and tell your friends and twitter followers about it – #FeelGrootConstantia @GrootConstantia – and for more information visit www.grootconstantia.co.za.
Groot Constantia Scoops Four Awards At The 2013 SA Top 100 Wines Competition
Four of Groot Constantia’s wines were selected as winners in this year’s prestigious Top 100 SA Wines awards, an objective, independent and professional rating of South Africa’s finest wines.
Winners were announced late last week and the winning Groot Constantia wines are: Groot Constantia Chardonnay 2012; Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve (Red) 2010; Groot Constantia Grand Constance 2010 and Groot Constantia Shiraz 2010.
When the SA Top 100 Wine Show was started three years ago Groot Constantia had one wine under the Top 100. In 2012 the Estate had two wines on the Top 100 list and now in 2013 this has increased to an impressive four winners.
Boela Gerber, winemaker for Groot Constantia says that pithy methodology and attention to detail including serving temperature, decanting of wine and tasting all the wines at least twice, ensures that the results are a true reflection of the top 100 SA wines. “Taking into account the fact that entry levels are increasing and therefore becoming a Top 100 winner is getting tougher every year, we are extremely proud to have four wines chosen for the Top 100 list this year.”
Out of 440 wines entered into this year’s competition – a 15% increase on last year’s numbers – overall, 27 white wines gained entry, with 9 Sauvignon Blanc winners making it the biggest white winner by category. Red wines gained 61 winners. Red Bordeaux was the biggest category by some margin with 19 winners, followed by Shiraz with 10 winning wines. A positive reflection on Pinot Noir quality is that there were 6 winning wines. Both Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay each gained 4 wines onto the winner’s podium.
“The Top 100 wine team has arguably one of the best possible panels of judges consisting mainly of UK Masters of Wine, headed by renowned Tim Atkin,” says Gerber.
Local entrepreneur Robin von Holdt, to highlight the excellence of South African wines while providing an authoritative reference point for wine lovers internationally, founded the Top 100 SA Wines competition, now in its third year.
The 2013 competition was judged by a panel of high profile, well-respected wine judges, comprising Tim Atkin MW (Chair), Greg Sherwood MW, Justin Knock MW, Richard Kershaw MW (Panel Chair), Jamie Goode (Panel Chair), Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright CWM and Duncan Savage.
“We are delighted and proud of this amazing achievement – an excellent reward to our vineyard and winemaking team for their continuous drive to increase quality across the board. To have achieved this with a wide spectrum of varietals both in terms of red and white underlines their efforts and the versatility of this magnificent property,” concludes Jean Naudé, General Manager of Groot Constantia.
For more information visit www.grootconstantia.co.za.
Harvest Season Finally In Full Swing At Constantia Glen
The harvest is finally in full swing at Constantia Glen, one of the jewels of the Constantia Wine Valley, a remarkably cool appellation where the grapes usually take several weeks longer to reach their full potential than other warmer wine growing regions.
Known for their cool climate Sauvignon Blancs and elegant Bordeaux style reds, Constantia Glen owes its ideal growing conditions to the close proximity to the sea and elevated position just below Constantia Nek.
“Our harvest was delayed further due to the late onset of spring. Very cool temperatures towards the end of winter tend to remain in the deep, rich soils a little longer than in other regions. With these cool soils, the growth of the vines is quite slow to begin with at the beginning of spring. The most rampant vine growth happens in November and December once the soil has warmed up,” explains winemaker Justin van Wyk.
Very deep, rich soils, comprising half decomposed sandstone and half decomposed granite and situated on a clay base, make the dry land vineyards at Constantia Glen grow optimally without the need for any irrigation and the vineyards experience very little stress that could force ripening.
“On the contrary, they allow for very slow, even ripening,” adds Justin, noting that the 2013 harvest is expected to wrap up by the end of April, mirroring the previous harvest.
Constantia Glen’s cool climate allows just a moderate increase in sugar levels during the ripening phase and this facilitates the even ripening of the tannins and flavours in the grapes without incurring the debt of too high sugar levels at optimum ripeness.
Constantia Glen has 30% of the farm planted to Sauvignon blanc and Semillon and the rest to the five classic Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.
Constantia Glen is open daily from 10h00 till 17h00 on week days and from 10h00 till 16h00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Look out for the Constantia Glen signs towards the top of Constantia Main road. Call 021-7956100, e-mail wine@constantiaglen.co.za, visit www.constantiaglen.com, www.facebook.com/ConstantiaGlen or follow @ConstantiaGlen on Twitter. The GPS co-ordinates are S 34º 0’39.6” E 18º 24’30.6”.
Constantia Glen Releases 2012 Vintage Of Cool Climate Sauvignon Blanc
Constantia Glen, the magnificently appointed boutique wine estate known for exceptional cool-climate Sauvignon Blancs with great ageing potential, has just released their 2012 vintage.
Boasting a notable Sémillon component (10%), the wine also has a larger proportion of clone SB-10, better known as the “weather station” clone of Sauvignon Blanc, which lends the wine more intense and expressive aromatics. The Sémillon adds to the wine’s wonderful richness and mouthfeel and enhances its ability to age gracefully.
“This is a classic Constantia wine with beautiful elegance, length and freshness, which indicates excellent ageing potential,” says winemaker Justin van Wyk.
This multi-layered wine shows depth and minerality, with uplifting aromas of nettle and gooseberry, backed up by nectarine and kiwi fruit flavours, and also the notable underlying perfume of elderflower that is very characteristic of the Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc.
“The 2012 Sauvignon Blanc has excellent fruit purity and since it also has sufficient richness and texture from the Sémillon and five months of lees ageing, we decided not to include a portion of oak-fermented in this vintage,” adds Justin, who suggests enjoying the wine with honey-roasted butternut soup infused with sage and drizzled with bits gorgonzola cheese, or lightly-smoked salmon, grilled with lemon and butter served on a bed of greens with olive oil.
The 2012 Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc is available at fine restaurants and boutique wine shops and sells for R100 at the cellar door.
One of the jewels of the Constantia Wine Valley, Constantia Glen is open daily from 10h00 till 17h00 on week days and from 10h00 till 16h00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Look out for the Constantia Glen signs towards the top of Constantia Main road. Call 021-7956100, e-mail wine@constantiaglen.co.za, visit www.constantiaglen.com, www.facebook.com/ConstantiaGlen or follow @ConstantiaGlen on Twitter. The GPS co-ordinates are S 34º 0’39.6” E 18º 24’30.6”.
WineStyle’s Summer Wine Party
(Afrikaans volg net na die Engels)
15 & 16 March 2013
The best way to chill this summer!
You heard right, it’s a party and not just another average wine show – this time you get to taste the ‘Best of the Best’, while rubbing shoulders with the wine makers who create your favourite wines. Come and enjoy a day of fantastic wine, great food and live music, under the trees surrounding Simon’s Restaurant on the beautiful Groot Constantia Estate. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to end the summer!
WineStyle Magazine is a beautiful quarterly wine, food and travel publication with an up to date website hosting the best of the best in South African food, wine and travel! This year WineStyle is hosting a wine show like no other!
This event is a wine party, not a wine trade show. A celebration of food and wine. It’s for people who appreciate good wine, and who like to have fun. The event is unlike a traditional wine show, and encourages guests and exhibitors to engage, taste, drink, eat and pick up a few wine tips in the process. A menu of tapas, gourmet picnic snacks and charcuterie boards will be available to purchase, along with bottles of wine – and should be enjoyed with friends and family, whilst relaxing and listening to some tunes.
• Venue: Simon’s restaurant – Groot Constantia Cape Town
• Date: 15 & 16 March (Friday 4-10pm & Saturday 12-10 pm)
• Capacity: 500 people per day
• Tickets: R100.00 per person attending (includes a glass & free tasting)
• Come dressed in summer whites – and you may win some prizes!
Tickets available at Webtickets. For further information contact Kalinka Lombard at Kalinka@wine-style.co.za or 083 227 1167.
This is the event of the season and we hope to see you there!
Somer Wynpartytjie
Die beste manier om die Somer te ontspan!
Vergeet van vervelige wynuitstallings. Kom hou partytjie saam met ons, terwyl jy skouers skuur met die skeppers van jou geliefkoosde wyne – ‘n dag van smullekker kos, heerlike wyn en musiek onder die eeue oue bome by Simon’s Restaurant op die Groot Constantia Landgoed. Die beste manier om totsiens Somer te se!
WineStyle is ‘n pragtige kwartaalikse glanstydskrif met ‘n byderwetse webwerf wat jou die beste bied betreffende wyn, kos en reis. Vanjaar bied WineStyle jou die geleenteid om wyn te proe soos nog nooit te vore nie!
Die geleentheid is ‘n wynpartytjie, nie ‘n wynskou nie. ‘n Viering van lekker kos en wyn, vir mense wat hou van pret en goie wyn waardeer. Dis ‘n geleentheid vir gaste en produsente om saam te kuier, te proe, te drink en ‘n paar wynwenke wiser te word!
Daar sal tapas, piekniek kosse en charcuterie borde te koop wees, sowel as heerlike wyne om saam familie en vriende te geniet, terwyl almal ontspan en na musiek luister.
• Plek: Simon’s restaurant – Groot Constantia Cape Town
• Datum: 15 & 16 March (Friday 4-10pm & Saturday 12-10 pm)
• Kapasiteit: 500 people per day
• Kaartjies: R100.00 per persoon (insluitend ‘n glas en gratis proe)
• Kom aangetrek in Somer wit klere en jy mag dalk van’n paar pryse wen!
Kaartjies beskikbaar op Webtickets:
Vir enige verdere inligting kontak: Kalinka Lombard
Kalinka@wine-style.co.za
Tel: 083 227 1167
Jy kan dit nie misloop nie! Ons sien jou daar!
Valentine’s Day Rosé Tasting With Spectacular Views At Constantia Glen
Treat your Valentine to one of the jewels of the Constantia Valley and visit Constantia Glen for an unforgettable day of fine wines and breathtaking, outstretched views, just 20 minutes from Cape Town.
Adding a romantic twist, the tasting room at this lush wine estate will have a special pairing of the 2012 Constantia Saddle Rosé with succulent strawberries on Valentine’s Day. Crisp and fresh with a rich, juicy palate, this sumptuous rosé is a gorgeous wine filled with a hint of strawberries, salmon hues, aromas of red summer fruits and strong citrus notes that capture the freshness and minerality so often associated with fruit from cool-climate vineyards.
The full Constantia Glen wine tasting experience and irresistible platters of cheese and charcuterie will also be on offer, as well as special Valentine’s Day wine offers if you want to stock up your private collection. The recently launched 2012 Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc will be available at the wine club price of R85 when you purchase a case of six on the day. The 2008 Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc will be available at R75 and the 2012 Constantia Saddle Rosé at R500 per case.
Known above all for cool climate Sauvignon Blancs and Bordeaux-style reds, the Constantia Glen tasting room is open daily from 10h00 till 17h00 on week days and from 10h00 till 16h00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Look out for the Constantia Glen signs towards the top of Constantia Main road. Call 021 7956100, email wine@constantiaglen.co.za, visit www.constantiaglen.com or www.facebook.com/ConstantiaGlen for further information. The GPS co-ordinates are S 34º 0’39.6” E 18º 24’30.6”.
South Africa’s 2013 Wine Tourism Handbook: Enjoying Wine at the Source
The eighth edition of the popular Wine Tourism Handbook is now available for sale both in bookshops and online. This image-rich, full-colour, comprehensive guide to the farms, restaurants, accommodation venues and activities found in South Africa’s Winelands is one of Wine Tourism South Africa’s (WTSA) most prestigious products. It works in tandem with WTSA’s other exciting social media and online platforms and campaigns to drive interest in the varied wine tourism offerings of the country.
The 2013 edition boasts several key refinements to previous editions but retains its unique core by offering a comprehensive list of farms, complete with opening hours, contact details and easy-to-read maps as well as a number of carefully selected destinations for dining, staying and playing!
This year, the Gourmand Award-winning publication offers independent reviews of Winelands restaurants ranging from delis to five-star establishments as well as route-by-route reviews of boutique wineries (those that make less than 5 000 cases of wine a year) and it showcases the winners of the popular Klink Awards – launched by Wine Tourism South Africa in 2012. More information can be found on the Klink Awards – the first consumer-driven, interactive wine tourism competition in the country – on www.winetourismsouthafrica.co.za. In addition, wine route information has been updated with editorial reflecting the inherent character of each route and photographs capturing the scenic beauty of each region. 
As wine tourism is about the entire experience – wine, food, people, activity and place – detailed listings are offered for the best places to eat, stay and play – whether that is casual cafés or fine dining, rustic cottages or five star hotels, a wine picnic on the river or helicopter flip over the vineyards. The Handbook is an indispensible companion to anyone looking to have a fun, meaningful and in-depth experience when visiting the country’s wine regions.
The publisher, Monika Elias, notes, “Wine tourism is a global phenomenon and it is a growing market, but we are fast getting the impression that here in South Africa, we do it rather well, perhaps better than most. Our handbook is a reflection of this burgeoning market”.
The Wine Tourism Handbook is #notjustwine, it is the complete Winelands experience in one colourful and beautifully-produced guide and at just R99.00 it offers tremendous value for money! The 288-page 2013 Wine Tourism Handbook can be ordered online or downloaded from www.winetourismsouthafrica.co.za and is available in all good bookstores.
For more information about Wine Tourism South Africa, the Wine Tourism Handbook and the Klink Awards, visit www.winetourismsouthafrica.co.za.
Enjoy Sunkissed Summer Pleasures At Constantia Glen Wine Estate
Add the perfect setting for a glorious sunshine day to your summer holiday and visit Constantia Glen boutique wine estate for a taste of exceptional Constantia wines, just 20 minutes from the Cape Town city centre.
Known above all for their cool climate Sauvignon Blancs and Bordeaux-style reds, Constantia Glen offers a wide range of tastings for visitors to their tasting room amidst the vineyards with stunning outstretched views. The sunkissed selection includes easy drinking summer pleasures such as the Constantia Saddle Rosé 2012 and Constantia Saddle Sauvignon Blanc 2012, the newly launched Constantia Glen Three 2009 and the elegant flagship, Constantia Glen Five 2008.
Complete your grand summer wine tasting with delicious cheese and charcuterie platters and enjoy a luxurious day with family and friends at one of the jewels of the Constantia Valley.
Constantia Glen is open daily from 10h00 till 17h00 on weekdays, from 10h00 till 16h00 on Saturdays and Sundays, and will be open from 10:00 to 13:00 on 24 December. The tasting room will be closed on Christmas, 26 December and New Years Day. Look out for the Constantia Glen signs towards the top of Constantia Main road. Call 021 7956100, e-mail wine@constantiaglen.co.za or visit www.constantiaglen.com for further information. The GPS co-ordinates are S 34º 0’39.6” E 18º 24’30.6”.
