Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   Airbus has used research conducted by The London Sleep Centre to widen its seats to 18 inches (45,72 cm), the perfect seat size which allows passengers on long-haul flights to sleep more comfortably and enjoy a deeper sleep.

*   The Cape Town Partnership is displaying its work at 6 Spin Street from 6 – 12 November. Entrance is free. (received via media release from Rabbit in a Hat Communications)

*   Top Stellenbosch chefs are putting the wine town and its food and wines on show today at Summer Place, a ‘pop-up collaboration of restaurants, wine producers, art, music and fashion’. Every wine on show is paired with a signature dish by Christian Eedes.  Chefs on show are  Bertus Basson of Overture, Michael Broughton of Terroir, George Jardine of Jordan Restaurant, Christiaan Campbell of Delaire Graff Estate, and Grégory Czarnecki of Waterkloof restaurant, all on the 2014 Eat Out Top 20 Restaurant short-list, with the exception of Broughton.

*   Creation has won a gold medal for its Chardonnay 2012 in the inaugural Global Chardonnay Masters presented by The Drinks Business. (received via e-mail)

*   Lanseria Airport is expanding, and is opening a new runway on 11 November, which will be able to receive bigger aircraft.

*   ‘Cape Town Then & Now‘ contrasts contemporary Cape and historic Cape Town.  (received via e-mail by Exclusive Books)

*   Delheim is hosting its annual mountain bike event ‘Delheim MTB Day and Trail Run‘ on 23 and 24 November, offering a choice of 7km and 12 km routes. (received via media release from Random Hat Communications)

*   Famous Brands is taking its coffee shop chain Tashas overseas, having just opened in Jumeirah in the United Arab Emirates, and is set to open in the UK.

*   A French Champagne Festival will be held at the Vineyard Hotel on 22 November, from 6 – 9 pm, and is organised by Wine Concepts.  Thirty champagnes will be available to taste. (via Facebook)

*   The Skukuza airport will close between 4 November – 13 December for maintenance.

*   ‘Walking Cape Town‘ is a new book that details 33 walks and drives in and around Cape Town. (received via e-mail from Exclusive Books)

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