Durban has always been an enthusiastic and dedicated supporter of the Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge which has been enormously heartwarming. So it is with particular pleasure that we begin a fresh year in the unique setting here in the SKY Venue at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani overlooking the Indian Ocean in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. We would […]
Orientation Workshop at DURBAN ICC
A warm welcome by Lindiwe Rakharebe, the proud CEO of the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), acknowledged as one of the leaders in their field in Africa. The reputation of the Durban ICC has spread far and wide under her inspired leadership. Executive Sous Chef Clinton Bonhomme prepared the most bountiful, hot and delicious […]
MEET THE CONCIERGES
In a top hotel the role that a good concierge plays is both indispensable and crucial. Concierges are the first port of call particularly for visitors from abroad for whom they represent the face of the hotel. They often have exclusive worldwide networks with contacts that can span continents. They are expected to deliver a […]
PRIZES IN STORE
These are exceptional opportunities for anyone wanting to accelerate their hospitality careers. The ‘Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge Wine Steward of the Year 2022’ Pieter Bekker (Taj Cape Town) (Pongrácz & Three Ship) will look forward to a 10-day internship in Ireland at the celebrated The Lodge at Ashford Castle with the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Irish […]
MEET THE WINE STEWARDS AND WAITERS
Meeting the candidates this year we were struck by the enthusiasm, warmth and joie de vivre with their appreciation of the exceptional opportunities ahead. Enjoy hearing from our wine stewards and waiters and how they describe themselves, what their goals are, who their role models are, and of course the books that they read that […]
OUT TO LUNCH AT TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA
The setting was blissful at The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa and the sea view exquisite as the wintery sun broke through the clouds. What a splendid start to the 2022 Launch of the Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge now in its tenth year and proudly going forward. The excitement of our candidates was tangible. WELCOME TOASTCrispy […]
In the news…
In the ten years since the Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge began we have seen many profound changes and none more so than the devastating COVID years. For one brief moment we wondered whether the Challenge could continue. It is testament to our partners; the hotel industry, our farming community, the wine and spirit makers and of […]
A MEMORABLE DAY AT TAJ CAPE TOWN!
Inspirational and stunning presentations were the order of the day for the Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge Orientation Workshop, which took place on Wednesday 13th July 2022 in Cape Town, the first of three regional Orientation Workshops, which are one of the most important pillars of the program ~ A day of exploration and training with role […]
ABC CONCIERGE’S CHOICE 2021
Introducing Muchi Gubwe, the Head Concierge of Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town – one of the world’s finest. A hugely responsible position that Muchi fills with distinction as the newest South African member to the Le Clefs d’Or The Britain and Commonwealth Society. To guests, the Concierge is often their first port of […]
SHOWCOOK JUDGING PANEL & MORE…
JUDGING PANEL: Wine and spirit service: Sandy Harper and Jean-Vincent Ridon Wine and food pairing: Penelope Horwood, Aubrey Ngcungama, Karen Bloom and Mark O’Flaherty, Germain Lehodey and Kristina Beuthner. Food Judges: Hugh von Zahn with Jane-Therese Mulry (JHB), Fatima Stanley (KZN) and Jocelyn Meyers-Adams (CPT) Kitchen skills: Carl van Rooyen (Capsicum Culinary Academy Cape Town), Candice Adams […]