Tag Archives: Distell

Matt’s Homespun opens second restaurant, at The Andros Boutique Hotel in Claremont

 

I have the highest regard for Chef Matt Schreuder of Homespun in Blouberg, for the creativity of his world class Secret Supper Club in particular, and his Tasting Menus which are of a Top 10 Restaurant standard.

Ahead of the official opening on Friday 18 June, I was invited to a ‘friends and family’ preview of Chef Matt’s new Homespun at The Andros 5 star Boutique Hotel in Claremont on Saturday evening. It was my first visit to the Hotel.  The Hotel has an old-world charm and dates back to 1908. It was designed by renowned Sir Herbert Baker.  It has 15 rooms. Parking is available on the propperty. It has a delightful Champagne Bar. Continue reading →

SA Plastics Pact established, City of Cape Town first municipality in SA to face plastic waste and pollution!

 

South Africa is the first country in Africa to have joined the international The Plastics Pact, and the City of Cape Town is the first municipality in our country to have joined the South African Plastics Pact, which was established last month. Continue reading →

Shimmy Beach Club introduces its new 2017 Winter Menu, paired with Bloemendal wines!

It is ironic that Shimmy Beach Club introduced its Winter Menu with a media lunch on an almost ‘summery’ day, for the second year running! It was a sociable event, and the food served in taster portions was a step up from previous Winter Menu launch lunches I have attended in the past. Continue reading →

Distell crowned tops at 2016 Veritas Awards!

imageMulti-wine and brandy brand company Distell was crowned as top producer at the Veritas Awards Gala Dinner at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday evening, winning two Double Gold and 12 Gold Awards. Distell also won Best Performer by Enry, in the 10+ Entry wine category. A total of 30 Double Gold and 130 Gold awards were awarded to 1760 entries. Continue reading →

Nederburg introduces new labels for global marketing drive!

NEDERBURG NEW LOGOIn launching a multi-million Rand global campaign for Nederburg, the brand has had a make-over, and its new label and packaging are being launched piece-meal, commencing with their 56HUNDRED.

The Nederburg brand crest is far more prominent compared to past label designs, ‘to clearly convey Nederburg’s heritage, pedigree and sophistication, to establish a stronger family resemblance across the range and to amplify shelf stand-out’,  said Carina Gous, head of the Distell luxury brand portfolio into which Nederburg falls.  ‘The redesigned,

Continue reading →

FNB Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Top 10 announced at Val de Vie!

imageThe FNB Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Top 10 wines were announced over a lunch held at Val de Vie today!

Invited guests included the Top 20 Finalists for the awards, and tasting tables had been set up to allow the twenty Finalist wines to be tasted. No one knew who would make the Top 10 list.  A shelf had been set up to display all top twenty Continue reading →

25th Veritas Awards crown KWV as 2015 king of the wine industry!

imageLast night KWV was crowned as the king of the wine industry for the fifth year running, winning 5 Double Gold and 9 Gold Awards for its wines, more than any other winemaker. Nederburg (2 Double Golds and 11 Gold Awards) and Spier (2 Double Golds and 8 Gold Awards) followed in second and third place, respectively, awarded at one of the highlights of the wine industry, a function attended by about 400 wine industry staff and media, with their partners. Kanonkop won the Best Performance by Entry title for 10 wines or fewer entered, while KWV won the title for more than 10 wines entered.  A total of 57 Double Gold, 157 Gold, 473 Silver, and 662 Bronze medals was awarded.  A mix of local and international judges evaluated the entries.

Not only were the wines with their winemakers and related staff celebrated, so too was the 25th anniversary of the Veritas Awards. The highlight of the evening for me was seeing how many women Continue reading →

Nederburg Rare South African Wine Auction 2015 raises R6,2 million, very stylish event!

imageThe 41st Nederburg Rare South African Wine Auction raised a record R6,2 million over the past two days, in what is one of the highlights of the wine industry events calendar. A total of 67 wineries, four being new (Anura, Axe Hill, Bloemendal, Pella) this year, participated in the Auction.

The second highest average price per liter was achieved this year, says Nederburg Auction Manager Dalene Steyn. The trend of last year to achieving premium price continued this year, the largest number of private buyers ever creating strong competitive bidding, with an average price per liter of R576. Record price per liter was achieved for the Fortified, Cap Classique, Port, and Dry White wine categories. UK wine judge Tim Atkin said that our local wines are still undervalued, especially Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 5 March

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   Kfm news reports that the fire caused by lightning in Cape Point Nature Reserve yesterday has flared up again, threatening that area.

*   Distell is launching Nederburg Heritage Heroes in the UK, including The Motocycle (sic) Marvel, The Brew Master, The Young Airhawk, The Anchorman, and The Beautiful Lady.  The wine range is being targeted at fine-dining restaurants.

*   The wine industry is committing to exporting more of our wines in bottles rather than in Continue reading →

Stellenbosch Hills connects the dots at launch of its latest vintages at La Mouette!

StellenboschHills Banner Whale CottageI haven’t been to La Mouette in years, so accepted the invitation from Waterford Communications to attend the launch of the latest vintages of Stellenbosch Hills, and a spoiling 7-course Tasting Menu, a relaxed event ending off a very busy functions week.

We were met outside in the courtyard, and offered  the 2014 vintage of Stellenbosch Hills’ Polkadraai Pinot Noir Sparkling Rosé.  Polkadraai is one of the Stellenbosch Hills ranges, and uses polka dots for its neck wrapper design, in different colours. The design lifts Stellenbosch Hills Polkadraai Pinot Noir Sparkling Rose 2014 Whale Cottagethe image of the brand.  With the sparkling wine we were served the moreish La Mouette feta and truffle and Gruyére croquettes, as well as chicken satay.  Cellarmaster PG Slabbert welcomed us once we had moved into one of the restaurant rooms, sitting at three long tables, and shared that Stellenbosch Hills is a co-operative which has been in existence for 69 years.  A big celebration for the 70th anniversary is planned.  The 8000 tons of grapes harvested come Continue reading →