South Africa’s first whisky produced from a single grain has become one of the world’s best grain whiskies and is crafted in the picturesque Bainskloof Mountains. The success of Bain’s comes down to one innovative man and his passion, Master Distiller Andy Watts. In 1991, Andy became the sixth manager of The James Sedgwick Distillery. […]
FORMIDABLE NEDERBURG
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, […]
THE EXCELLENCE OF PLAISIR DE MERLE
One of the Cape’s largest wine farms where wines are nurtured from the cultivars that grow on the east-facing slopes of the towering, sun-shading Simonsberg. The soaring peaks of the Simonsberg Mountain have long served as a guardian to the birth and triumph of the Paarl wine estate Plaisir de Merle. It is on the […]
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 […]
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 […]