Last week we attended the tasting of the latest Stellenbosch Hills vintages at the very rustic Panama Jacks, a restaurant most of us had been to in the past, in a time band of 15 – 25 years ago. The attendance was excellent, probably due to the length of time which we had last been to the restaurant. Continue reading →
Tag Archives: Stellenbosch Hills
Stellenbosch Hills connects the dots at launch of its latest vintages at La Mouette!
I haven’t been to La Mouette in years, so accepted the invitation from Waterford Communications to attend the launch of the latest vintages of Stellenbosch Hills, and a spoiling 7-course Tasting Menu, a relaxed event ending off a very busy functions week.
We were met outside in the courtyard, and offered the 2014 vintage of Stellenbosch Hills’ Polkadraai Pinot Noir Sparkling Rosé. Polkadraai is one of the Stellenbosch Hills ranges, and uses polka dots for its neck wrapper design, in different colours. The design lifts 
the image of the brand. With the sparkling wine we were served the moreish La Mouette feta and truffle and Gruyére croquettes, as well as chicken satay. Cellarmaster PG Slabbert welcomed us once we had moved into one of the restaurant rooms, sitting at three long tables, and shared that Stellenbosch Hills is a co-operative which has been in existence for 69 years. A big celebration for the 70th anniversary is planned. The 8000 tons of grapes harvested come Continue reading →
WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 12/13 July
Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* Sales of alcoholic beverages in the UK have decreased by 6% in the last week of the five-week World Cup period compared to the same period a year ago, as interest in the soccer event has decreased in the last week of the tournament, despite reaching close to £ 1 billion in sales. Sales in the first three weeks of the tournament showed an increase, however. Champagne and sparkling wine showed the strongest growth in the past month. Cider sales decreased by 11% compared to a year ago. England’s early World Cup exit and better weather in July 2013 have been the cause of the beverage sales decrease.
* A Wine Intelligence study finds that UK wine drinkers almost equally accept cork and screw cap closures, at 40% each; Australians prefer screw cap wines (55%) to cork (38%); and in the USA cork is strongly preferred (64%) compared to screw caps (21%). The choice of closure is dictated by image and practicality, more than ‘scientific’ reasons of helping the wine to breathe, stifling ageing, or preventing spoilage.
* A new MasterCard Multi-currency Cash Passport has been launched, and is available at ABSA and American Express Continue reading →
WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 31 March
Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* Gareth Cliff left 5FM today, after 10 years at the radio station. There appears to be no news about his future plans.
* Heston Blumenthal is moving The Fat Duck restaurant in Bray UK to Melbourne in February next year for six months, whereafter he will call the restaurant Dinner.
* Moyo has closed down at Spier, following the recent closure of Moyo at the V&A Waterfront, reports the Cape Times today.
* Excellent news is that the International Court of Justice in The Hague has placed an immediate stop on whaling by Continue reading →