Hello,
Quite a few of our friends in the wine industry have come down with COVID-19 and it's reinforced the need for caution when moving amongst friends. It's a little sad to see us falling like flies but I truly believe we will overcome this nightmare and good old normality will return very soon.
On a positive note, my thoughts are now starting to turn to the festive season, gifts and what to drink while relaxing over the Christmas period. What's on your list, let me know in the comments section?
By the way, this week we look forward to the release of the Platters Wine Guide star ratings. We’ve heard rumblings about the opening of an online wine retail space, where wines that have been awarded 5 star status will be on sale. Now if this is true, this would free up stock for purchase by private individuals at winery prices!
Just to remind everyone, it’s the last week of zoom meetings for the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Swartland, on the 11th and 13th. If you haven't purchased the corresponding case, go out and get it so you can follow along with David Clarke and the winemakers he encounters.
- Shirley
Some Featured News On The Wine Tarte
Redefining the role of the Sommelier: The word "Sommelier" has changed dramatically over the last hundred years. The old French term, believe it or not, originally meant 'pack animal driver', which was given to the men because they used to transport goods and wine for royal households. If I needed any further motivation not to call myself a sommelier, that would be it! Read More
VinePair's 10 Best Seasonal Cocktails: Seasonality is a norm in the hospitality industry, so it stands to reason that not only will ingredients & recipes change but so will drinks & cocktails. We found an amazing site that has put together 10 fabulous cocktails, and as an added bonus they've included the recipes as well. The list of ingredients are short, the methods simply, but the results look out of this world and as an added bonus I'm sure they taste even better. Read More
Up & Coming Events
The Wine Menu is having this year's first Saturday Sipping Session Old Vine Chenin Blanc tasting in Sandton on the 14th November 2020. R250/ person, 20 ppl limit. Contact The Wine Menu for more information.
The Gåte restaurant will be re-opening from the 19th November 2020 with a new Head Chef at the helm, Jack Coetzee a former Test Kitchen employee. Contact the restaurant for reservations on gate@quoinrock.co.za or +27 21 888 47 50
The much anticipated celebration of our Heritage grape, Pinotage and Biltong Day will be held on the Pardeberg Cellars located between Durbanville & Paarl on the 14th November 2020. Tickets are currently on sale online for R250pp and will be sold at the gate for R300 pp, contact Bjorn van Oort at bjorn@cvomarketing.co.za
The Institute of Cape Wine Masters is holding the second virtual tasting on the 12th November 2020 with Naude Wines White Blend 2006 between Francois Bezuidenhout CWM & Ian Naude. This is the second in a series of six tasting zoom sessions with Cape Wine Masters and winemakers discussing the wines they have in front of them.
Head for the hills and work up a thirst with a 5km breakfast fun run/walk which takes you through the picturesque Constantia Glen wine estate this Sunday, 15 November 2020. Start time: 08h30 at Constantia Glen wine estate, price: R220 for adults and R120 for kids, booking exclusively online through Quicket.
Community Shout Out & Classifieds
Koen Roose from Spioenkop Wines and David Clarke from Ex Animo Wine Co. will be releasing the new vintages of the Spioenkop range, 2017 and 2019. The release will be held at Wine Cellar in Observatory on the 16th November 2010.
The Restaurant at Waterkloof will be closing its doors from the 22nd November 2020, announced head chef Gregory Czarnecki in a statement on the 9th November 2020. Sunday lunch will be their last service, however the Tasting Lounge and Healey's Deli will remain open for wine sales, tastings, platters, breakfasts and light lunches. Contact Waterkloof Wine Estate on 021 858 1491 or email Chef@waterkloofwines.co.za but do it quick, bookings are filling up fast.
The Kleine Zalze restaurant opened for summer from the 10th November 2020. After 16 years of the Terroir restaurant being in the space, the wine estate has re-thought the concept with Chef Nic van Wyk being brought in to lead the team through this period of transition. Call or email for reservations +27 (21) 880 8167 or restaurant@kleinezalze.co.za
The Kitchen Collective will be hosting French Fridays on the 13th November 2020 where you can learn through an interactive cooking class. In adherence to COVID-19 protocols, the class is limited to 12 people and costs R750 pp.
Madeleine Stenwreth MW spoke about whether site matters when it comes to wine. The last couple of years has brought a focus with strict regulations regarding wine of origin labelling. The zoom call was held between 12PM and 1pm on the 11th November 2020. Contact WOSA for more information.
On Saturday the 14th November 2020, Go Drive In will be screening the movie "How To Train Your Dragon" from 6pm to 10pm at the drive-in at Salt River. Tickets are available through Webticket: kids under 12 free, pensioners R70 (More ppl you cram in your car the cheaper it gets ;))
The Mash Tun at the Iron Works in Woodstock presents a Thursday Comedy Evening with 6 well known local comedians preforming from 6pm to 10pm. There is a DJ as well good food and drinks served throughout, tickets available online at R55 pp. Call 021 447 1619 to reserve your table.
For next weeks community updates, please email us your update by the 16th of November for inclusion in our next newsletter.
And Finally The Tweet of The Week…..
Saw this comment on the recent release of the 2018 Vilafonte Series C and thought, I need to get my hands on some of that!
The Wine Tarte is a lifestyle Wine Tourism Directory featuring wine, travel and weddings in Cape Town and surrounding areas. If you would like us to consider your establishment for entry, please free to drop us a line for further information.
Shout Outs, Classifieds and Directory Entries can be sent to admin@winetarte.com