Posted at h in Press Release by
0 Likes

Ever noticed how many wines in South Africa have “Chateau” as part of their name? Only one: Chateau Libertas. 

In 1935, the country signed an agreement with the French* that prevented the use of the term by any local producer from that point on. Why the exception for Chateau Libertas? It was established in 1932, before the deal was inked, so it escaped the prohibition.

Posted at h in What's in my Glass? by
0 Likes

The celebrated Zandvliet winery has made it even easier and convenient for wine-lovers to enjoy its My Best Friend range, available in traditional bottles and now a two-litre wine-in-a-box format too. My Best Friend, which comprises a Cape White and Cape Red, is the perfect bring-your-own-wine summer companion when joining friends for a braai, sunset picnic, or simply a leisurely get-together around the pool.

Posted at h in Lifestyle by
0 Likes

The Nest Collection’s boutique property set for upswing in tourism

La Petite Ferme, the renowned manor house and vineyard suites on the Franschhoek Pass and member of The Nest Collection, has appointed a talented new head chef. Odette Olivier comes with a wealth of local and international experience and is set to re-invigorate the dining experience at one of the Cape’s most scenic locations.

Posted at h in Lifestyle by
0 Likes
South Africa, Durbanville, May 2021: Break away to drink, dine and discover one of the Cape’s most exciting destinations – Cape Town’s northern vineyard at Durbanville, just 20 minutes from the CBD. This is the invitation of the revitalized Durbanville Wine Valley (DWV). “Durbanville has always been popular with visitors, from day-trippers to travellers eager to experience a little more of the Cape. With spacious rural destinations being safer alternatives for near-home getaways, Durbanville is once again front of mind – and for good reason,” says newly appointed DWV manager Natasha de Villiers.

Posted at h in Lifestyle, What's in my Glass? by
1 Like
I recently discovered Badger & Mountain wines situated in Tulbagh, known for its quality soil and climate the Badger & Mountain wines reflect the valley. Their vision is to safeguard the stability amongst planted and natural parts of the farm plus the conservation of natural vegetation types and alien plant control. Driven to create a natural wildlife access strip, through which they can navigate, resulting in a better environment and wines made from that very source.

Posted at h in What's in my Glass? by
0 Likes

Founded by businessman Bernard Fontannaz in 2016, Le Grande Domaine’s range of wines are best described as passion driven by excellence. Two of the standout wines in the range, namely the Grand Vin De Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2017 and Grand Vin De Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2020, are produced from carefully selected clones and rootstock, and are bound to take pride of place in your cellar this season.

Posted at h in Lifestyle by
0 Likes
     
Esteemed wine critic Jancis Robinson recently published ‘A South African miscellany', awarding a 17.5 out of 20 score to the Brookdale Chenin Blanc 2019 - effectively placing it amongst the highest rated Chenin Blancs in South Africa.   ‘Powdery, fragrant honeysuckle and jasmine with sweetness of ripe white peach. Creamy, tingling, richly textured spreading all over the palate. Apricots and avocado, matcha powder and tarragon and dripping ripe white melon. A quiet tap-tap of pepper on the scalpel-fine drawn-out finish. Elegant and beautifully composed. This is a seriously classy, sophisticated-artisan Chenin,’ says Robinson who was internationally recognised as ‘the Best Wine Critic of the World’ in the Best Wine of the World Competition 2018.    Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Klein Drakenstein mountains in Paarl, Brookdale Estate produces wines as unexpected as they are enchanting.  A true Cinderella story, Brookdale Estate was once overgrown and underused. The Rudd family, originally from the United Kingdom, recognised the potential of the property and acquired the 67-hectare estate ​in 2015. Their vision was to create a world-class country estate producing fine wines, including interesting blends crafted from varietals that are somewhat ‘unusual’ in South Africa.   A single block of old-vine Chenin Blanc, estimated to be about 36 years old, was saved to become Brookdale’s maiden release in 2017. New vineyards were planted, and the Rudd family set out to further restore the balance of nature on the estate by clearing 27-hectares of alien vegetation. Indigenous vegetation was planted, including 3700 trees, as well as expansive gardens for Manor House resident guests to explore.   As ardent wine connoisseurs, Brookdale Estate is the pinnacle of the Rudd family’s passion. Here, Mediterranean varietals, a unique Paarl terroir and unusual winemaking techniques are brought together under the visionary hand of Tim Rudd, talented young winemaker Kiara Scott and consultant winemaker Duncan Savage.   The summer of 2022 will see the opening of a new Cellar, Wine Tasting Experience and Restaurant on site at Brookdale.   BROOKDALE ESTATE (PAARL) www.brookdale-estate.com Tel +27 (0)76 400 0229 https://www.instagram.com/brookdale_estate_sa/ https://www.facebook.com/Brookdaleestate/ https://twitter.com/brookdalewine Brookdale wines are for sale at leading wine merchants in Cape Town and may be ordered from the estate for delivery countrywide.