Cape Weekly Digest | Wednesday, 23rd December, 2020
Our wine tourism roundup of local news & events
Hello Folks,
Well, it’s finally here, Christmas Week, technically what we have been waiting for the entire year. This year’s festivities promise to be slightly different to the usual end of year antics, but hopefully they will be just as special.
The new Local Market in the city centre has opened with a collection of locally produced and sourced products and 2 different eating options. Inside you can choose from a simple charcuterie platter or oysters to go with the wine served at the Penny Noire wine bar or you can go upstairs and indulge in a Lebanese mezze style meal.
In other news I went on my first wine tour! You can read all about my adventures with Reveler Tours in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek in a post I’m currently working on. We visited Oldenburg, Boschendal and Mitre’s Edge, a wine farm I had previously never tasted, but was quickly impressed by the Cabernet Franc made by Lola!
Now onto the good stuff…
- Shirley
News Roundup
Alabama Bootleggers Busted at Rainsville Waste Water Treatment Facility: Turns out there’s more than one man turning water into wine. According to a local news article released on Thursday, Alabama authorities are investigating an underground winemaking operation at the Rainsville Waste Water Treatment Facility. After receiving an anonymous complaint, the facility was searched and a large amount of illegal alcohol was seized. Read More…
Over 3,800 bottles auctioned and £58,000 raised for charity at the 2020 Christie’s DWWA auction: This year’s auction took place at Christie’s King Street headquarters, London on Thursday 10 December, two months later than usual due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Read More…
Millennials and Gen Z Could Save the Wine Industry: In the last decade, millennials have been accused of “killing” an array of industries and institutions. A writer at the New York Post accused them of unseating the Manhattan power lunch, the Philadelphia Inquirer claimed they killed mayonnaise, and, in a 2017 report, Toys “R” Us blamed stores’ declining sales on their lack of children. Be it diamonds or real estate, millennial’s have had the weight of the economy on their shoulders.
What Bottle Are Somms Saving for Post-Pandemic Celebration?: With Covid-19 numbers on the rise, it may be hard to imagine a time when gathering for large parties with friends and loved ones will once again be a regular occurrence. But for some wine lovers, putting aside a celebratory bottle to be enjoyed later is one way of staying optimistic during these trying months. Read More…
Featured Wine Releases
There are new releases from Lucas van Loggerenberg a Chardonnay from the Polkadraai and a sneaky Merlot from Helderberg. Wines available through Ex Animo Wine Co.
Embrace the fabulous flair of Chateau Del Rei Sweet Red, the latest addition to the stylish collection of sparkling wines in a can. Delight in the vibrant fruity aromas of ripened plum, strawberry and blackcurrant and savour the elegant, lingering finish long after the last sip. Wines available through Takealot.
Joel Burt and Eric Wareheim the winemakers behind Las Jaras Wines, have released their Glou Glou 2020 and it is available through their shop.
Featured Recognition & Awards
Decanter World Wine Awards 2020 Results announced: After a month of judging, the long-anticipated results of the 17th edition of the Decanter World Wine Awards are out now. Discover which wines have been awarded what in the 2020 competition. Read More…
2020 Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards Winners: The results of the 15th annual Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards once again portray the Western Cape as a particularly versatile area with diverse and excellent terroir, which produces a variety of top quality wines. Altogether five trophies and 32 national winners were named. Read More…
Boschendal and Groot Constantia among world’s very best at IWC 2020: In the last of the world’s major wine competitions of the year, Boschendal (Franschhoek) and Groot Constantia (Cape Town) scooped two of the top trophies going – Boschendal Elgin Chardonnay 2018 named top South African White Wine and Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2019 judged best Sauvignon Blanc. Read More…
The Events Diary
Collins Grill & Butcher will be hosting a Christmas Lunch at their premises in Bellville, Cape Town. Book via +27 21 949 8944 or eat@collinsgrill.co.za
Boschendal will be hosting their Christmas Night Market on Wednesday 23rd December 2020 in The Werf area. If you haven’t done all your Christmas shopping just yet? Here’s your chance to find beautiful locally made gifts and homemade treats from the farm. Join us for an evening of leisurely gift shopping while you enjoy the festive vibe, complete with Christmas Carols and live music.
Table Bay Mall will be hosting their Festive Craft & Gift Fair from the 21st till the 27th December 2020.
Using the sounds of the ocean to guide your breath join Tammy from The Om Revolution every Sunday evening for a magical practice on Clifton 3rd Beach.
The most anticipated event of the Cape Town summer is back! Daycation is presented by Savanna Cider in a new Camps Bay location, the laid back, afternoon poolside soiree promises to serve the best vibe with our curated drinks, food and music, against the best backdrop in the city. Tickets available through Howler or on the Mogli.Mobi app.
Community Shout Out & Classifieds
Lots of yummy choices and social distancing at the fabulous new food/cafe market, Makers Landing by the Docks, just past V&A Waterfront who have created this brilliant incubator space. Read More…
Thanks to a friend Pam McOnie discovered a wonderful Italian deli in the St John’s centre called Sadhu Deli. She met the proud manager Omega who warmly welcomed them into his oasis that celebrates Italian cuisine as well as an awesome range of fun deli products that will tempt any foodie shopper.
Barbara Saacks Catering is offering a delicious Christmas special, meals can be made vegan or vegetarian. Pickup or food delivery available, contact Barbara on +27 83 448 2085 to order!
Catherine Gillespie from MotherShucker is delivering fresh oysters on Christmas eve afternoon, otherwise has oysters available for collection in Tamboerskloof on Christmas morning. Minimum of a dozen at R14 each, and R35 delivery. Whatsapp Catherine on +27 82 433 6862.
Looking for easy-drinking holiday wine? The Leopard's Leap Classic range is the way to go! They're great for lazy lunches and family braais and will fit your style, whether you're setting a table, relaxing next to the pool or pouring a late night sipper!
A Christmas present was handed to the South African wine industry in the form of an announcement from one of the country’s biggest retailers. Today, Pick n Pay issued a media release to say that it has committed to buying 25 million bottles of wine in 2021 to support the local wine industry as it battles post-lockdown financial strains from prolonged restrictions on trade and export. Read More…
One of the brightest young stars in South African winemaking has joined the team at Bellingham, where she will be working alongside head winemaker Richard Duckitt. Welcome Arlene Mains to the fold, a winemaker who has achieved an impressive CV in her relatively short career.
More from the Classifieds section
For next weeks community updates, please email us your update by the 28th of December for inclusion in our next newsletter - admin@winetarte.com
And Finally The Tweet of The Week…..
It’s Christmas week and I hope you and yours get what you desire most …
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Merry Christmas lovely Shirley and may 2021 be all you wish it to be. xx