Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   The Garden Route has been named as the best golf destination in Africa and the Middle East.

*   Solms-Delta is one of only 15 recipients  (one of three from South Africa – Bushman’s Kloof Wildlife Reserve and Camp Jabulani) of the Travel + Leisure Global Vision Awards 2013, ‘all of which ‘embody the extraordinary ways that travellers can give back to the places we visit’.  Solms-Delta empowers its workers through profit-sharing, equity, land-ownership, educational scholarships, music-based heritage projects, and other socially and culturally uplifting programmes. (received via media release from Paula Wilson Media Consulting)

*   Tim James of Grape blog has won the inaugural Du Toitskloof Wines Wine Writer of the Year competition, of which the theme was Climate Change and its effect on the South African wine industry.  The prize value is R30000. (received via media release from De Kock Communications)

*  Neil Ellis Sincerely Sauvignon Blanc is recommended for Thanksgiving dinner in Oklahoma.

*   Lourensford, in conjunction with Checkers, is hosting its first Food and Wine Affair on 15 and 16 February. Local wines, craft beers, artisanal chocolates, charcuterie, sushi, cheeses,  freshly baked breads, cocktails, and sparkling wines will be available for tasting. Entrance and tasting glass R80. (received via media release from Smart Communications and Events)

*   Allée Bleue is offering its Chicnics again, a family picnic on the lawns, packed with ‘goodies’ grown on the farm. ‘Prices start from R150′. (received via media release from Manley Communications)

*   Gourmetboerie is celebrating its first anniversary with a number of specials this month.

*   The Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa says that its professional hunters made R90 million less in 2012 compared to 2011.  This comment comes in reaction to the outcry about American hunter Melissa Bachman shooting a lion in our country, and proudly Instagraming and Facebooking it!

*   Food24 has by far the highest number of ‘unique browsers’ of all food sites, with 400000 measured in October.  Recipes are the most searched section of the site, and the recipe for malva pudding is the most popular of all.

*   Health food chain Kauai, with 130 outlets locally, is opening its first international branch next month, in Dubai.  More branches are to be opened internationally.

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