Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   Tourism to Africa has grown by 3,8% in the past six months, and could be higher, if there were no conflict on the continent.  Growth is strongest for South Africa and Tanzania.

*   The best of the Stellenbosch Winelands will be shown off at the Sanlam Private Investments’ (SPI) fourth ‘Stellenbosch at Summer Place‘ event in Johannesburg on 30 October, pairing wines, food, art, music, and fashion from the second oldest town in the country.  It will be a ‘grapes-gourmet-and-gallery affair’, with art, fashion, finest food, and top wines.  Chefs sharing their creations are Michael Broughton of Terroir, Bertus Basson of Overture, George Jardine of Jordan Restaurant, Christiaan Campbell of Delaire Graff Estate, and Grégory Czarnecki of Waterkloof Restaurant. (via media release from Random Hat Communications)

*  James Lawrence writes that South African white wines offer very good value for money, especially those costing less than £20.  ‘I would say that today South-Africa should be your first choice when looking for an affordable top-class white wine for that special occasion‘.  He recommends Chenin Blanc, our country’s most abundant wine variety, to his British and Irish readers.

*   A Craft beer and food pairing evening will be held at The Market Bar in the Cape Quarter today (29 August) at 19h00, the food for the eight food and Boston Brewery craft beer pairings prepared by Chef Cheyne Morrisby of Cheyne’s. Cost R250. (via What’s On in Cape Town newsletter)

*    HQ is pairing its famous steak and thin-cut chips and two other courses with Sterhuis wines on 28 September.  The Sterhuis Blanc de Blancs, Chardonnay, Astra White, Chenin Blanc as well as a  selection of red wines will be tasted. R250 per person. (via media release from Hype Media)

*   Interesting profile on Richard Brasher, Pick ‘n Pay CEO for the past six months, after 26 years at Tesco, the world’s third largest retailer, gives one hope for a turn-around at the retail operation.

*   ‘The Beautiful South‘ tasting of wines from South Africa, Chile, and Argentina in London on 11 and 12 September has attracted 300 producers and 3000 wines.

*   Both Chapman’s Peak and the Franschhoek Pass are closed due to rockfalls after heavy rain.

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