Nederburg situated near Paarl has an exceptional track record for international and local awards, trailblazing innovations and refreshing, contemporary wines that combine rich fruit flavour with superb structure.It began in 1791 when Philippus Wolvaart bought the farm that lay between the Berg and Palmiet rivers for 5 600 guilders. He named it after Sebastiaan Nederburgh, […]
EXCEPTIONAL DURBANVILLE HILLS WINES
A place where city culture and viticulture connect. Durbanville Hills is located a mere 20 minutes away from the Cape Town city centre, standing proud against the Tygeberg Hills. The winery not only offers a spectacular view of Table Mountain, Table Bay and Robben Island but also an extraordinary terroir that moderates temperatures – one […]
WHISKY IN A NUTSHELL
“Whisky (from the Gaelic uisge beatha, meaning “water of life”) is a very old drink but it was the Irish, not the Scots, who are said to have produced whisky for much longer than the Scots…a fact that still irritates the Scots!” says Sandy Harper, DistelI Inter Hotel Challenge Judge and prominent Cape Wine Master. […]
ALLURING PONGRÁCZ
An elegant and distinctive Méthode Cap Classique inspired by a nobleman and refugee from the Hungarian uprising, Desiderius Pongrácz, whose sheer genius and vision revitalised viticulture in the Cape. Few people know that South Africa’s beloved Pongrácz Méthode Cap Classique was inspired by someone who spent years in a labour camp in Siberia. It is […]
ALLESVERLOREN
The Allesverloren vineyards stand proudly on the imposing Kasteelberg in the scenic Riebeek Valley of the Swartland. The history of this Swartland winery dates back to around the 1700s when settlers, upon returning from Stellenbosch where they travelled to for agricultural equipment and basic necessities, found their house burnt to the ground and their farm […]
The qualities required in a sommelier or wine steward…
Penelope Horwood gives us a meticulous count down to every detail that an aspiring young Wine Steward should note and take heed of. The qualities required in a sommelier or wine steward A sommelier or wine steward is the link between a client of a restaurant and its beverage offering. Wine and food complement each […]
HEALTH TIPS FOR LOCKDOWN By Sally-Ann Creed
So here we all are – staying at home keeping safe, and that’s a good thing! I’ve noticed two main types of people during this period – the one that is bored, doesn’t do much and can’t wait to get back to the shops, and the other is the sort of person who wants to […]
‘When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change’
Garth Stroebel, a most worthy recipient of the Lannice Snyman Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, remains an icon for many of our chefs in South Africa. Executive Chef of the Mount Nelson Hotel for many years and together with Paul Hartmann they founded the South African Chefs Academy, a highly respected establishment. Today, Garth is […]
SANDY HARPER Sharing of skills, camaraderie and a platform for you!
During this time when it is difficult to travel, the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge has become an online presence offering encouragement and direction. Sandy Harper, well known international wine judge points the way forward… “My name is Sandy Harper and together with Jean-Vincent Ridon, we will be your Wine Service Judges for the Distell Inter […]
Orientation & Launch in Gauteng for the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge 2020
The Rosa at The Palazzo was the exceptionally enchanting scene for a most spectacular evening, the Launch of the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge in Gauteng 50 guests seated at the long slender table, masses of lush red roses ran the length of this unique space, walls of stone with climbing ivy and ferns, overlooking the […]