Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   Du Toitskloof Wines is the official wine sponsor of Seasons 2 – 4 of Kokkedoor, the Afrikaans cooking program filmed in Prince Albert and broadcast on kykNET.  Teams of amateur and experienced chefs are ‘paired’ in teams of two, and are eliminated over the duration of the series. (received via media release from De Kock Communications)

*   At the Aviation Association of Southern Africa Conference held last week, the question was raised about SAA being a Government-funded airline.  It was suggested that it be sold off to a commercial operator, and that the government should make the operation of all airlines financially viable.

*   The First Lady of Equatorial Guinea, Mrs Constancia Mangue de Obiang, has been named ‘Mother Africa’, taking over the title from Winnie Mandela.

*    American travel and food show ‘Parts Unknown’ host Anthony Bourdain visited Johannesburg earlier this year, in search of our unique cuisine, and found little that is African,  finding more of a ‘mish mash‘ and a ‘melting pot’ of cultures influencing our food.  The episode featuring Johannesburg will be flighted on CNN International at 17h00 this Friday.

*   Fleur du Cap is offering winetasting guidance to new wine drinkers at their new Wine Novice Tasting Club at Die Bergkelder on the first Thursday of every month, commencing on 31 October.  The aim of the Club is to explain wine terminology, and to guide wine drinkers on how to sniff and swirl. (received via GC Communications)

*   The International Maths Olympiad will be held in Cape Town for the first time, from 3 – 13 July next year.  Learners from 100 countries will participate. (via Facebook)

*   Hartenberg is offering daily canapé and wine pairings (at R100), and picnics which include a bottle of wine for two to share (at R150 per person). (received via Smart Communications & Events)

*   The Twelve Apostles Hotel is hosting a star-studded 3- course dinner with a difference on 29 January, which it is calling ‘Astronomy Gastronomy’.   Dining in the Café Grill first, the guests will then be taken through the hotels’  herb garden to The Kraal above the hotel, to star gaze with Kechil Kirkham and Chris de Coning from Over the Moon Tours. (received via media release from FIVE STAR PR)

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com  Twitter: @WhaleCottage