November 2021
2 Nov: The ups and downs of modern SA wine – “One winemaker, one winemaking philosophy,” said Alastair Rimmer when introducing the recent “A Decade of DeMorgenzon Chenin Blanc” – as the newly appointed CEO and winemaker at this Stellenbosch property, he was presenting a vertical tasting of the Reserve Chenin Blanc made by his predecessor Carl van der Merwe during the period 2011 to 2020 (Adam Mason briefly on board from May 2020 to April 2021)…….. article via WineMag
2 Nov: Discover a world of fine wine while exploring the beauty of Stellenbosch – Stellenbosch has an impressive reputation when it comes to stunning wine estates and we’re lucky to have these precious gems right on our doorstep. From picturesque scenery to exquisite wines, Stellenbosch serves all things spectacular on a silver platter…….. article via Cape {Town} Etc
1 Nov: The Winemakers on a Mission to Protect South Africa’s Oldest Vines – Old vines are a special kind of wine-world treasure. But with varying global definitions of what constitutes an old vine, it’s not always easy to know a site’s full lifespan and story…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
1 Nov: Dozens of High-End Wines Stolen from Restaurant in Spain – Authorities are searching for a man and woman suspected of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of wine, including a rare 215-year-old bottle, from an upscale hotel-restaurant complex in Spain…….. article via VinePair
October 2021
31 Oct: This Is Not An Article About Halloween Wine. But It Is Scary-Fun – Let me fan-girl Halloween for just a moment. For me, it’s the welcome chill in the air at this time of year. It’s sweater season and new-boots weather. It’s tucking a warm blanket around bare shoulders, and lowering the open, fresh-air window at night a few inches…….. article via Forbes
28 Oct: SA wine history: It’s time Constantia acknowledged Colijn – Johannes Colijn is the man who put Constantia wine on the international map in the 1720s. I’ve written about him previously (see here) but to recap very briefly: he acquired the smallest sub-division of Simon van der Stel’s original Constantia estate through marriage in 1718; he negotiated the first shipment of his red and white Constantia wines in 1726…….. article via WineMag
27 Oct: Patti LaBelle and the McBride Sisters Talk Wine, Food and Tradition – Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John are known for their story, two sisters raised half a world apart who met in adulthood and bonded over wine. They’re equally well known for the fruits of that connection: wines under the labels of McBride Sisters Collection, Black Girl Magic, She Can and the newly launched Reserve Wines…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
27 Oct: Local business owner on embracing her femininity in a male-dominated industry – The founder of Musgrave Crafted Spirits, Simone Musgrave, has been swimming against the tide in her career. From her 20 years of experience in corporate South Africa to a male-dominated environment and owning her crafted spirits brand…….. article via News24
25 Oct: The 15 Best and Most Affordable Wines to Collect Now – Looking for wines to stash away, but don’t want to break the bank? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
25 Oct: The Vintage Absinthe Forger Who Swindled Collectors Around the Globe for Years – As it turns out, swindling vintage absinthe collectors out of $50,000 or so isn’t all that difficult. Fans of the OG version of the legendary spirit are thirsty, so to speak, and it’s fairly easy to find buyers for a highly sought-after bottle…….. article via VinePair
25 Oct: Best Hong Kong restaurants and shops for wine lovers – When wine duty was eliminated in Hong Kong in 2008, the wine scene changed dramatically. All the major wine auction houses swooped into the city within months of the announcement, thousands of new wine importers and retailers opened shop…….. article via Decanter
25 Oct: De Wetshof Wine Estate crowned with first prestigious conservation award – Recently, De Wetshof Wine Estate in Robertson has made a wonderful splash in the wine world by being honoured as the first recipient of an award of prestige – and we hope they’re celebrating with a bottle of their finest!…….. article via Cape {Town} Etc
23 Oct: Well-known Aberdeen bar owner raises £350,000 to launch cocktail-in-a-can company – An Aberdeen bar owner has raised £350,000 to launch a company specialising in canned cocktails. Ben Iravani, owner of city-centre cocktail bar Orchid and 99 Bar and Kitchen, has co-founded Whitebox alongside partners Alex Lawrence, Pietro Collina, Roman Shabodalov and Jack Wareing…….. article via Evening Express
22 Oct: The 10 Best Fall Wines from Trader Joe’s, According to a TikTok Sommelier – Since we last caught up with Nick Walters over the summer, he’s been busy not posting wine reviews on his TikTok…….. article via The Kitchn
22 Oct: Holiday Gift Guide 2021: Top Picks for Wine, Beer and Spirits Lovers – Finding the perfect present for everyone on your holiday shopping list can be a struggle. But we are here to help with these handpicked gifts. Our 2021 favorites are perfect for those who are deep in the worlds of wine, beer, spirits and food — or just getting started…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
21 Oct: Finally, The Research Red Wine Lovers Have Been Waiting For – I’ve never for one second doubted the magical abilities of a glass (or two) of good red wine. Without needing to gather any scientists and participants to test the effects of some Syrah out, that is something we can all agree on already, right?……. article via 2Oceans Vibe
21 Oct: UK New Zealand trade deal may benefit wine drinkers – UK fans of New Zealand wines may benefit from the two countries’ newly announced trade deal, according to officials. Full details haven’t been disclosed, but the UK government said it would remove tariffs and other ‘barriers to trade’ on a range of New Zealand goods…….. article via Decanter
19 Oct: Brad Pitt and partners release new Fleur de Miraval Champagne – Fleur de Miraval ‘ER2’ has been unveiled this week, marking the latest adventure for Hollywood actor Brad Pitt in the world of Champagne and wine in general. It will carry a recommended price of €320 per bottle (£270, $373), a spokesperson told Decanter.com today (19 October)…….. article via Decanter
17 Oct: Ask a Somm: What Wine Should I Order on a First Date? – First dates often come with their own sets of anxieties and preparation rituals. But perhaps more important than what shoes to wear and stimulating conversation starters is one’s choice in a bottle of wine…….. article via VinePair
16 Oct: 5 Incredible wine estates nestled in the Southern Suburbs – With so many wine farms to choose from in the Western Cape, it’s no wonder Capetonians love spending their weekends exploring the endless vineyards that the Cape is famous for. The Southern Suburbs offers incredible wine gems that are just waiting to be discovered, with delicious dishes and gorgeous views all part of the menu…….. article via Cape {Town} Etc
16 Oct: Top Champagne House Releases 50-Year-Old Vintage Onto The Wine Market – Tucked away in the northern limits of wine grape growing ability, in the acclaimed region of Champagne, France, an adolescent young man is crushed seeing how much of his family’s grapes were decimated by hail as it was the second hail storm within two months…….. article via Forbes
16 Oct: Exceptional at under R100 a bottle – according to two panels or more! – Upon conclusion of the 2021 Ultra Value Wine Challenge, the guys and gals at Buy Better Wine announced their SA red and white wines of the year…….. article via Top Wines SA
14 Oct: Champagne prices rising fast on fine wine market, says Bordeaux Index – Champagne prices rose strongly on several top vintage cuvées in September, said Matthew O’Connell, head of investment at Bordeaux Index and also CEO of the group’s LiveTrade platform…….. article via Decanter
13 Oct: A Look At The Dynamic Functions Of Wine – It turns out, wine is useful beyond human consumption. It is also used as a sustainable fuel. In fact, Prince Charles just revealed that the rather delicious secret recipe he uses to power his Aston Martin is wine and cheese…….. article via 2Oceans Vibe
12 Oct: Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards: Two of the World’s Finest Chardonnays – Uva Mira’s position at altitude with vineyards as high as 620 metres above sea level and only nine kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean in Stellenbosch, South Africa, creates the climate for wines that are elegant in style…….. article via Decanter
11 Oct: New double bill sparkling launch for Graham Beck – South Africa’s leading sparkling wine brand in the UK market Graham Beck has launched a new ‘double bill’ named Yin & Yang, as part of its artisan collection…….. article via Harpers UK
11 Oct: Meet The Master: Wine Buyer And Educator Jennifer Docherty MW – The Hong Kong-based Master of Wine who heads Summergate Fine Wines’ portfolio reveals the wine region she believes is most overlooked and shares some unusual Asian food and wine pairings she rates…….. article via Tatler
9 Oct: Cantina Terlano: Crafting white wines for ageing – Produttori del Barbaresco may be the undisputed choice as Italy’s number one red wine co-operative these days, but the top co-op for whites is a closer call. The smart money is on Cantina Terlano, one of the Alto-Adige’s numerous excellent cantine sociali…….. article via Decanter
8 Oct: For James Bond, Champagne Is a Common Thread — and Only the Best Will Do – While the vodka Martini is definitely what James Bond drinks when he’s steeling himself for the next kill (“shaken, not stirred” — legendary), it’s Champagne that the fabled MI6 agent goes for when he’s off the clock or looking to make a different type of strike…….. article via VinePair
8 Oct: The Current Crop of Harvest Interns Are Also the Future of Wine – At the end of the day, or during a family-style lunch break, groups of harvest interns open bottles of wine and pass them around. It’s a convivial atmosphere, they say, even as the work experience is unequivocally described as physically demanding and intense…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
8 Oct: Wine expo brings SA and China together – An innovative and exciting initiative was presented on Wednesday with representatives of the Western Cape wine industry, and leading Chinese importers participating…….. article via IOL
7 Oct: Gary Barlow Mocked For Rookie Error In Wine Advert – Gary Barlow is mostly known for being part of one of the world’s biggest boy bands Take That, penning classics including Back For Good and Pray. Now, the former X Factor judge will temporarily trade the recording studio for a vineyard with the launch of his brand new ‘organic’ wine collection…….. article via Tyla
7 Oct: Once Considered Pests, Falcons, Owls and Other Predatory Birds Prove Useful to Winemakers – Julie Johnson, who owns and operates Tres Sabores on the westernmost edge of Napa Valley, has been welcoming barn owls since 1987. She is one of several winemakers quick to praise birds’ inherent ability to protect and sustain the land…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
7 Oct: The Difference Between Whiskey and Wine Decanters, Explained – Any seasoned drinker is bound to have a collection of glasses, openers, and shakers on hand. But one object that often gets overlooked is the decanter, a vessel often used for serving wine. These usually come in the form of glass bottles, with wide necks and an open top (and yes, it’s like that for a reason)…….. article via VinePair
7 Oct: Noble Rot wins Cooking with California – On the grounds that there are very few original ideas in this world and that we survive and prosper on reinterpretations and improvements on what we collectively consider have proved to be the best of the past, let me explain my role in the initial Cook with California competition – the winner of which I announced earlier this morning in the studios of 67 Pall Mall TV…….. article via Jancis Robinson
7 Oct: Bordeaux’s Château Angélus stars in new Bond film – Eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed that a bottle of Château Angélus 2005 features in the new Bond film, released in the UK on 28 September 2021. The Bordeaux estate’s role in No Time To Die, which is set for release in the US from 8 October, marks the latest chapter of a partnership that has spanned the era of Bond films featuring Daniel Craig…….. article via Decanter
6 Oct: Buyers invest R10 million in top South African wines – In an era of online auctions forced by Covid-19 and fuelled by the demand for exceptional South African wines, this weekend saw the 37th Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) Auction and its Protégé Programme Charity Auction raise a collective sum of R10 411 000…….. article via Winelands
5 Oct: The Best White Wine to Drink Right Now – As we move into fall, it’s hard to say goodbye to the crisp, light-bodied whites in condensation-frosted glasses, or the sharp and grassy New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, or the Sancerres with their notes of citrus and minerality, a perfect match for seafood…….. article via Food 52
5 Oct: Meet Jessica Saurwein, the Queen of Pinot Noir – It’s no coincidence that Jessica Saurwein has ‘wine’ in her surname. Born of a lineage of winemaking families who, in the 1700s, quite literally made wine for the Emperor of Austria, it is only fitting and just that she pursued a career as a winemaker……… article via Aspire Lifestyle
5 Oct: What Does ‘Flabby’ Mean in Wine? – The term “flabby” doesn’t typically stir positive associations. While the primary dictionary definition is “lacking resilience or firmness,” Merriam-Webster also describes it as “weak and ineffective.” In wine, the term is nuanced…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
4 Oct: Austria’s first digital wine atlas unveiled – The origins of Austrian wine, including individual single vineyards (Rieden), can now be seen at a glance. After three years preparation, Wines of Austria has launched the world’s first digital wine atlas covering an entire wine-producing country on austrianvineyards.com…….. article via Decanter
4 Oct: Whatever Happened to the ‘Peach In Champagne’? – Halfway through “While the City Sleeps,” a 1956 film noir directed by Fritz Lang, actor George Sanders is sitting in a booth with Ida Lupino in a stylish, vaguely tropical New York restaurant. Before him on the table are two deep, glass goblets, each with a small peach nestled inside…….. article via VinePair
1 Oct: SA wine industry making adjustments for climate change, adapting for sustainability – Having to adapt to economic pressures and the effects of climate change, South African wine grape and wine producers are continuing to work towards their own sustainability, and that of the industry…….. article via Cape Business News
1 Oct: It’s coming up rosés at Stellenbosch’s Pink Valley restaurant – Tapas, small-plates, meze, sharing-style … call it what you like but there can be no denying there’s something uniquely enjoyable about ordering an array of dishes and sharing them with everyone at the table…….. article via Wanted
1 Oct: Bellingham, The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region – In continued celebration of old vines comes this overperforming South African Chenin, courtesy of Richard. It also echoes the enthusiasm expressed for this particular combination shared in last Monday’s tasting article…….. article via Jancis Robinson
1 Oct: Dom Pérignon x Lady Gaga release limited editions – In April this year, Dom Pérignon announced an exclusive partnership with Lady Gaga and the upcoming release of two limited editions signed by the pop star. The wait is now over with the two cuvées available for purchase from tomorrow…….. article via Decanter
September 2021
30 Sept: Bordeaux sees sharp growth in organic vineyards – Bordeaux wineries have continued to embrace organic farming in their vineyards in ever greater numbers, according to data released this week by the regional wine council, the CIVB…….. article via Decanter
30 Sept: A Six-Bottle Master Class to Chenin Blanc – Chenin Blanc is a historical variety that originated in the Loire Valley of France. Capable of producing a range of wine styles due to its unusual balance of lively acidity against rich flavours, this yellow-green grape shows great breadth in its ancestral homeland…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
30 Sept: SA Pharma’s advanced air purification tech for wine industry – As one of the largest black-owned pharmaceutical companies in South Africa, 3Sixty Biopharmaceuticals is excited to introduce to Africa cutting-edge NASA technology developed in the US that is being used globally to combat Covid-19 and other problematic airborne pathogens that cause havoc in various sectors – including the wine industry…….. article via WinelandSA
29 Sept: Understanding grapes: spotlight on Grenache – Grenache or Garnacha? One variety or four varieties? Spanish or Italian origin? Anonymous blending grape or rising star? Is the total area planted dropping steeply just at the point the grape’s reputation is rising?…….. article via WSET Global
28 Sept: New brand home for wine industry has an integrated empowerment approach – This project, which will provide market access for black-owned brands into the local and international markets, is a collaborative initiative with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA)…….. article via Wine.co.za
28 Sept: Sadie, KC and Kanonkop star in fine wine auction involving 10-year-olds – At Strauss & Co’s 27 September 2021 fine wine auction of 10-year-olds, the Sadie Family of the Swartland, Klein Constantia as well as the Stellenbosch cellars of Kanonkop, Vilafonté and Glenelly stood out as those fetching more than R2000 a bottle…….. article via Top Wine SA
28 Sept: Fine wine beats cars, handbags as luxury investment – Fine wine topped the charts in the latest Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index, outperforming other collectibles like high-end watches, cars, jewellery and art…….. article via Decanter
27 Sept: Portugal grape pickers do it in the buff – With early autumn temperatures in Portugal hovering around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), a group of nudism enthusiasts don’t even sport a vine leaf to cover their modesty as they go about their work in a vineyard 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Lisbon…….. article via Yahoo
24 Sept: TikTok Creators Bring Barrier-Free Joy to Wine – Sommelier Tim Riley has his TikTok videos down to a science. Dressed in a smartly tailored suit complete with a bowtie, pocket square and silver sommelier’s pin, he appears seated in a wine cellar. A stemmed glass is usually set before him on a table draped in pressed white linen…….. article via Winemag
23 Sept: Exclusive: Cape Classics Boosts South African Portfolio with the Beach House, Boschendal, and Bellingham – Cape Classics has expanded its portfolio of South African wines, partnering with South African winemaker DGB to bring the Beach House, Boschendal, and Bellingham labels to the U.S. under the CC umbrella…….. article via Shanken News Daily
22 Sept: World’s Best Vineyards 2021 Announced – The World’s Best Vineyards announced their annual list of top wine tourism destinations for 2021, and we’re proud that ten local wineries were honoured on this year’s list. This prestigious list includes a diverse offering of global destinations that offer not only delicious wines but an experience to remember…….. article via Visit Winelands
22 Sept: Cape Wine to return in October 2022 – Popular trade show Cape Wine will return to Cape Town from October 5-7, 2022. The flagship event for the South African wine trade was scheduled to take place this month, but it was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic…….. article via Drinks International
22 Sept: 2021 writing competition – who won? – It is so exciting to be able to announce the winners of this year’s writing competition whose theme, old vines and old vineyards, really seems to have struck a chord. The standard of entries was the highest it has ever been and the tales of ancient vines truly moving, encompassing as they do such human stories as well as history, geography and – inevitably – economics……… article via Jancis Robinson
21 Sept: A Tale of Two Women, One Winery, and Some of California’s Most Coveted Bottles – It wasn’t love at first sight when Mireia Taribó and Tara Gomez met 15 years ago in California. “Kind of the opposite,” Taribó says with a laugh. They worked at J. Lohr Vineyard & Wines in Paso Robles, Gomez as the enologist and lab manager and Taribó as a cellar and barrel intern…….. article via Bon Appétit
20 Sept: Can You Trust Somm-Centric Wine Clubs? – Wine clubs are becoming increasingly popular, with more sommeliers stepping into the game to provide curated, professional wine selections online. In this episode of the “VinePair Podcast,” hosts Adam Teeter, Joanna Sciarrino, and Zach Geballe discuss the rise of somm-centric wine clubs and whether they’re worth joining…….. article via VinePair
20 Sept: Definitive international awards recognising and celebrating excellence in fine wine – The inaugural annual Golden Vines Awards Ceremony will be held at Annabel’s Private Members’ Club in Mayfair, London on 7 October 2021…….. article via Liquid Icons
19 Sept: Savour a Taste of South African Heritage at Spier – Heritage Day on September 24 is a day that celebrates South Africa’s rich, vibrant roots and diverse cultures. As one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa with a recorded history dating back to 1692, Spier pours a lot into the preservation of our farm’s cultural heritage…….. article via Cape Town Travel
17 Sept: Idris Elba to open London wine bar with business partner – Idris Elba and David Farber will open the Porte Noire wine bar and shop in central London on 18 October, they said this week. It’s an extension of their Porte Noire Champagne and rosé brand that launched in 2018, and the venue is set to boast ‘one of the largest fine wine tasting rooms in London’…….. article via Decanter
16 Sept: Cheers to Elizma Visser, the first female Young Winemaker of the Year – “No other wine industry has made such strides, no other wine industry possesses such energy or excitement,” writes UK-based Master of Wine, Tim Atkin, on his website as he reflects on the production of his ninth annual SA Special Report of the local wine industry…….. article via Sunday Times
17 Sept: The most sought-after wine tasting pairings in Stellenbosch – Wine tasting. Is there anything quite like it? The great part about living in Cape Town is that we’re surrounded by some pretty spectacular wine estates, and if you’re willing to drive further, you’ll find a few gems that not only offer wine tasting, but unique pairings that’ll have your taste buds doing somersaults out of pure joy…….. article via Cape {Town} ETC
17 Sept: South Africa Takes-on Mighty New Zealand in First Sauvignon Blanc Wine Test – This inaugural wine contest also aims to celebrate the intense, yet sporty, rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand who this year celebrate 100 years of Test Match Rugby, a contest that began in 1921 when the All Blacks and the Springboks first met in Dunedin in New Zealand…….. article via Wine.co.za
16 Sept: Wikus Human wins Best Sommelier in South Africa, 2021 – The South African Sommeliers Association is proud to announce Wikus Human as the new Best Sommelier in South Africa taking top honours competing against semi-finalists Jean Vincent Ridon and Laurie Cooper for the Best Sommelier Finals on Wednesday, 15 September 2021, at Blaauwklippen Vineyards…….. article via SASA
16 Sept: Allow booze sales on Saturdays too – scientists to Government – The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19 advised the government to allow alcohol sales on Saturdays. Bottle stores may, under alert level two, trade from Monday to Friday…….. article via Cape Talk
16 Sept: Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West plants trees for posterity – South Africa celebrated Arbor Week during the first week of September and the Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West, known for its historic trees, marked the occasion in an appropriate arboreal style…….. article via Cape {Town} ETC
16 Sept: A R1 million bottle of wine? Cape blend sells for record price! – We know wine hangovers can be bad, but surely waking up the morning after to realise you’ve spent the best part of R1 million on a bottle certainly trumps any of the wild nights we can account for…….. article via The South African
14 Sept: Wine waste can now be used to create race car fuel – French oil brand TotalEnergies has introduced a 100% renewable motor car fuel made from wine residues from the French agricultural industry, reducing CO2 emissions by at least 65%…….. article via Drinks Business
13 Sept: ‘You Only Get One Shot At This’: The Science and Art Behind Vineyard Sites – Planting a vineyard requires a lot of time, labor and capital. It all starts by looking at a particular piece of ground. “The most important thing when you’re laying out a vineyard is knowing what your soils are and knowing where the soils change,” says Marshall Edwards, vineyard operations manager at Shaw Vineyards in Benton City, Washington…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
12 Sept: What I Discovered About Myself by Working in Restaurants – In another life, in another city, I was a rising-star sommelier, with my hopes pinned on a Court of Master Sommeliers’ pin. I was 25 years old when I got my first gig as a cellar rat (a term bestowed on those of us who came to the cellars for free to stock bottles, haul cases and learn), 27 when I passed my certified exam…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
11 Sept: The 5 Best Tips for Cleaning Red Wine Stains, According to Sommeliers and Wine Experts – Red wine disasters happen. Whether it’s an over-enthusiastic hand gesture that knocks your glass onto the carpet, or a sloppy pour that leaves your tablecloth drenched in Pinot Noir, spills are an unavoidable part of drinking wine…….. article via The Kitchn
10 Sept: More people drinking fine wine at home, says UK survey – Nearly three quarters of UK adults responding to a recent survey said they had spent more money on fine wine since the beginning of the first Covid-19 lockdown in the country, in March 2020…….. article via Decanter
10 Sept: The Evolution of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – On May 24, 1976 at 3 p.m., nine of the most respected names in French gastronomy sat down at a long table at the Intercontinental Hotel in Paris for a blind wine tasting. The contenders were France’s top estates from Bordeaux and Burgundy versus wine from an unknown region of Northern California…….. article via VinePair
8 Sept: New winemaker spreads his wings at the helm of Stellenbosch Hills – Stellenbosch Hills has appointed rising winemaking star Charl Myburgh to its team. Charl comes with broad experience of wineries geared for quality. Apart from his own children, his proudest achievement includes being part of the team that won the SA Young Wine Show’s General Smuts Trophy in 2012…….. article via Stellenbosch Hills
7 Sept: Giant 8-Story Johnnie Walker Tourist Attraction Opens in Historic Edinburgh – A whisky wonderland has arrived in the heart of Scotland’s capital after more than four years in the making. Last week, spirits giant Diageo announced that as of Monday, Sep. 6, the Johnnie-Walker-themed boozy tourist experience is officially open to visitors…….. article via VinePair
7 Sept: Napa Valley’s Lewis Cellars sold to Justin Vineyards and Winery – Justin Vineyards & Winery announced last week that it had acquired Lewis Cellars for an undisclosed fee. It marks an expansion into Napa Valley wine for the Paso Robles-based producer and its owner, the Wonderful Company…….. article via Decanter
6 Sept: Ernie Els Wines takes a swing with new and improved winery – The Big Easy: From the world-renowned Helderberg region of Stellenbosch comes an award-winning range of wines named after South African golf legend Ernie Els and skillfully crafted by winemaking legend Louis Strydom…….. article via The South African
6 Sept: Food and Beverage Pairing Trends to Watch Now – Following the lockdown, the beginning of 2021 was mainly focused on small-group consumption of food and beverages at home, and this trend is expected to continue in some months to come…….. article via ThirstyMag
5 Sept: Pope Francis Declares Wine Is A Necessity – Pope Francis is a cool dude. In the past two years the Pontiff has captured the attention of people around the globe by spending much of his time addressing the cruelties in the world and attempting to curtail them…….. article via VinePair
5 Sept: Manchester – a wine lover’s guide – Manchester is famous for its music and sport, but for a long time it was not the best city for a wine lover to have a proper night out. However, the past few years have seen a burgeoning movement of small, independent wine bars and restaurants that have transformed the city’s oenophile offering…….. article via Decanter
3 Sept: Rare 200-year-old bottle of wine intended for Napoleon to go on sale in SA – If you’re one for the finer things in life, and have hundreds of thousands lying around, then you’ll be interested to know that a 200-year-old bottle of wine that was intended for Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, will be on the market in South Africa later this month…….. article via Cape {Town} Etc
3 Sept: All change at City Bowl bistro – Twenty-four hour lamb and a refreshing look at vegetarian dishes mark the approach of the new young chef at Societi Bistro in the Mother City…….. article via Daily Maverick
2 Sept: KWV takes Champion Red at SA Young Wine Show – The Champion Red Blend of 2021 belongs to KWV. This notable achievement was announced at the 2021 SA National Young Wine Show, presented by Agri-Expo, where this Paarl-based producer was awarded the prestigious Vine Products Trophy for SA Champion Red Blend…….. article via Winelands Magazine
2 Sept: WWC21 – Gevonden, South Africa – Nestled against the duToitskloof Mountains in South Africa’s Breedekloof wine region is the African continent’s oldest block of indigenous vines. And it’s on death row……. article via Jancis Robinson
1 Sept: Jamie Goode: UK vs USA – where should SA wine’s export focus lie? – In a recent opinion piece on this site, Michael Fridjhon discusses South African wine’s export strategy, and in particular, takes Wines of South Africa (WOSA) to task for focusing on the UK market (which accounts for fully 25% of South Africa’s exports by value)…….. article via WineMag
1 Sept: Masottina – historic family Prosecco producers on a mission – Masottina is one of the founders of Prosecco: a third-generation family company celebrating its first 75 years of activity in 2021 and gaining increasing recognition in the wine world, culminating in a Gold Medal with Decanter World Wine Awards 2021…….. article via Decanter
August 2021
31 Aug: Recurrent Ventures buys wine expert Jancis Robinson’s website – After a couple years of bargain-hunting for ad-supported media businesses, Recurrent Ventures has pounced on a small, subscription-focused title it hopes will help provide a foundation for subscriber revenue, Digiday has learned…….. article via DigiDay
31 Aug: More Than Miller High Life: What Somms Can Teach Wine Lovers About Beer – A wine drinker wanting to expand their horizons and learn about beer might look first to the wine professionals they’ve trusted for advice in restaurants and wineries, only to be puzzled by Instagram posts about late-night PBRs at local dives or cases of Miller High Life guzzled during harvest…….. article via VinePair
29 Aug: The Master of Cape Syrah – Cape winemakers can hardly afford to be one-trick ponies. Unlike their Old World brethren who spend most of their lives committed to working a handful of grape varieties into two to three wine-styles, South African vignerons must tap into the national vinous psyche…….. article via Wine Goggle
27 Aug: Four of the Best Winery Architecture Firms Today – Wine and sophisticated design often go hand in hand, and architecture firms are earning stellar reputations for their innovative and artful winery projects. It’s a complicated challenge that requires designers to respond to the landscape…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
26 Aug: The Sommelier Shift – “I never thought I would end up in the kitchen,” Rebecca Rose Phillips says. But on a humid August morning, that’s exactly where the certified sommelier is, prepping taco meat for that night’s Taco Tuesday special…….. article via Wine & Spirits Magazine
25 Aug: Thank heaven for overseas money. Without it, what would Cape vineyards do? – In the mid 1980s, as the late Hans Schreiber was buying up high-profile viticultural property in Stellenbosch, a serious concern was expressed — in newspaper columns and not just at jukskei competitions — about the sale of heritage sites to foreigners…….. article via Sunday Times Daily
24 Aug: Health reasons why you should drink red wine every day – Call us biased but we think you should be drinking red wine every day. But don’t just take our word for it, medical professionals back us on this claim. While alcohol in general, gets a bad rap from doctors, the one drink they seem to endorse, all be it in moderation is red wine…….. article via Wine Lovers Box
23 Aug: How changing climate and tastes made red wine stronger – Whether it comes from a corner shop or the most venerated terroir, the glass of red wine in your hand has been getting stronger……. article via Financial Times
23 Aug: SA Young Wine Show Regional Champions Announced – For the first time in the history of the SA Young Wine Show, the organisers have – in collaboration with the various wine regions – decided to announce all the regional champion winners at the same time. The results follow below…….. article via Young Wine Show
23 Aug: Vinpro fights to fully reopen and rebuild the SA wine industry – Despite all of the setbacks the South African wine industry has had to endure over the past 17 months, Vinpro has not backed down from the fight to fully reopen and rebuild the industry……… article via VinPro
20 Aug: Do Wine Tasting Competitions Matter? These Winners Say Yes. – When Tinashe Nyamudoka and fellow Zimbabwean sommeliers Joseph Dhafana, Marlvin Gwese and Pardon Taguzu arrived at Burgundy’s Château de Gilly for the 2017 World Wine Tasting Championships (WWTC), they sensed surprise in the air…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
19 Aug: How Koni Maliehe’s growing wine brand was built on relationships and hard work – Bubbly, confident and passionate: these are the three words that come to mind when you meet Koni Maliehe. And it’s these qualities that have equipped her to make a success of her business, Koni Wines, even during one of the toughest years the industry has ever faced…….. article via Food24
19 Aug: One of SA’s oldest wine farms, the Morgenhof wine estate, up for auction – One of South Africa’s oldest wine farms, the Morgenhof wine estate, is going up for auction. The 210-hectare lush winery has drawn a bounty of potential investors with, the majority of interest stemming from an international audience…….. article via IOL
18 Aug: Bar and Restaurant Workers Become ‘Vaccine Bouncers’ Amid New Mandates – On August 17, New York City introduced a policy that requires proof of vaccination for those who want to drink or dine at indoor bars and restaurants. New Orleans has a similar mandate in place and San Francisco will introduce one on August 20…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
17 Aug: Agulhas Wine Triangle: South Africa’s southernmost wines – Home to a forceful, ever-present wind, this remarkable region feeds off the elements, allowing them to cool and shape the environment – something winemakers use to their advantage when making South Africa’s southernmost wines…….. article via Decanter
13 Aug: Does physical agitation during transport affect wine? – The effect of shipping conditions on wine quality was the focus of two blog posts previously published on the Sauvignon Blanc SA website……… article via Sauvignon Blanc
12 Aug: DGB acquires majority shareholding in Backsberg – DGB, South Africa’s leading premier wine company, has concluded a deal to acquire the majority shareholding in Backsberg, a long-established name in the Cape winelands which has been in the hands of the famous Back family for over a century……… article via Wineland Magazine
10 Aug: 6 Hottest Destinations for Wine Tourists in 2021 – Because of its growing reputation, wine tourism is becoming increasingly popular over the last couple of years. It is one of the most intriguing and rewarding ways to explore a new country and its specialities from a different perspective…….. article via Upscale Living Magazine
09 Aug: Celebrating women! Meet Sarette van den Heever, founder and owner of Wijn – Co-founder of Wijn in Paarl, Sarette van den Heever is a true inspiration within business; her passions and experiences lead her to take a leap of faith and follow through with owning her own wine bar…….. article via Aspire Lifestyle
04 Aug: Wine Enthusiast Podcast: There’s No Better Time to Drink South African Wine – In this episode, we’re turning our attention to one of the greatest wine-producing countries in the world: South Africa. A lot has happened in the South African wine industry over the past year-plus…….. article via Wine Enthusiast
04 Aug: Winemag.co.za has named the Delheim Grand Reserve 2017 one of South Africa’s TOP 10 Bordeaux Red Blends, 93 pts – 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc…….. article via winemag.co.za
03 Aug: The lowdown on vegan organic wine, and why you should drink it – What do you get when you combine a passion for winemaking, a two-generation legacy and a deep concern for the environment? The answer is a deliciously elegant wine that is highly conscious about the environment that is used to produce it…….. article via Cape {Town} Etc
02 Aug: A look at the Morgenhof Wine Estate in Stellenbosch which is set to go on auction – The Morgenhof Wine Estate that lies on the slopes of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch is set to go on auction in August 2021 for the first time in the winery’s 329-year history…….. article via Business Tech
July 2021
30 Jul: Best Sommelier in South Africa 2021 Competition – Following four waves of banned alcohol sales and hundreds of establishments being forced to close, the esteemed profession of Sommelière has been hanging in the balance…….. article via Sommelier’s Association of South Africa
29 Jul: SA wine history: Was Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel really our first bottle-fermented bubbly? – Corks are popping this year as South Africa celebrates half a century of bottle-fermented sparkling wine, with Cap Classique producers universally embracing the story that Simonsig’s first vintage of Kaapse Vonkel (1971) marks the birth of this very effervescent category…….. article via WineMag.co.za
28 Jul: Western Cape wine industry feels brunt of alcohol bans, report shows – While the move to alert level 3 of the Covid-19 lockdown by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which allows for the sale of alcohol, has been welcomed, the Western Cape’s wine industry has suffered severely…….. article via IOL
23 Jul: Three of the finest fruits of the vine – Strauss & Co’s auction on Sunday offers a selection of fine wines produced from the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, including lots from the renowned French regions of Burgundy and Champagne, and SA…….. article via Wanted
22 Jul: How Lanchester Wines has acted fast to the New Zealand wine shortage – Every year brings fresh challenges to wine buyers as they roam the world looking for the right sources of wine for their needs based on global wine harvests. In 2021 that means Lanchester Wines‘ Lesley Cook has had to act fast to cope with the shortage of New Zealand wine…….. article via The Buyer
21 Jul: Michael Fridjhon: What factors should drive official alcohol policy? – The 19th century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli has been credited with first saying that “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” It ought to be added that there are three kinds of statisticians…….. article via WineMag
20 Jul: Vinpro in court on Wednesday, 21 July 2021 to save wine industry from destruction – In the wake of the disorder the country has seen during the past week due to looting, violence and destruction of property in certain provinces, the country once again faces unprecedented challenges……… article via Vinpro
19 Jul: Spier appoints Johan Jordaan as head winemaker – For the past 14 years, Johan has been an integral member of the Spier winemaking team as an acclaimed red winemaker. He succeeds his mentor and industry icon, Frans Smit, who has now taken on the role of Spier’s Managing Director after 25 years of exemplary winemaking and viticultural leadership……… article via Spier
14 Jul: Waitrose further supports SA wine industry – Waitrose has announced it is offering a one-off virtual tasting in order to further support the beleaguered South African wine industry. Taking place this Thursday (15 July), the tasting will be hosted by the retailer’s South African wine buyer Victoria Mason…….. article via Harpers
12 Jul: Black-owned wine businesses struggling the most to survive alcohol ban, says Vinpro – Wine-related businesses are battling to survive South Africa’s fifth ban on alcohol since the first one was implemented last year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic…….. article via Mail & Guardian
9 Jul: South African wineries fear “inevitable” extension of fourth alcohol ban – Sommelier and wine educator Erica Taylor told db that few wine professionals expect “freedom day” to arrive as planned next week…….. article via The Drinks Business
8 Jul: From Vine to Glass: South African Wine & Traceability – In the Middle Ages wax seals were used to authenticate documents. South Africa’s own sustainability wine seal does a similar job. The seal guarantees that the information on the bottle label about the variety, vintage and origin of the wine is accurate…….. article via Visit Winelands
8 Jul: Two Western Cape wineries win the prestigious Green Emblem Award – While many South Africans may be left high and dry and have been attempting to savour the last few drops of their favourite bottle of wine amid an alcohol ban, the world still appears to be recognising our greatness in the field of winemaking…….. article via Cape {Town} Etc
7 Jul: Durbanville Wine Valley Triumphs at Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show – The inimitable excellence of wines from Durbanville has been re-affirmed following a remarkable performance by wine route members at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show (OMTWS)…….. article via Michael Olivier
6 Jul: Org de Rac appoints Lizelle Gerber as winemaker – Swartland winery Org de Rac has appointed Lizelle Gerber as winemaker with effect from 1 July. She will be working alongside cellar-master and general manager Frank Meaker for the meantime but is set to be fully in charge of production from the 2022 harvest…….. article via WineMag.co.za
6 Jul: Cape Wines Crush It In Prestigious US Tasting Review – According to Wine Spectator, a leading US lifestyle magazine that focuses on wine and wine culture, we are very much spoilt for choice. A number of South African wines scored ratings in the 90s, including five from Anthonij Rupert Wyne alone…….. article via 2 Oceans Vibe
5 Jul: SAB takes the fizz out of AB InBev as Covid bans increase pressure – In the five years since Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) closed on a $100-billion merger with South African Breweries (SAB), the Belgian multi-national’s share price has plummeted while its competitors’ stock has gone up…….. article via Mail & Guardian
2 Jul: Have South African wines reached collectable status? – South African wines are undoubtedly world class, but ahead of the Cape Fine and Rare Wine Auction, Adam Lechmere asks if it’s time for people to start investing in the Cape’s best bottles…….. article via Club Oenologique
June 2021
30 Jun: Vinpro asks court to lift ban on wine sales in Western Cape – VINPRO has launched an urgent application for an interim interdict against the ban on the sale of wine in the Western Cape. The industry body, which represents almost 2 600 wine grape producers, cellars and other wine-related businesses, said yesterday the court action was an effort to obtain interim relief for wine businesses…….. article via IOL
30 Jun: SA wine history: The value of old Constantia wine (and some delicious imitations) – The single bottle of Grand Constance 1821 that Joanne Gibson wrote about last month fetched an astonishing R420,000 at the Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction…….. article via WineMag.co.za
29 Jun: The story of Khayelitsha’s first premium wine label, set to shine post-pandemic – Lindile Ndzaba, founder and director of Khayelitsha’s Finest Wines, was first exposed to the exciting world of wine in 2009, where he found himself washing glasses in one of Cape Town’s hippest wine bars…….. article via BizCommunity
27 Jun: Alcohol industry submission to NCCC to curb spread of infection – The alcohol industry notes media reports that suggest the Government is considering banning alcohol sales as the number of Covid-19 cases increase significantly. The alcohol industry shares the concerns about the sharp rise in Covid-19 infections, particularly in the province of Gauteng and the threat to life that this poses for the people of South Africa…….. article via WineLand
24 Jun: Assistant Winemaker Martin, shares the importance of barrel – To understand the method of ageing wine in barrels, it is important to comprehend the work and science that goes into the selection and preparation of wine barrels before they are filled with wine. This includes the crucial behind the scenes work that goes on in the cellar to make this all possible…….. article via De Toren
23 Jun: Prescient Merlot Report 2021: Top 10 – This year’s Merlot Report sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient is now out. There were 55 entries received from 45 producers and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale…….. article via WineMag.co.za
23 Jun: Reyneke: South Africa’s holistic wine farm – Johan Reyneke, the owner and viticulturalist of South Africa’s only biodynamic wine farm, chats with Tina Gellie about the real meaning of sustainability during a virtual tasting of his latest releases…….. Decanter
23 Jun: We’re In For A Cracking 2021 Wine Harvest – We can bless the rains down in South Africa, for it has yielded a stunning 2021 harvest. The rainfall, along with moderate weather throughout the season, has resulted in a later harvest that allowed the grapes to develop a particularly delicious colour and flavour…….. article via 2Oceans Vibe
23 Jun: Fairtrade Africa: Local Wineries with a Cause – Fairtrade Africa is a sustainable development initiative that draws attention to the story behind the products on our shelves and commits to sustaining the livelihoods of the frontline workers: the people behind the label…….. article via Whats On in Cape Town
23 Jun: Women In Wine Across The Globe – We see so many female winemakers today but 30 years ago, that was not the case. It is thanks to the trailblazers that proceeded the current generation. I profiled three women who have been in the wine industry for more than 20 years in Sheville.org and in ATOD Magazine, and I am sharing it here…….. article via Please The Palate
22 Jun: De Toren’s BOOK XVII 2019 – The exclusive BOOK XVII brings the rare opportunity to savour an opulent wine, the most exceptional of South Africa’s Bordeaux-style blends. The release of its 10th vintage marks a decade of meticulous handcraftsmanship…….. article via Objekt
22 Jun: New white wines to try based on the ones you already love – Wine is fascinating for a number of reasons, not least for its sheer variety. We can drink a different wine each day and not repeat a bottle for a pandemic or maybe even longer…….. article via The Washington Post
21 Jun: Best Wines to Try this Autumn from Benguela Cove – As winter approaches, our master winemaker has perfect wine recommendations for you to try. Discover four wines that showcase the boldness, balance and intensity that distinguishes Benguela Cove as a cool climate wine estate. Why not join our exclusive Wine Club, with access to the best from Benguela Cove?…….. article via Benguela Cove
20 Jun: Waterford’s crown jewel wine ranked in top 1% of the world – There are three things that every Capetonian loves: a good hike, an incredible market and a thrilling day at a wine farm. While wine has always been a great way to kick back and let loose (sometimes a bit too loose), it’s also got all the makings to cook up a memorable story…….. article via Cape {Town} Etc
17 Jun: A new era for DeMorgenzon Wine Estate – This year Adam Mason takes over from Winemaker, Carl van der Merwe, at DeMorgenzon. With this exciting new chapter (or passing of the baton as they like to say), we thought we’d celebrate the occasion by launch a new selection of delicious DeMorgenzon Chenin Blancs and Chardonnay no the website…….. article via RAQK
17 Jun: Shock Departure of JP Rossouw Leaves Platter’s Wine Guide Reeling – The popularity of the Platter’s Wine Guide, South Africa’s leading wine-rating publication, is set to plunge after the shock departure of its debonair publisher Jean-Pierre Rossouw…….. article via Wine Goggle
15 Jun: Donovan Rall: six new releases from this South African star – Large-scale in height and talent but small-scale in production, Donovan Rall is a South African name to know. Tina Gellie caught up with the Swartland-based winemaker in a virtual tasting of his latest releases…….. article via Decanter
15 Jun: Wine of the Day, No. 665 – You might be wise to stock a few bottles of the Constantia Uitsig Methode Cap Classique 2017 to drink through the Summer. This delightful sparkling wine from South Africa will bring you many pleasant, perhaps even thoughtful hours as you sip in the shade of the old mimosa tree…….. article via Bigger Than Your Head
Inviting Nature In With The New Creation Biome – Welcome to the Creation Biome at the entrance to the Tasting Room at Creation Wines, where right now you’re greeted by seasonal fynbos such as the exquisite King and Pink Ice Proteas…….. article via The Wine Tarte
J.C. Le Roux launches virtual celebration tasting boxes – The House of J.C. Le Roux, South Africa’s first dedicated sparkling wine cellar, is excited to launch their virtual celebration tasting boxes to all consumers around South Africa…….. article via Cape {Town} Etc
Top SA wines for sale at online auction after COVID alcohol sales ban hits exports – Some of South Africa’s finest, award-winning wines will be up for grabs in a rare and unprecedented online auction next week. There are about 12,000 cases of wine from estates including Du Toitskloof Wines and Elgin Vintners that were traditionally reserved for the export market…….. article via EWN
Drink up! SAB to pour R2 billion investment back into South Africa – The storm clouds have seemingly parted for the alcohol industry, as South African Breweries (SAB) has announced its decision to pump billions back into South Africa. The move comes after a turbulent year, where alcohol bans and liquor restrictions decimated one of the cornerstones of our domestic economy…….. article via The South African
Chenin Blanc Finds Its Feet in South Africa – Between the deep green valleys running down from the Cape Fold mountains to the open plains of golden farmlands, there’s one grape variety that has thrived in the Cape Winelands for centuries…….. article via The Pix
Cheers to Groot Constantia’s liquid legacy – It is no secret that the Cape Winelands has some of the most incredible jewels in the wine industry, so it should come as no surprise that a 200-year-old bottle of Grand Constance has been sold for nearly half a million rand……… article via Cape Town Travel