Tag Archives: winemakers

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 1 July

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   Professor Russel Botman, Rector of the University of Stellenbosch and Chairman of the Board of Cape Town Design NPC, the company which is administering Cape Town’s hosting of World Design Capital, has passed away.

*   ‘Enter the Ninja‘ by Die Antwoord, one of South Africa’s most successful groups, stars in the TV commercial for Dior Addict.   Lien Botha has written an interesting evaluation of the use of Die Antwoord’s music in the commercial, based on a collage of different views.

*   MyCiTi Bus fares increase today, the minimum cost being R 4,80 and the maximum peak fare being R8,90, both for a 5 km distance on a Mover package, now seemingly charged on a distance basis.  The MyConnect card cost increases from R25 Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 1 July

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   Professor Russel Botman, Rector of the University of Stellenbosch and Chairman of the Board of Cape Town Design NPC, the company which is administering Cape Town’s hosting of World Design Capital, has passed away.

*   ‘Enter the Ninja‘ by Die Antwoord, one of South Africa’s most successful groups, stars in the TV commercial for Dior Addict.   Lien Botha has written an interesting evaluation of the use of Die Antwoord’s music in the commercial, based on a collage of different views.

*   MyCiTi Bus fares increase today, the minimum cost being R 4,80 and the maximum peak fare being R8,90, both for a 5 km distance on a Mover package, now seemingly charged on a distance basis.  The MyConnect card cost increases from R25 to R35, a 40% increase!  The City of Cape Town media release states that every effort has been made to contain the rate increase, Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 24 September

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has downgraded its growth projection for airline passengers to 5% for the rest of 2013, but does expect a stronger growth in 2014.

*   The City of Cape Town staff strike has come to a speedy end.

*   The Fish & Chip Company’s short-lived advertising campaign with President Zuma as its subject, on which R500000 was spent on media placement before it was withdrawn, generated R20 million in PR coverage in ten days, winning the Metropolitan Republic a Gold Loerie for PR Communication Campaign. Die Antwoord’s video for its song ‘Fatty Boom Boom’ was a surprise Gold winner in the TV and Cinema 90 second+ category.

*   Swiss airline Edelweiss, which belongs to Lufthansa, returns to Cape Town from October for the third year, serving the Zurich – Cape Town route, a popular way for German, British and Italian tourists in particular to fly directly to Cape Town.

*   South Africa’s ‘maverick’ winemakers receive praise from wine-searcher.com!

*   The next London Wine Fair will be held from 2 – 4 June 2014, somewhat later Continue reading →

Franschhoek pops the corks at ‘Franschhoek Uncorked’!

This weekend Franschhoek will celebrate its fourth ‘Franschhoek Uncorked’ weekend, and all indications are that the weather will be reasonably kind to the event.  Eighteen Franschhoek wine estates invite visitors to Franschhoek to visit them, not only to taste their wines, but also to enjoy the unique food and entertainment at each estate.

The Franschhoek wine estates offer visitors the following:

*   Noble Hill: Eat at Cosecha Restaurant, gourmet Tachos on grill, music by The Studebakers.   Tel (021) 874-3844

*   Vrede en Lust: Cocktails with strawberries, to celebrate Spring.  Tel (021) 874-7611

*   Plaisir de Merle: One of the wine estates capturing the French heritage of Franschhoek the best.  Serving pancakes, live music.   Tel (021) 874- 1071

*   Allée Bleue: Live jazz, free wine tasting, French foods (Flammkuchen, Bouillabaisse, cheesecake with strawberries), fresh herbs for sale, new vintage Brut Rosé, picnics at R145 per person, meals at The Bistro.  Tel (021) 874-1021

*   Solms-Delta:   Celebration of ‘van die Kaap’, with Cape music, food, wine and traditional music.  Pairing of ‘Cape fusion cuisine’ with Cape wines.  Tel (021) 874-3937.

*   Anthonij Rupert Wines: Complimentary tastings of Protea and Terra del Capo wines.  Boules.  Franschhoek Motor Museum displays and demonstrations, as well as drive in vintage and classic cars.  Tel (021) 874-9000

*   Graham Beck Wines: Fresh oysters, fresh basked breads, cheeses, charcuterie, from Oude Bank Bakkerij to complement tasting of wines and Mèthode Cap Classique.  Master classes by winemakers Pieter Ferreira and Erika Obermeyer, at 11h00 on Saturday and Sunday, at R75 per person.   Tel (021) 874-1258.

*   Lynx:   Spanish fiesta includes tapas, live Spanish band.   Tel (021) 867-0406

*   La Chataigne:   Live music, Boules.  Tel (021) 876-3220

*   La Motte:  Live music, Special menu for the weekend Festival at Pierneef à La Motte.  Tel (021) 876-8000

*   Rickety Bridge: Live band, Boules, chipping competition, braai.  Tel (021) 876-2129

*   Grande Provence: Marimba band, Boules, art exhibition, Oriental Tapas. Tel (021) 876-8600

*  Franschhoek Cellar: Truckles cheese tasting, Huguenot Fine Chocolate Tasting, La Bourgogne olive oil and olive tasting, Pick ‘n Pay sushi bar, cheese lunches at R85, live jazz band.  Tel (021) 876-2086

*   Dieu Donné: Cellar tours, live music by Adagio,  Micro Brewery beer tastings, bridal exhibition, freshly baked produce stall, Sunday Brunch 10h30 – 15h00.  Tel (021) 876-2493

*   Haute Cabriére:  Ratafia ball throwing competition, Unwooded Pinot Noir 2011 tasting, cellar tours and sabrage Saturday and Sunday at 11h00, and at 14h00 on Saturday.  Special ‘Uncorked’ menu at re-opened Haute Cabriére Cellar Restaurant.  Tel (021) 876-8500

*   La Bri: Art by Hamlin, sale of plants, bulbs and seeds, fresh baked breads, cheeses, soups, picnics, three course dinner with winemaker on Saturday evening at R350 per person.  Tel (021) 876-2593.

*   Holden Manz: Live band, cocktails, fun activities, Official Uncorked After Party, Saturday, from 5 pm.  Tel (021) 876-2729.

*   Boekenhoutskloof: Release of Chocolate Block 2010. Barbeque Extravaganza by Reuben’s. Kitchen Jamming Blues Band.  Tel (021) 876-3320.

Franschhoek Uncorked, 3 – 4 September.  R100 allows multiple entries to the wine estates over the weekend.  Book via www.webtickets.co.za Franschhoek Wine Valley supports responsible drinking, and has a number of shuttle services listed on its website www.franschhoek.org.za.  A number of wine specials are available this weekend, and are listed on the Franschhoek Wine Valley website too.

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