“I would like to see a pangolin” was the request of a pax I accompanied last year! As so often happens, while the Ranger drives from the landing strip to the Lodge, the group are asked what game they would really want to see.   On this occasion I could read the Ranger’s body language as [...]

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Welgemeend Wine Estate is holding it’s first Harvest Festival on Saturday 5 April 2008, from 10h00  - 14h00.
Relax with the beautiful view of the Simonsberg as you sample classic French-styled red wines.  This occasion also marks the official release of the 2002 & 2003 vintages.There will be various wine related items on display and for sale, such as [...]

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Michael Crossley of Reciprocal Wines will be conducting a tasting of International Wines at The Lapa, Nietvoorbij Campus, Stellenbosch, on Thursday 3 April from 18h00 – 20h00.  The cost is R250 per person and those interested should contact Susan Skinner of the Cape Wine Academy for an application form – info@cwa.org.za
Wines that will be tasted [...]

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The early morning and late night chills are fair warning that we are heading away from summer, yet there is still much to enjoy in terms of food and wine in the Cape.
The Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia is just one venue that continues to please with a menu offering Cape cuisine at its best.  From [...]

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The very word specialist conjures up images of an Einstein-type character who is able to rattle off Latin names, impress with statistics and know just about everything associated with his or her area of specialism.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case where wine is concerned.  I can remember years ago chatting to a group [...]

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This is the first Oregon Pinot Noir I have tasted and the reason is two-fold; firstly we do not see much USA wine in SA wines shops, and secondly Pinot Noir from Oregon enjoys such success within the state of Washington, that it sells out fast.  Thus, I was over-joyed receiving my first Oregon Pinot Noir [...]

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There are an estimated 30 000 entries for this years DWWA and entries closed on 19 March 2008.  Are these awards important to South African producers?  Before debating this point let’s take a look at how the wines are judged and the overall International Trophy winners are assessed. 
Entries received at the Decanter warehouse are categorised [...]

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Wine Sales in South Africa have been affected by aviation laws that limit and restrict items carried on board aircrafts. Rules restricting the amount of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels that passengers are allowed to take on board in their hand luggage are collectively referred to as LAG’s.  These rules took effect in the EU and USA after [...]

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How do we get the colour red in our wine?   Well to begin with  most red grape varietals reveal a transparent, water-like colour once pressed.  The deep, red and purple colours we associate with red wine are achieved through skin contact with the must or juice.  This is an important part of red winemaking and it is [...]

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The Cape Wine Academy Wine Service Course is facilitated by Catherine Dillon of Wanderer Wines.  The course is aimed at members of the hospitality industry with focus on service delivery and product knowledge. 
Catherine lectures for the Cape Wine Academy from Intro through to Diploma level and including Front of House.  Her involvement in tourism these [...]

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