Cape Weekly Digest | Friday, 19th February, 2021
Our curated roundup of local news & events for wine tourism
Hello,
What a wonderful week it has been. I’ve been waking up with a renewed sense of purpose every morning, but that has nothing to do with my recently renewed wine stocks ;)
We have some great things in the newsletter this week, from South African restaurants edging closer to victory in their case against Santam, to Simonsig’s 50th anniversary of making the iconic Kaapse Vonkel (Cape Sparkling in Afrikaans), bubbles all around.
Internationally there’s lots happening in the world of wine fraud, from Rudy Kurniawan being released late last year, to wine fraud stats going up because of the pandemic, go figure. Scary but fascinating things if you’re a wine geek like me.
Have a great week!
- Shirley
Cape News Roundup
SA restaurants closer to victory in Covid-19 lockdown business insurance battle - South Africa’s largest insurer, Santam, is expected to present its argument in the Western Cape High Court today for leave to appeal against the full bench judgment that recently ordered it to pay out restaurants’ business interruption insurance claims. Read More…
Wine’s Future Depends on its Original Guardian, the Viticulturist - I am fortunate enough to visit a lot of wineries (in normal times, that is). When I arrive at one for the first time, there’s the usual small talk, and then the winemaker offers to show me the inside of the winery. Read More…
Prescient to sponsor 2021 tasting programme - Winemag.co.za’s monthly category reports will again be sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient in 2021. Prescient, established in Cape Town in 1998, is a proudly South African company that has grown its operations across a range of financial disciplines to span the world. Read More...
Simonsig Hails 50 Years Of Kaapse Vonkel And Cap Classique - To commemorate this grand occasion, Simonsig makes a dramatic new introduction. This month sees the release of Kaapse Vonkel with updated packaging and a stellar new look for the Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar and Satin Nectar Rosé. Read More…
The Jealous Lover Cocktail – A cocktail that will leave others green with envy - Elderflower-infused gin is filled with hints of litchi and has a smooth lingering finish. It perfectly captures the essence of an English summer’s day. Read More…
International News Roundup
Beyond High-Profile Scandals, Wine Fraud Is Rampant - How the pandemic-fueled increase in online sales and decrease in vetting has led to more counterfeit bottles—and how wine professionals can spot them. Read More...
Stanley Tucci explores Italian wines in new TV series - London-based Italian-American actor Stanley Tucci has recorded a documentary series for CNN exploring the regional cuisines and wines of Italy. Read More…
Star Wine List of the Year Netherlands – all the finalists - On 16 February, Star Wine List celebrated the top wine lists in the Netherlands. Now the jury has deliberated – and here are all the finalists! Read More…
Welcome to the World of Elite Flair - With first-place finishes in over 85 competitions, Tom Dyer is one of the most decorated flair bartenders in the world—a Steph Curry figure in the realm of spinning, twirling and tossing bar ware, all in service of crafting the most theatrical Long Island Iced Tea to ever land on a bar top. Read More…
Canadian Wine Is Better Than You Think - Canada’s drinks résumé has a few notable beverages on it. Whether it’s the Bloody Caesar, Newfoundland Screech, or good ol’ Molson Canadian, Canuck libations seem to stand out against international counterparts. The Canadian wine industry may still be in its infancy compared to Old World wine-producing regions, but according to a 2015 Economic Impact report from Wine Growers Canada, Canadian wine production totals more than 20 million 9-liter cases, with $1.24 billion in revenue reported by wineries. Read More…
Wine Releases
Taaibosch Crescendo 2018 - The most profound Stellenbosch release of the decade? Profound, poised and authentic, this maiden release is the most exciting new project to come out of Stellenbosch in a decade. The Taaibosch 2018 Crescendo continues the legacy of the famed Cordoba Crescendo of the late ‘90s. Read More…
Seriously Old Dirt 2019 – Vilafonte Release the Newest Edition of Their Sought-After Second Wine - The success and popularity of the Seriously Old Dirt label by Vilafonte has undoubtedly been one of the most significant success stories within the South African wine industry over the past 5 years. Read More…
Events
Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Decorative Arts, Jewellery and Wine - In order to achieve the best possible results on our online-only auction platform, and to make the bidding process as fair and manageable as possible for sellers and all prospective bidders, we have implemented lot bidding extensions and commission bids. Read More…
Polkadraai vs The World - Take an in-depth delve into all things Syrah as we compare the very special Polkadraai terroir to some of the best expressions of Syrah produced from the Cape to Côte Rotie. Friday 18 February at Somm & Co. at Karibib Wine Craft. Book through Somm & Co
Perseverance Tavern - Good morning, Cape Town! We have some exciting news. South Africa’s oldest pub is finally ready to announce their Grand Re-opening, which will take place on Friday 26 Feb! Join us for lunches and dinner, happy hour specials, sporting fixtures, special events, quiz nights, live music and much more.
International Wine Wednesday - #SaveSAwine and The Fishwives Club Presents: International Wine Wednesday. If you are a wine lover, own a winery or are involved in the wine business then join us for a magic and exciting evening where you would get the opportunity to network with others in our industry. A fantastic opportunity to introduce yourself or your business to our community.
L’Ormarins Cap Classique Brunch: Join us on the terrace of the Anthonij Rupert tasting room for your morning coffee, followed by our 4-course brunch. Paired with L’Ormarins Cap Classique wines, and complete the outing with a behind the scenes look at how our Cap Classique wines are made. Book Now...
Community Shout Out & Local Listings
Plaasdolla - Do you have family or friends you want to send a personalized gift to? We work with clients to make the dream come true. Contact us today at: +27 72 151 8117 to make it real.
Darling Cellars - Our Wednesday Lunches are BACK! This week on the menu we have Oxtail Stew with A GLASS OF WINE at R100! Please confirm your booking with a time slot 12h00/13h00 in order for us to ensure that there will be enough seating and spacing. Bookings - tasting@darlingcellars.co.za
CookieLookie_za - Order any 2 of these butter biscuit boxes between the 15th and 28th February and receive 8 finger biscuits free! Don't miss out! For inquiries please send a Whatsapp to +27 83 564 9331 or email Cookielookieza@gmail.com
Wake and Bake: Our main focus here on the site is vegan Baking. Here you can find recipes, Stock and fresh cake. Contact hello@wakeandbake.co.za or +27 84 388 3625
Haas Collective - Our weekend menu, sweets, waffles, cakes etc available. Booking essential...
More from the Local Listings section
For next weeks community updates, please email us your update by the 22nd of February for inclusion in our next newsletter.
And Finally The Tweet of The Week…..
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