1 Wine Dude blog | WhaleTales Blog by Chris von Ulmenstein

Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

* Red Savannah Gourmet South Africa has prepared an 8 day gourmet wine and dine package for American visitors to the Cape. The tour includes a visit to Babylonstoren, where they stay over, and go on a tour of the vegetable garden, and do wine, cheese, olive, and chocolate tastings in the area. In Cape Town they learn Cape Malay food preparation, and spend time with top chefs Luke Dale-Roberts and Bruce Robertson.

* A tough year lies ahead for airlines, which have seen capacity increase, and reduced numbers of locals flying domestically, due to the airline rate increases driven by the weak Rand and fuel prices, says Comair CEO Erik Venter.

* Wine blogs help create brand awareness and pack recognition, but their direct effect on sales cannot be measured, as is the case with any media coverage. However, mentions of a wine brand on JancisRobinson.com, Vinography.com, BiggerthanyourHead.net, Terroirist.com, and even 1WineDude.com can show an immediate impact on wine sales.

* The 24th anniversary of the release of the late Nelson Mandela from the former Victor Verster prison outside Paarl will be commemorated with an Anglo-Zulu war exhibition at The Castle, which opened yesterday. Continue reading →

Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

* Chenin Blanc and Ken Forrester are honoured by Joe Roberts, American 1 Wine Dude blogger and key-note speaker at the Nederburg Auction this year!

* HRH Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, are attending a dinner function at Grande Provence tomorrow (10 October), which means that the wine estate will be closed. (via Twitter)

* Western Cape Minister of Community Safety Dan Plato has vowed to personally check on alleged drug dealing on Long Street, and whether there is visible policing and security on this notorious party strip in Cape Town, responding to an EWN news report.

* Eight beaches and two marinas in Cape Town have been Continue reading →