Cape Weekly Digest | Wednesday, 16th December, 2020
Our wine tourism roundup of local news & events
Hi folks,
This is it, the run up to the end of the year has officially begun and the rising number of “super spreader events” happening in the city bowl means I’m planning to have a quiet Christmas and New Years in.
But the last week has been a cracker! I was very generously invited to the Grub & Vine with Pam McOnie of the Cape Town Eats, Facebook Group to taste Matt Manning’s new summer menu and boy was it delicious. From the sweet ripe summer tomato arancini (deep fried risotto balls) to the crispy skinned hake served with char-grilled asparagus and black olive, all accompanied by a bottle of Charles Fox Brut Reserve MCC from Elgin Valley, absolutely divine..!
There are some exciting plans in the pipeline for The Wine Tarte! I have a few projects that I’ve started to develop, which I’m hoping to reveal to you all soon. Stay tuned!
So whatever you’re up to this weekend, remember to stay safe, stay hydrated & enjoy your wine with a smile!
- Shirley
News Roundup
Veritas Young Wine Writer 2020 announced: Burgeoning young wine writer Kristen Duff from Cape Town has clinched the coveted Veritas Young Wine Writer title for 2020. Read More…
ASC Fine Wines promotes Decanter World Wine Awards this December: Discover and save on DWWA 2020 award-winning wines that will 'undoubtedly bring extra joy to the festive season' with China's leading importer and distributor, ASC Fine Wines. Read More…
Five Reasons Sommeliers Reach for Languedoc Wines: Languedoc, in the south of France, is the type of wine country that’s an obvious sell, the perfect backdrop to play with your senses. Read More…
The Makers at Makers Landing are food producers and small businesses who celebrate a farm-to-table and nose-to-tail approach. Makers Landing is a new V&A food community, a place where connections are formed and positive change is initiated - One plate at a time.
The Events Diary
Sunday Braai Days at The Armchair: Join The Armchair in Observatory every Sunday as they hit the fire pit and braai to their hearts content! They’ll be mixing it up and doing a few braai themes from other countries so stay tuned! Book via eat@thearmchair.co.za or +27 73 902 4976
Christmas at The Royal Yacht Club: Join the Royal Cape Yacht Club for an early Xmas lunch on Sunday 20th December. While their chef is still mulling over the perfect food combinations, they can commit to a delicious menu, live background music and complimentary Xmas crackers with your meal. Book via bar@rcyc.co.za or +27 21 421 1354
The Opulent Garden presents Christmas Wonderland Market: You’re invited to a Magical Christmas Wonderland. A market-style shopping experience under the willow trees, with live music all day and a variety of delicious food and drinks. Book through Quicket
Franschhoek Village Market: Are thrilled to present their annual and vibrant Christmas celebration market on 18, 19 & 20 December 2020. A 3-day summer market, packed with speciality gifts, family moments and lots of fun – the place where locals meet.
Meet the Winemaker - Genevieve MCC: Genevieve MCC has finally hit the UK shores and is available at Vino Pronto. There is limited stock, so make sure to get yours asap for our tasting with the winemaker, Melissa, on the 18th!
Community Shout Out & Classifieds
The Stellenbosch Wine Route Ubuntu Trophy and The Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe 2020 were held at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch on the 7th of December. While the world of sommeliers is facing a standstill due to the Covid 19 pandemic, major events such as the ASI Best Sommelier of Europe & Africa have also been forced to postpone their awards until November 2021. Jean Vincent Ridon from Sommeliers Academy explored a new way to organise an international competition.
Burgeoning wine writer Kristen Duff from Cape Town, has clinched the coveted Veritas Young Wine Writer title for 2020. Duff, who heads up online communications for Publik Wine and its subsidiary, CyberCellar, won herself R15 000 in prize-money, while runner-up Le Roi van de Vyver, sales ambassador of Saxenburg Wine Estate, collected R7 500.
Congratulations to James Peterson on being appointed Wine Cellars new CEO and bon voyage to Roland Peens, Wine Cellars departing CEO after 15 years.
Moet Hennessy is pleased to share that Jasmin Allen has been named Senior Vice President, Hennessy USA. Jasmin joined MHUSA in 2016 and quickly made her mark as a rising star in the company.
Talking a fine balance between innovation and tradition to new heights, has once again proved fruitful for legacy Franschhoek Valley winery, Boschendal, as its Cap Classique winemaker, Danielle Coetsee, received the prestigious ‘’Woman Winemaker of the Year” award at the 2020 SA Women’s Wine & Spirit Awards.
Tokara Wine Estate comes of age as South African Winery of the Year. Tokara secured the crown this year by producing the overall Best Red Wine. Three category winners & five Top 10 wines in the Prescient Top 20 Wines of South Africa 2020.
Congratulations to Rudger van Wyk and the team at Stark-Condé who’s Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch was named in the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2020.
For next weeks community updates, please email us your update by the 21st of December for inclusion in our next newsletter - admin@winetarte.com
And Finally The Tweet of The Week…..
What are you leaning towards?
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