On Friday evening I attended the launch of the 40th edition of the Diners Club International 2020 South African Wine Guide, at the Table Bay Hotel in the Waterfront, an event that is pretty much the same in format every year, yet was different this year, in the interest of making the event shorter.
More than 8000 wines from more than 900 producers were rated for the 2020 Platter’s Wine Guide edition. Of the 125 5-star wines awarded, 26 went to Chenin Blanc brands, 18 to Shiraz/Syrah, and 11 to Chardonnay brands.
It took six months and R62000 to get to eat at FYN Restaurant last night, the Japanese-style fine dining restaurant which Chef Peter Tempelhoff opened in Speakers Corner in the City centre at the end of November 2018. Whilst very apprehensive, given the unpleasant pre-history, I was most pleasantly surprised at the dining experience, with the exception of our waiter, who was a major let down for the restaurant! 
In my writing, I am extremely fortunate to be exposed to such interesting news. Last Thursday I attended the launch of the 2018 vintage of Constantia Royale, a blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon, a blend of three and 14 year old vine grapes grown on 7 ha of the Nova Zonnestraal wine, olive and equestrian estate, hidden away, located near The Alphen Hotel in Constantia.