Cape Weekly Digest | Wednesday, 3rd March, 2021
Our curated roundup of local news & events for wine tourism
Hello,
Oh joy, celebrations all around as we moved into Level 1 restrictions, merely a breath away from normality as we know it. As you may know, most of South Africa is knee deep in harvests, pardon the pun. Winemakers are making decisions and choices that will shape the 2021 vintage to come, exciting times ahead people watch out!
As mentioned last week, I’ve been invited to participate in a couple of Zoom tastings with a variety of topics from super geeky to pure fun and I’ve been loving them all. They really have been opportunities to connect with other wine loving people and it’s almost like the good old days.
Last Saturday, I had the opportunity of visiting Stellenbosch to attend a harvest party held by The Vin de Classique team for the #1975 Pinotage Vineyard Harvest on the Hooggenoeg and Skoonheid vineyards. The farms are a shining example of successful collaborations, and how working together by building relationships can be beneficial for everyone involved. The grapes weren’t quite where Marais (farmer) and Guillaume (winemaker) wanted them to be, so we “harvested for the ‘Gram” then we were treated to a well earned meal at Karabib Wine & Craft, which has been on my must visit list for a while.
What a totally memorable day…
But, let’s get into what you’re really here for…
- Shirley
Cape News Roundup
Roodeberg celebrates Milk Tart Day with lavish layers of history - The traditional milk tart with its familiar sweet crust and creamy custard filling, is an enduring South African favourite that originated from Dutch settlers in the 1600s. As her tribute to Milk Tart Day, foodie Elmarie Berry has created a more luxurious version worthy of Dr Charles Niehaus 2017, Roodeberg’s top tier red blend crafted in honour of the brand’s illustrious founder. Read More...
Make a date with nature at De Hoop Collection - De Hoop Collection is ready and waiting for you – with all its Covid-19 protocols in place, and some great specials! Winter and school holidays – a time of the year when your kids are cooped up inside, irritable, bored and with nothing to do. Read More...
TOPS at SPAR Wine Show release ground-breaking industry survey - During lockdown in June 2020, TOPS at SPAR Wine Show launched the single biggest wine consumer survey ever on behalf of the South African wine industry, the Great BIG Wine Survey. Read More…
South Africa lands Conde Nast’s 2021 Best Holiday destination list - Condé Nast has listed South Africa as one of the top travel destinations for 2021 and has named a number of hotels in Cape Town and the Western Cape as must-stay locations. Read More…
How much more alcohol will cost you after Mboweni's 2021 Budget Speech - JOHANNESBURG - On Wednesday, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni announced a raft of changes for South African consumers and businesses during his Budget Speech for 2021. Read More...
International News Roundup
The Make-Ahead Martini Is My Version of Meal Prep - Making cocktails at home is kind of like cooking risotto. Sure, you can do it every day, but there are probably 10 people on earth for whom that would be practical, let alone desirable. Put another way: Making cocktails is a hassle. Read More…
Bourbon Exports Plunge 50% in Wake of Trump’s Trade War - The Trump administration left office more than a month ago but the impacts of its trade wars continue to be felt by spirits producers. With EU tariffs on American whiskey expected to imminently increase, industry professionals warn the situation will only deteriorate further. Read More…
For Wine Professionals, Loss of Smell Due to Covid-19 Raises New Concerns - It’s been nearly a year since Kelby Russell first started losing his sense of smell. During the second week of March 2020, Russell, a winemaker at Red Newt Cellars in New York’s Finger Lakes region, was in London showcasing his wines. Or at least, that was the plan. Read More...
Costières de Nîmes: The Rhône’s best kept secret - It’s only an hour’s drive from Avignon, but the further you wade into Costières de Nîmes, the more you feel the difference. Giant saw-toothed pampas grass guard the roadsides like policemen built from blue-green armored plates. While white horses scatter as you pass. This is no longer Provence; this is the Camargue, the Rhône’s sprawling delta as it feeds into the Mediterranean. Read More…
5 of the Biggest Absinthe Myths, Debunked - Absinthe’s purported power to conjure fairies and send drinkers insane endures thanks to misrepresentations in art, literature, music, and movies — and loaded, pseudo-scientific experiments. In reality, painting the so-called “Green Fairy” as some kind of conscious-expanding elixir is the work of pure fiction, the effects of which have rippled for more than 100 years. Read More…
Wine Releases
Painted Wolf Wines Launches Premium Sauvignon Blanc - This elegant wine, supported by a touch of Semillon, is reminiscent of a dry white Bordeaux and has already received 4.5 stars from Platter’s Wine Guide. The grapes were sourced from Vaalvlei Farm near Stanford, and upon discovering that a portion of the grapes were affected by botrytis, winemaker Jeremy Borg found himself dreaming of white Bordeaux and allowed this to drive the winemaking process. Read More...
Events
Free Regenerative Farming Webinar - Join us for an insightful, free webinar as our winemaker, Dirk van Zyl, interviews Dick Richardson of 'Grazing Naturally'. While winemaking is an 8,000+ year-old tradition, good wine starts with the grape, and good grapes begin with good soil. Join here.
Harvest Festival Luncheon at Muratie Vineyards - Our annual Harvest Festival has always been a highlight on our calendar but due to current restrictions we are unable to have a big event this year. Due to current regulations, we have limited seats available, so book your spot as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. All Covid protocol will be adhered to. Kindly note full payment will be required to secure your booking. For bookings please contact Tanja on festival@muratie.co.za
Picnic Season at Mellasat Vineyards - Picnic season at Mellasat Vineyards starts from March 2021. The basket consists of selection of local cheeses & charcuterie, seasonal salads & fresh fruits, some of our artisanal deli items as well as our specialty selection of chocolate truffles just to name a few. Price: R399,00 for 2 people. For reservations and enquiries contact Mellasat Vineyards on +27 21 862 4525 or send an email to tastingroom@mellasat.com.
Picnic At the Nederburg Manor - The historic Nederburg farm once again opens its lawns this summer for relaxing summer picnics. The food – freshly prepared by The Red Table restaurant in the winery’s elegant manor house – can be enjoyed under the shady oak trees in the sprawling garden. Read More...
The Great Kenton Wine Festival - Come to the Barefoot Capital of SA – Kenton on sea – Wine, dine, taste and learn more about your favourite wines and foods in this little piece of heaven along the sunshine coast. With wines from 10 of SA’s most interesting producers, as well as bespoke dinners, masterclasses and specialist food and wine events. Read More…
Community Shout Out & Local Listings
Cheesecake and Wine Pairing at Eikendal Vineyards - Our crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs with the Lemon cheesecake while the plumb berry cheesecake fuses seamlessly with the Rosé and pairing ends with Janina unwooded Chardonnay, which brings out her charm alongside the decadent salted caramel cheesecake. The pairing cost R120 per person and is available Mondays to Sundays between 10:00 - 16:00. Bookings Essential! +27 21 855 1422 or info@eikendal.co.za
Kinda Different Glitter Bombs - Kinda Different Glitter Bombs adds a burst of sparkle, shimmer and taste to drinks for a unique experience. Started by locals Gary and Helena, Kinda Different Glitter Bombs was developed during the 2020 COVID lockdown with a small home machine. Read More…
Belmond Mount Nelson Afternoon Tea at Home - Belmond Mount Nelson provides a mouthwatering array of sweet and savoury delicacies to enjoy with your friends or family. Executive Chef Rudi Liebenberg and Pastry Chef Craig Hibbert have put together a stunning selection of their best-loved Afternoon Tea classics which will be delivered to your front door, along with freshly baked scones, homemade mixed berry jam and cream. In addition, tea sommeliers have been selected to complement your treats. Read More…
Cook with Chef Charné Sampson on Live-Cook Channel - Live-Cook Channel hosts an online cook-along with Chef Charné Sampson, bringing the joys and excitement of culinary adventure right home. Read More…
Staycation Special at Pepperclub Hotel - Situated in the heart of the energetic CBD – Pepperclub Hotel is ready to host the ultimate Galentine’s Getaway giving ladies the opportunity to catch-up and bond in the famously chic CBD hotel. Read More…
More from the Local Listings section
For next weeks community updates, please email us your update by the 9th of March for inclusion in our next newsletter.
And Finally The Tweet of The Week…..
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.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn
P.S. I’d really appreciate it, if you could forward our newsletter to your friends, family and colleagues. Every little bit helps to get more exposure and recognition for our new project and at the same time helping local businesses get back on their feet! Thanks :)