It is not often that one receives an invitation for an evening media event, and that in Worcester, with the offer of accommodation taken care of, and a shuttle bus transporting one to the function venue. When the invitation arrived from Waterford Communications to attend the Overhex Wines International launch of its intriguingly branded Survivor range outside Worcester, it was accepted immediately. Continue reading →
Tag Archives: Swartland
Influential UK wine writer Jancis Robinson praises SA white wines, deserve more international attention!
UK wine judge and writer Jancis Robinson spent most of this past week in the Cape Winelands, after a seven-year absence. She spoke kindly about our industry, and offered insights into the UK and USA markets. She wrote from Delaire Graff, where she had attended a Chenin Blanc tasting and stayed over: ‘South African wine is in full ferment. It deserves far more international attention than it is currently getting‘!
Unable to attend two public meetings addressed by Ms Robinson, I have looked for information about
her talks, admired by some, and slated by a few.
A detailed summary about Ms Robinson’s (with her husband Nick Lander) talk at #RootstockSA, held at Alleé Bleue, was written by Judy Bouwer of wine.co.za. Key points she summarised were:
* SA wine estates should target UK restaurants, which have far more reasonable mark-ups. Young British people spend their money on food and wine, not being able to afford to buy Continue reading →
‘Platter’s by Diners Club 2015 South Africa Wine Guide’ launched with a number of changes!
The 2015 Platter’s Wine Guide was launched at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel last night, in a Beaujolais Ferment colour, with a number of changes in terms of its methodology to evaluate the 5 star wines, as well as in the content of the Wine Guide. Out of 6000 wines submitted for evaluation, a total of 50 wines and one brandy received the highly desired 5 star rating. The Platter’s Winery of the Year is Sadie Family Wines, the second time that Eben Sadie has received this accolade. DeMorgenzon Reserve Chardonnay 2013 was named the White Wine of the Year, 
and De Trafford Blueprint Syrah 2012 was named the Red Wine of the Year.
The first Platter’s change is that JP Rossouw has been the new publisher for the past year, looking confident last night, relative to his first more restrained presentation a year ago. It was nice to see former publisher Andrew McDowell Continue reading →
WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 21 October
Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* FlySafair took off for the first time last week, offering permanent low-cost flights between Johannesburg, Cape Town, George, and Port Elizabeth. Extras are charged, including meals, luggage in addition to two pieces of hand luggage, pre-booked seats, travel insurance, and extra-space seats. Base airfares between Cape Town and Johannesburg cost R 499 per direction.
* The City of Cape Town has launched a Mobile Transport TCT App. Developed by ‘Where is my Transport’, it is unique in Africa, and will guide commuters as to which form of transport they can use to get to their destination, incorporating the MyCiTi Bus, Golden Arrow Bus, Jammie Shuttle bus, city sightseeing buses, and Metrorail trains. In addition information relating to shops close by, and directions in getting there, is also provided. The app can also guide users of private transport, providing travel times, as well as informing them about traffic hold-ups such as accidents, roadworks, and more. Locals can use the app to report potholes, faulty traffic lights, and bad driving to the City.
* Award-winning wine blog Terroirist sings the praises of the ‘Swartland‘ generally, and of the wines Continue reading →