Celebrate hope and togetherness at Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate in Stellenbosch this Easter (29 March to 1 April).

Enjoy special moments with family and friends, while savouring fine wine and delicious food, and taking in the breathtaking beauty and tranquil atmosphere of this historic farm that dates to 1696.

The culinary team has conceived a special Easter-inspired platter for two, brimming with locally-sourced cured meats, cheeses and fresh ingredients, and offered with a glass of Vergenoegd Löw wine per person, at only R360. These are available to order throughout the Easter weekend (walk-in visitors are welcome), but could also be pre-booked.

The culinary team has conceived a special Easter-inspired platter for two

Keep the kids entertained on Easter Sunday with an exciting Easter egg hunt between 11:00 and 12:00, at R150 per child.

Go to https://vergenoegd.co.za/product/easter-sunday to book. Please note, bookings for the Easter egg hunt closes on 27 March, so don’t delay!

For more on the estate’s regular offerings, please visit https://vergenoegd.co.za/.

Keep the kids entertained on Easter Sunday with an exciting Easter egg hunt between 11:00 and 12:00, at R150 per child.

Issued by: AUGUST COLLECTIVE

Pictures: SUPPLIED

©2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA 

Wine Tourism Conference To Address Ways To Boost Wine Tourism Profits

The eighth annual Wine Tourism Conference, that takes place on 30 May, will feature an impressive line-up of international and local speakers who will give “The Business Case for Wine Tourism”, the theme for this year’s event.

Sponsored by Wesgro, Delta Air Lines, the Stellenbosch Wine Route and South Africa Wine, the day-long event at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch, is being convened by tourism and hospitality specialist, Margi Biggs.

She says South African wine tourism is following the same upward trajectory evident elsewhere in the world. “Figures released by Statistics South Africa show international tourist arrivals from January to November 2023 reached 7.6 million, a year-on-year increase of 52%.”

She adds that traffic through Cape Town Airport’s domestic arrivals rose by 20% in December, compared with 2022.

“While the total international visitor count is still almost 18% lower than in pre-Covid 2019, we are seeing a strong rebound.”

In a recent trends report published by Bizcommunity, South Africa Wine CEO Rico Basson confirms that despite challenges faced by the local wine industry, the “bright spot” is the “exponential growth of wine tourism”. He said that “South Africa’s winelands, renowned for its world-class offerings, are becoming a magnet for recurring visitors. This trend generates revenue for wineries and builds the country’s image as a destination rich in beauty and experiences.”

Biggs believes further growth can be expected flowing from Cape Town coming in at the number two position in Time Out’s ‘50 Best Cities for 2024’ list.

“We think the new Winelands airport, expected to be operational by 2027 will also be a big growth driver. This is the time for us to get ourselves ready for the upswing.”

South African wine tourism is following the same upward trajectory evident elsewhere in the world

US wine tourism and marketing supremo Paul Wagner has been marshalled as headline speaker for the conference. A veteran member of Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Winery Technology Department, he speaks worldwide on wine and wine tourism with a strong accent on marketing and communication.

Australian Peter McAtamney, who heads Wine Business Solutions (Australia), global specialists in wine market research, wine education and direct to consumer (DTC) wine business, will discuss how to optimise revenue with effective wine tourism business strategies.

Mike Ratcliffe, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, who has been a leading player in underscoring the pre-eminence of Stellenbosch as a district of excellence, will talk on how to boost wine tourism profitability. He was a major contributor to the success of Warwick Wines and more recently, Vilafonté, established as the first South African/US joint wine venture.

Meanwhile, Mark Wilkinson, director of the Cape Winelands Airport, as well as Kevin Campbell of Delta Air Lines, will be outlining the business case for air access to the winelands.

Francois Rautenbach, formerly of Singita, a highly successful group of luxury lodges across Africa, will look at the benefits of tourism and wine partnerships. He established Singita’s successful Premier Wine Direct programme that gives guests the opportunity to buy and ship wines home that they have enjoyed on safari.

South Africa’s winelands are renowned for its world-class offerings

Other specialist tourism speakers include Eric Matkovich, founder of leading US wine importer Cape Ardor, who will talk on the lifetime value of a tasting room sales conversion; and Xania van der Merwe, a seasoned wine marketer and customer experience manager, who is set to discuss key principles of creating a successful wine tourism business.

Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander will open the conference.

A number of workshops will be run after the presentations, with a report-back session scheduled to conclude the conference before an informal wine tasting by Stellenbosch Wine Route.

The early-bird rate to attend the conference is R3 450 per person. If you book after 30 April, the cost per person escalates to R4 450 per head.

Go to https://winetourism.co.za/register/ to reserve your seat.

For further details, please visit https://winetourism.co.za/.

A Wellington wine estate is carving its niche in international mountain biking circles. 

Canetsfontein Organic Wine Estate is located at the foot of the iconic Bainskloof Pass outside Wellington.

So much so that with the advent of the prestigious 2024 ABSA Cape Epic, the term 'Cliffhanger' has gained new significance, resonating with both mountain biking and healthier wine enthusiasts.

Canetsfontein Organic Wine Estate, located at the foot of the iconic Bainskloof Pass outside Wellington, is an official route partner of the ABSA Cape Epic this year. Anticipation is building up for Canetsfontein's new world-class singletrack, named Cliffhanger, which will challenge riders to a climb of 1 000 metres above sea level on Thursday 21 March 2024. At the same time on this public holiday, wine enthusiasts can come and enjoy Canetsfontein's new mountain bike-inspired red wine at the Go Wellington family festival at the popular Old Tannery destination just outside Wellington.

Cliffhanger ascent: Canetsfontein's new world-class singletrack, named Cliffhanger, challenges riders to a climb of 1 000 metres above sea level during the 2024 ABSA Cape Epic.

A new era: In harmony with nature

During the Imbuko Big Five MTB Challenge on 18 February 2024, the first mountain bike race featuring the Cliffhanger, riders compared it to a world-class Tour de France experience. Crafted by Pieter van Wyk, a renowned Wellington and Cape Epic trail builder, professional riders tout the Cliffhanger as one of the world’s most challenging trails.

As the Cliffhanger winds through pristine fynbos along the Hawequa mountain range, Canetsfontein's vineyards thrive in harmony with nature. While winemaking at Canetsfontein dates to 1781, a new era dawned when the Falk family acquired the farm in 1994. Expanding Canetsfontein into a diverse agricultural estate, the focus shifted to organic and sustainable farming, yielding outstanding wines lauded with accolades over the years.

Cliffhanger Descent: Professional riders tout the Cliffhanger, Canetsfontein's new world-class singletrack, as one of the world’s most challenging trails.

Motivation: A healthy lifestyle inspires healthier wine, naturally preserved with honeybush and rooibos

Canetsfontein’s latest release is the Cliffhanger Organic Red 2022, a wine inspired by mountain biking, nature, and a health-conscious lifestyle. This vegan, 100% certified organic, and sulphur-free wine invites adventurous wine drinkers to explore something new and different, a healthier wine naturally preserved with honeybush and rooibos.

According to Alexander Falk, Canetsfontein's owner, Cliffhanger pays homage to the courageous riders tackling one of the world's most formidable mountain biking routes.

"Cliffhanger is crafted for individuals embracing an active, healthy lifestyle while appreciating life's finer pleasures," says Falk. "Also, the demand for vineyards cultivated in harmony with nature has grown enormously, with more consumers around the world wanting their wine to be sulphur-free as well."

Frank Meaker, Canetsfontein's winemaker, acknowledges the challenge of creating a wine that ticks all the boxes while delivering quality and exceptional taste. “Due to Canetsfontein's replanting programme, their organic vineyards are still in their infancy, thus Cliffhanger's 2022 vintage is a blend of selected varieties from 20-year-old premium organic vineyards in the coastal region," explains Meaker.

Meaker suggests approaching Cliffhanger with the same fearlessness as tackling a mountain bike trail. "Aromas of dried fruit, ripe cherries, and mulberry will lure you down the slope, while hints of chocolate will quicken the pulse, and gentle spice and vanilla notes will reward you at the finish. Enjoy it chilled on an epic day!"

Meaker explains that by using an innovative, patented method for natural winemaking, they can naturally preserve the wine with antioxidants from honeybush and rooibos plants, eliminating the need for chemical preservatives like sulphur. "Within this wine's deep, vivid red colour lies inherent wholesomeness, akin to the health benefits of blueberries."

Challenging and innovative, Cliffhanger, the wine and the trail both call for further exploration. It's no wonder the Falk family crest features a dragon – keep an eye out for it on Canetsfontein's wine labels!

Celebration: Enjoy the Cliffhanger at the Go Wellington Family Festival

You can taste and buy Canetsfontein's Cliffhanger wine along with wines from other wineries on the Wellington Wine Route at the Go Wellington family festival, on the Human Rights Day public holiday, Thursday 21 March 2024. The festival will be held from 10:00 to 18:00 at the Old Tannery venue, just outside Wellington. In addition to wine tasting, there will be food stalls, activities for children, and live music.

Admission is R150 for adults and R50 for children under 18, available online via Quicket at www.quicket.co.za/events/249290-go-wellington-family-festival/#/. This celebration presents an ideal opportunity to explore the Boland and to extend the experience over a long weekend during the school holidays. Visit the wine route's new website, www.gowellington.co.za, for details on activities and accommodation in Wellington.

Tasting notes: Canetsfontein Cliffhanger Organic Red 2022

Canetsfontein Cliffhanger Organic Red 2022 is a light to medium bodied wine with a deep red, vibrant colour. Aromas of dark blueberries and chocolate flavours are complemented by soft fruit tannins. A light wood treatment brings out spice and vanilla flavours. The fact that no sulphur has been added increases the fresh fruitiness of the wine. Cliffhanger complements dishes such as fish, duck, red meat, pork pasta and salads. Chill and serve at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Canetsfontein Cliffhanger Organic Red 2022 is priced at R130 per bottle or R780 per case of six bottles, available for purchase in Canetsfontein's online wine shop, with nationwide delivery, at https://canetsfontein.com/product/canetsfontein-cliffhanger-organic-red-2022/.

Exclusive: Reserve your MTB experience

Canetsfontein's mountain biking trails are accessible by appointment or invitation, as well as to registered local residents, at full-day fees providing exclusive access to the trail.

For enquiries and bookings, contact +27 (0) 71 248 1222, email info@canetsfontein.com, visit https://canetsfontein.com/, and follow @canetsfonteinwines on Facebook and Instagram.

Issued by: YOLANDI DE WET PR 
Pictures: SUPPLIED




© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

School holidays are around the corner and looking for things to do with the kids and family? 

Perdeberg Restaurant
Enjoy bistro-style meals at Perdeberg Restaurant with its new menu, which ranges from a refreshed breakfast offering, delicious main course dishes and not forgetting tasty pizzas. The young ones (under 10) have their menu to choose from. An exciting addition to the menu is that you are now able to enjoy the bespoke wine pairings in the comfort of the restaurant. These include the unique candy floss pairing, marshmallow pairing as well as the kiddies pairing.

From Sunday, 17th of March between 12 pm and 3 pm you’ll get to enjoy live music. Pre-booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

On Sunday, 31 March join us for a two-course Easter-inspired lunch. Enjoy slow-roasted lamb with lemon, garlic and Rosemary, served with grilled baby brinjals and drizzled with a herby yoghurt dressing. End off with red wine-poached pears served with Mascarpone cheese. R285 per person and R195 for children under 14. Pre-bookings are preferred via DinePlan.

When visiting the restaurant between 29 and 31 March, pre-book a kiddies’ Easter Egg Decoration Kit (R95 each), share your creation on Facebook, tagging Perdeberg Wines (using the hashtag # EASTERATPERDEBERG) and stand the chance of winning a children’s bicycle to the value of R1 500.

Biltong & Wine Pairing
We’re bringing two South African favourites together. Biltong and wine. Four of our wines have each been paired with a different biltong to showcase how perfectly these two can enhance each other’s flavour profiles. The Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc is paired with a BBQ biltong, the Classic Chenin Blanc with a Fruit Chutney biltong, the Vineyard Collection Pinotage works beautifully with Kudu biltong, while the Vineyard Collection Malbec favours chilli biltong. For more information or to make a booking, contact the Tasting Room at Perdeberg at either tasting@perdeberg.co.za or 021 869 8244.

For more information, visit www.perdeberg.co.za.

Issued by: ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS
Pictures: SUPPLIED




© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

Hop over to Middelvlei Wines in Stellenbosch on Saturday, 30 March for a fun Easter-inspired outing. 

Resident braai expert, Pinky, braais your meat to perfection while you tuck into freshly baked potbrood with lashings of homemade snoek pate or jam. Your meat selection, which comprises a juicy lamb chop, chicken sosatie and the most delicious boerewors you’ll ever eat, is accompanied by a potato salad, green salad and pumpkin fritters (sprinkled with cinnamon sugar of course). A kiddies option is also available.

Although this is Middelvlei’s signature meal offering on the 30th and keeping with the theme of Easter, guests will have the option of either ordering delicious homemade pickled fish or a hamburger and chips (with Middelvlei’s special touch added to the bun). Live music by O’Ryan Winter between 12pm and 3pm will add that extra touch to an already fun day out for young and old.

While the adults take in the scenery and enjoy their glass of wine, the kids have free roam of the property to explore or feed the farm animals.

Farm life in the heart of the bustling Stellenbosch. What more could you ask for?

For more information visit www.middelvlei.co.za or contact 083 290 7080.

Issued by: ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS
Pictures: SUPPLIED




© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

INTRODUCING JACK@SKYE ROOFTOP BAR AND RESTAURANT
The First Ever Rooftop Wine Tasting Centre in the Mother City

Bruce Jack, legendary winemaker extraordinaire, has opened a cellar door in the Mother City, the one-and-only, first-ever rooftop wine tasting centre with a pool deck and spectacular 360° views.

Perched atop the 6th floor of The Hyde Hotel in London Road Sea Point, Jack@Skye boasts a stunning panorama that showcases Cape Town in all its glory, encompassing Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion's Head, the Atlantic Ocean, the vibrant city skyline and of course the most beautiful sunsets. There’s no better way to soak up all that Cape Town has to offer than to sit on top of the world, sipping on your favourite Bruce Jack wine.

Embrace the splendour of the ocean and mountains while knowledgeable brand ambassador Awonke Tyumse expertly guides you through your choice of the various wine tasting flights on offer across over 37 different Bruce Jack wines, and the Cluver & Jack Single Estate Cider. Or opt for a selection of delicious wine and canapé pairings. Some of the favourites include the Bruce Jack Lifestyle Sauvignon Blanc complemented by white fish tataki with fennel and apple salsa, the Bruce Jack Reserve Viognier accompanied by a smoked salmon blini with crème fraîche, pickled red onion, lemon pearls and dill, and Bruce Jack ‘Flag Of Truce’ Pinotage enjoyed with a mini charcuterie skewer incorporating salami, parmesan, olives and sundried tomato on a slice of baguette.

Jack@SKYE offers both chic and relaxed seating indoors, or on the open-air terrace, and a mix of sleek dining tables, casual cocktail nooks and comfy loungers perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic evening for two. Watch the glorious sunset and stay for dinner.

The SKYE restaurant’s delectable summer menu is Spanish tapas in style and offers something for everyone, including an impressive selection of pintxos for sharing. Jack@SKYE promises a perfect pairing of delicious food and exceptional wine, with a choice of 37 highly acclaimed Bruce Jack wines to perfectly complement your dish of choice. SKYE restaurant and Rooftop Bar is open seven days a week. Bookings are recommended to secure a nice table, walk-ins are welcome. Bookings via 021 434 0205 or @dineplan_app or reservations@thehydehotel.com.

Saturdays are especially festive on the rooftop, with live music events elevating your experience to new heights between 17h00 and 20h00. For the romantics Tuesday Date Night celebrations are a must! Follow Jack@SKYE on social media to keep abreast of upcoming sunset sessions and events.

Bruce Jack, winemaker, writer, poet, philosopher, philanthropist, surfer and lover of life, believes and that wine is an historic, sophisticated, intriguing and joyful staple in an otherwise confusing and chaotic world, and that value is the master of wine. He specialises in making little bottles of joy, believing that wine crafted with love adds joy to the world, and that opening his cellar in the city will ‘Jack up Joy’ in Cape Town.

So Joy’n the Fun at Jack@SKYE where it is always Joy O’Clock! Indulge in a delightful journey through Bruce Jack’s carefully crafted wines, and food and wine pairings: Tuesday to Saturday from 12h00 to 19h00. Don’t miss this unique and unforgettable rooftop experience, embracing the magic of Cape Town!

JACK@SKYE ROOFTOP BAR
6th Floor, The Hyde Hotel, 13 London Road, Sea Point
www.instagram.com/jackatskyerooftopbar/
www.facebook.com/JACKATSKYEROOFTOPBAR

Hashtags: #JackAtSkye, #BruceJackWines

Bruce Jack featured in the 2023 Drinks Business Master Winemaker Top 100 and is the only South African winery to be featured in Drinks International Top 50 Most Admired Wine Brands for 4 years in a row.

Website: https://brucejack.com/

Experience Tokara in all its autumn finery...  

For one day only, a tented Farmyard transforms and comes alive with diverse offerings from Rare Plant Fair vendors showcasing a wide selection of indigenous and exotic plants intended to delight both avid gardeners and plant admirers alike. Delicious meaty and vegetarian nourishment and refreshments alongside Tokara wine and olive products will sustain visitors at the Farmyard and offer a respite from sourcing that one elusive rare plant.

The extensive farm gardens offer their own rare treats. Meandering the rolling garden walks dotted with magnificent sculptures by local artists, visitors will have the pleasure of exploring the dedicated oasis of indigenous plants, discovering the climbing terraces of the picking garden, the rising path at the wetlands, and the babbling mountain stream dipping down the hill into a soothing lily pond. Bordering the tranquil farm dam the enchanting textural cork oak forest walk offers glimpses of the vast sloping Big Lawn dominated by Dionysus, a massive stone man at rest, and at his back, the Boat House hovering at the water’s edge.

The rarest experience will surely be the unique and extraordinary Adamastor Moss Garden nestled into the hilly surrounds near the Boat House. The past two years have seen the remarkable integration of local sandstone, granite, indigenous mosses and fynbos in the ever-evolving Adamastor Moss Garden. The latest addition of carefully selected Paarl granite, hand-chiselled into beautiful pieces of art and rectangular and linear forms, creates a kaleidoscope of muted hues and textures. With the masonry of hewn stone lintels that frame the garden just completed, visitors to this enchanted refuge can experience the true beauty and quietude reminiscent of a Japanese-inspired South African landscape.

Visitors meandering the garden walks can enjoy a picnic delight on the Big Lawn. Pre-ordered Rare Fare Picnic Boxes prepared by the Tokara Delicatessen can be collected at the Boat House (about 400m downhill from the Farmyard). Sumptuous local delights in the adults’ Picnic Box for 2 @ R495 include a bottle of pre-selected Tokara wine and a Child’s Box @ R150 includes snack bites, juice and a game. The Rare Fare Picnic Boxes can only be pre-ordered via email at projects@tokara.com and be collected at the Boat House on the day.

The Tokara Rare Plant Fair and Autumn Open Garden 2024 will be open from 08h00 until 16h00. Entry at R50 per adult is payable on the day at the gate and is earmarked for a local charity. All Tokara facilities, the Tasting Lounge, fine dining Restaurant and Delicatessen will be open as usual on the Saturday. For more information, visit www.rareplantfair.co.za or email info@rareplantfair.co.za

Diary listing information:

Date:        Saturday, 20 April 2024
Time:        08h00 – 16h00

Venue:     Tokara Wine and Olive Farm, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch 

Contact:   opengarden@tokara.com  |   www.rareplantfair.co.za
Tickets:    R50 per adult payable on the day at the farm gate, no pre-booking.
                 Food, drinks and seating available at the Farmyard on the day, but
                 Picnic Boxes for the Boat House/Big Lawn area must pre-booked and
                 paid for by emailing projects@tokara.com

Issued by: GC COMMUNICATIONS

Pictures: SUPPLIED

©2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA 

When the blending component is Zinfandel (62%) and Malbec (38%) you are guaranteed of a stellar Rosé. 

When the producer happens to be Blaauwklippen in Stellenbosch you know this is going to be a wine everyone will be talking about.

The grapes for this wine were sourced from vineyards planted in Tukulu and Kroonstad soils (Zinfandel), while the vines responsible for the Malbec grapes were planted in Klapmuts soil. Picked by hand, the grapes were transported to Blaauwklippen’s cellar for processing. Light whole bunch pressing resulted in optimal flavour and light colour extraction. The result is a delicate rose gold-coloured wine with notes of strawberries, Turkish delight and citrus peel on the nose. According to winemaker, Narina Cloete, the lush and creamy mouthfeel has a mineral core with savoury poise and a refreshing finish.

The better wine to sip on a balmy Summer’s evening, the Blaauwklippen Rosé 2023 can be enjoyed on its own and is the perfect food partner to seafood and light curry dishes. Purchase directly from the Tasting House and online at R160 per bottle. Also available at selected outlets, nationwide.

For more information visit www.blaauwklippen.com.

Founded in 1682, Blaauwklippen is one of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch. Etched between ancient blue granite boulders on the slopes of mineral-rich mountain soils, winemaker Narina Cloete and her team produce authentic wines in harmony with the simplicity of country living.

Issued by: ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS
Pictures: SUPPLIED + FACEBOOK




© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

The Summer Wines Festival is back!

… with a wide range of great wines to taste, superb food and live music

The always popular Summer Wines Festival is back for another outing and this year takes place at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards in Franschhoek on Saturday, March 9 from 12:00 to 17:00.

Eleven of the country’s top wineries will be taking part, including Anthonij Rupert Wyne, Dieu Donné Vineyards, Great Heart Wines, Haute Cabrière, Holden Manz Wine Estate, inVINcible wine shoppe, La Motte Leopard's Leap, Lynx Wines and Rupert and Rothschild Vignerons.

Says event organiser Darielle Robertson: “We’ve asked each of the producers to bring along two of their favourite summer wines to give festivalgoers as wide a range as possible to taste, and I’m pleased to say that the selection includes Blanc de Noirs, Chardonnays, Chenin Blancs, Rosés, Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Noirs and even a Cap Classique or two.

“So something for every palate and lots for guests to choose from, explore and hopefully find something new that they like.”

Robertson points out that the ticket price includes “a branded souvenir tasting glass and tastings from all exhibitors, so potentially around 20 tastings per person.”

Tastings will run from 12 noon until 3pm and thereafter attendees can buy bottles of their favourite wine – many at special discounted festival-only prices – and relax on the lawns of Leopard’s Leap while listening to live music from everyone’s favourite singer/songwriter, Leigh Hondy.

With a voice that's a unique blend of husky and raspy tones, Hondy draws inspiration from artists such as John Legend and John Mayer and brings a fresh sound to the world of soulful music, creating an authentic and captivating listening experience for all.

“I think there’s nothing better than chilling with friends over a glass of wine while listening to great music and watching the setting sun,” says Robertson.

The dress theme for the Franschhoek Summer Wines Festival is ‘White Summer Elegance’.

Tickets cost R350pp (under 18s free) and are available from Webtickets.

Issued by: JAG COMMUNICATIONS
Pictures: SUPPLIED 



© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA