SPIER INTRODUCES NEW ORGANIC HARVEST – A GARDEN -TO-GLASS TASTING

As the demand for more naturally produced wines – that taste just as good – rises, Spier’s new Organic Harvest: a Garden-to-Glass tasting at Spier proves that regenerative farming is a win-wine situation.

Spier has launched a new tasting experience, the Organic Harvest: a Garden-to-Glass Tasting. The new tasting combines award-winning organic wines with vegetarian bites made using fresh ingredients straight from the Spier Food Garden.

Certified organic wine is made with grapes grown without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or other artificial chemicals. At present, all vines on Spier’s own farm are organic. This way of farming nurtures the vineyard as a living ecological system and allows for grapes full of incredible flavour and complexity.

Spier’s Organic Winemaker, Tania Kleintjes, explains, “The big difference with organic wine is in the vineyard – not the taste.” As a complement to their organic wine initiatives, this unique tasting is paired with fresh produce from the farm garden. The Spier Food Garden has been transformed from an old horse paddock into a thriving horticultural hotspot to grow delicious and nutrient-rich produce using eco-friendly and regenerative techniques.

The new tasting features four delicious organic wines, including Good Natured Sauvignon Blanc, Farm House Rosé, The Yellowwood Red and First Stone Red. The tasting starts with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from Spier’s newest organic range, Good Natured. Launched in 2022, the holistically farmed Good Natured wines arrive as Spier aims to reach a net zero carbon footprint by 2030. The range of premium, organically-certified wines has been nurtured in line with an ethos that bears good fruit, reflecting Spier’s commitment to ethics, the environment, and socially conscious farming. This wine is paired with a Spier garden roast vegetable tartlet, confit tomato, and goats cheese.

Next up, wine lovers will be treated to Farm House Rosé. This silky Shiraz rosé — made with organic grapes grown at Spier — serves up abundant strawberry with hints of vanilla and pepper culminating in a dazzlingly fresh finish. It is paired with cream of tomato soup and a parmesan tuille. The tasting continues with The Yellowwood Red, paired with shitake veloute and mushroom ragout, ending with the grand finale: the award-winning First Stone Red paired with a 55% dark chocolate brownie truffle.

Spier Cellar Master Johan Jordaan shares:

“Making organic wines is in keeping with Spier’s ethically, environmentally and socially conscious farming philosophy in which we harness the goodness of nature in ways that are kind to the earth.” 

Put simply, these wines don’t just taste good, they do good. 

The Organic Wine & Garden Bites Tasting is available at the Spier Tasting Room for R160 per person and is vegetarian-friendly. Reservations required.

http://www.spier.co.za

ISSUED BY: SCOUT PR and Social Media

ANTHONIJ RUPERT WYNE PRESENTS THE RETURN OF THE SHIRAZ & CHARCUTERIE FESTIVAL

Anthonij Rupert Wyne in Franschhoek is excited to announce the highly anticipated return of the Shiraz & Charcuterie Festival after a three-year hiatus. Scheduled for Saturday, 27 May (11 am to 4 pm), the event promises to be a social calendar highlight, bringing together some of the country’s finest Shiraz wines paired with Charcuterie from Artisanal Producers.

Visitors will have the opportunity to savour and enjoy Anthonij Rupert Wyne’s range of distinguished Shiraz wines, including the Anthonij Rupert Syrah, the site-specific Cape of Good Hope Riebeeksrivier Syrah, and Protea Shiraz.

Alongside Anthonij Rupert Wyne, some of the country’s most notable Shiraz-producing Estates, including Hartenberg Estate, Waterford Estate, Keermont Vineyards, La Motte, and Kleinood, among others, will be showcasing their finest Shiraz wines. This presents guests with a unique opportunity to discover and appreciate the diverse styles and flavours of exceptional reds produced in South Africa.

You’ll be able to complement your tasting experience with a diverse range of locally and internationally sourced Charcuterie delights. From artisanal salami and cured hams to boldly flavoured chorizos, there is a charcuterie option for every palate. Explore the various samples, discover new favourites, or purchase some to enjoy at the festival or take home to share with friends and family.

Pre-booking is essential, as tickets are limited. Your ticket, which costs R295 per person, includes entry and tastings of the wines on show. Book directly via www.webtickets.co.za.

ISSUED BY	:	ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS

NEW LOOK FOR MORGENSTER’S AWARD-WINNING OLIVE OIS

Well-known for their impressive range of fine table wines, Morgenster’s award-winning olive oils are also something to be savoured.

In 1994, Morgenster founder Giulio Bertrand, imported 17 superior Italian olive varieties and planted 42 hectares of olive trees on the estate’s rocky soils. The estate’s first extra virgin olive oils were released into the market in 1998.

Today his legacy continues with his daughter, Federica and granddaughter, Vittoria, at the helm. Their passion for quality is testament to the premium products produced and they are inspired to not only celebrate the estate’s history, but to push it into a new era of excellence and innovation.

As part of this new era. Morgenster’s wines sport a stunning new label design, and now it’s the turn of the Estate’s olive oils to wear ‘new clothes’.

Their new, elegant, minimalistic, and modern design allows the exceptional quality of their extra virgin olive oils to shine. With the intention of revisiting their origin to get to the true essence of their brand’s image, their unique logomark showcases the Morgenster “M” and the estate’s iconic “Morning Star” in an exciting design shift. To complete the range, the estate’s European influence inspired the chosen Mediterranean colour palette complementing Morgenster’s prominent blue.

The Morgenster olive oil range includes four extra virgin olive oils and a balsamic vinegar.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

VIBRANT & VERSATILE

Their award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a premium blend of up to 14 of their finest Italian olive varieties. Its well-balanced, fresh and fruity flavour has been perfected over decades and enjoyed by foodies, chefs and families across the world.

DELICATE EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

BALANCED & SUBTLE

Savour this velvety extra virgin olive oil blend produced in small batches and made from specially selected cultivars. Its pale golden colour, velvety texture, and soft fruity flavour is delicious.

DON CARLO EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

BOLD & ROBUST

This single-varietal extra virgin olive oil is made from Don Carlo olives. Its extraordinary, bold flavour has acquired accolades from the world’s most acclaimed competitions.

LEMON-ENHANCED EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

ZESTY & TASTY

This zesty extra virgin olive oil is made by carefully combining the oil from cold pressed lemon peel with our finest blend of extra virgin olive oil. The bright citrus flavour is fresh and lively.

ITALIAN BALSAMIC VINEGAR

TANGY & COMPLEX

Completing the range is the Italian Balsamic Vinegar, which is made in Italy and bottled on the estate. In collaboration with authentic Italian producers, the result is an exceptional balsamic vinegar using strictly traditional methods. 

www.morgenster.co.za

ISSUED BY:      ON THE MARQUE Public Relations

SAVOUR STELLENBOSCH LIFE AT UPCOMING STREET SOIREES

Settle into the balmy evenings of the season by joining celebrated wineries at the Stellenbosch Street Soirees. A favourite for friends to catch up over fine food and wine beneath famous oaks and wine-lovers seeking to experience the heartland of South African wine in all its glory, the Street Soirees are the place to be.

Unsurprisingly, the Stellenbosch Street Soirees have become an annual highlight of the region. It offers enthusiasts the opportunity to taste wine and socialise in an elegant setting amongst towering oaks at the Cape’s finest time of the year. As is the tradition, sumptuous street food from local purveyors including renowned chef Bertus Basson’s De Vrije Burger, will be on offer, along with smooth and contemporary music.

The dates for this year’s Street Soirees are 18 January, 1 and 15 February and, 1 and 15 March. Each evening’s activities run from 18:00 to 20:00. Between 15 and 25 wineries will participate per event.

“The Stellenbosch Street Soirees have really taken on a life of their own since launching in 2011,” says Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager Elmarie Rabe. “Nonetheless, they continue to gain momentum. It’s always a treat to catch the happy surprise on the faces of visitors who unexpectedly happen on the festivities in the closed-off Drostdy Street.

“It’s a lot of fun and we always encourage people to stick around afterwards for dinner at one of the stunning restaurants within walking distance, or even continue the party at one of Stellenbosch’s many wine bars,” she says.

The Street Soirees were conceptualised to provide visitors with a taste of Stellenbosch life, but also as an opportunity for locals to enjoy their town. Not only celebrated for its wines, Stellenbosch has established a firm reputation for the quality of its hospitality, restaurants and accommodation; classic style and urban appeal.

Details:

Tickets:                       R170pp (includes a glass and 10 tasting tokens)

Buy online:                  Tickets available via Plankton

For more information, email info@wineroute.co.za or call 021 886 4310. Learn more about Stellenbosch’s reputation for food, wine, history and culture at www.wineroute.co.za or www.visitstellenbosch.org.

Issued by:                                                                    

Random Hat Communications     

LA MOTTE WINE PRESENTS EXCITING NEW FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCE – JAN FRANSCHHOEK

La Motte Wine Estate is excited to introduce JAN Franschhoek, an exceptional, seasonal food and wine experience presented from a charming 19^th-century historic cottage, Veepos, right in the middle of the Franschhoek Valley’s most picturesque lavender fields. Based on the popular TV series, JAN RSVP, this culinary encounter shares a nostalgic story with food as told by South Africa’s first Michelin-starred chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen.

“As a family, we are always looking for interesting and creative ways to share our passion for wine and food with our guests. We’ve been fans of Jan Hendrik’s dinner table storytelling since enjoying his Michelin starred experience in Nice and we are honoured and excited to host him and his team in the Franschhoek Valley. We can’t wait to offer guests a delicious once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience at La Motte”, says CEO of La Motte, Hein Koegelenberg.

“I remember always seeing this little house in the middle of the Franschhoek Valley lavender fields at La Motte and wondering why it was not a super exclusive little eatery. Years later and JAN Franschhoek will be opening its doors to the culinary curious,” says Jan Hendrik who regards his latest culinary adventure as a tribute to his early years in the winelands, when he was honing his skills and discovering the beauty of the area. “My years in the winelands formed such a big part of my culinary and design training that I have always wanted to come back for more. I guess it’s like drinking a good wine. Once you’ve had a taste, you want to keep on savouring it.”

The estate’s historic Veepos building that plays host to JAN Franschhoek, is a zero-waste and zero percent single-use plastic establishment and offers a rare glimpse into life as it was in this valley in the early 19th century, with thick stone walls that meet the ceiling and original blue gum ceiling beams. Fully restored since 1992, the building is hidden amidst a sea of lavender when the fields burst into bloom during the spring and summer  months.

JAN Franschhoek will take guests through a unique dining experience comprising of one half tasting menu and one half customised à la carte dining where guests can choose between the Mountain Menu and River Menu options. The culinary offering, crafted from 100% local ingredients and inspired by regional cuisine, combines traditional and modern techniques in the creation of a series of dishes inspired by the JAN Library’s formidable collection of cookbooks, one of the largest in South Africa.

JAN Franschhoek will be open for dinner bookings on select dates from 1 December 2022 until 31 May 2023.

The experience starts with a welcome in the La Motte Manor House (18:30) before dinner begins at 19:00.

E jan.franschhoek@la-motte.co.za T +27 (0)21 876 9115

 Cost: R2500 per person

 JAN Franschhoek’s team will include a culinary collective led by JAN Group Executive Chef Antro Davel and Head Chef Anzette Klynhans operating under Jan Hendrik as Culinary Director.

 The TV show JAN RSVP that served as inspiration for JAN Franschhoek airs weekly on VIA (DSTV channel 147) on Sunday nights at 20:30 and can be streamed on Showmax.

ISSUED BY:   HATCH COMMUNICATIONS

DINNER WITH SPIER’S CELLAR MASTER JOHAN JORDAAN AND FRANS K SMIT

Revel in the company of Frans K Smit, the name behind Spier’s flagship wine range. Crafted with all the attention and nuance you’d expect from such a winelover, the Frans K. Smit range of two complex blends – one red, one white – are produced in limited quantities and coveted around the world.

Details:

Thursday, 24 November 2022, 18h30 for 19h00.

Cost:

R750 per person Includes Cap Classique on arrival, a chef’s choice four-course meal paired with Spier wines, and a gift per couple to take home. Space is limited, so secure your seat as soon as possible. Strictly no under-18s.

Book here: https://www.spier.co.za/events/flagship-feast-dinner-with-spiers-cellar-master-and-frans-k-smit

Linger longer

Why not make a night of it or extend your stay at Spier for the whole weekend? Find out about our Summer Winelands Offer at Spier Hotel, valid until 15 December 2022.

“We just wanted to say thank you very much to the Spier team. We recently attended a dinner with Cellar Master Johan Jordaan and we had such an awesome meal and a great wine-tasting experience! It was stunning. We have told many friends about it, so we were glad to hear there will be even more dates to visit again and indulge in this very special dinner.” – Claudia & Marc

“We attended the June Winemaker’s Dinner with friends and everyone had a fantastic time. The food and wine pairings were superb and every course was beautifully presented. We will definitely be back!” – Carina Lombard

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY: Scout PR & Social Media

Spring Day with Valiant Swart at Le Grand Domaine Enoteca

Fine wines and song. The ingredients for a perfect evening out. In the first of a series of exclusive winemaker evenings, Le Grand Domaine Enoteca, will be the venue for a one night only performance by Valiant Swart on Thursday, 1 September (6:30pm).

Situated in Stellenbosch’s iconic Church Street, Le Grand Domaine Enoteca is the chic and vibey brand home of Le Grand Domaine and Stellenview Premium Wines, and is the ‘place to be seen’ as it showcases handcrafted premium wines and a delectable menu – one of the finest offerings in Stellenbosch.

Valiant will keep you entertained with some of his favourite songs and perhaps a few stories or two, whilst winemaker, Debbie Thompson will take you through an exclusive tasting of hand-picked wines from these high end wine brands. Your evening starts with a glass of the maiden release Grand Vin De Stellenbosch Cap Classique before you settle down for the tasting. Included in your evening is a platter to share, which includes locally sourced charcuterie, cheeses, olives and freshly baked bread.

Pre-booking is essential as space is limited. Tickets cost R990 per couple and include a tasting of 10 wines (per person) as well as a platter to share. Wines, at 20% discount, will be made available to purchase on the evening. To create that perfect social atmosphere only tables of two, four and eight will be available to book.

For bookings and queries contact Pippa Pringle at order@stellenviewwines.com, with subject heading MEET THE WINEMAKER.

ISSUED BY	:	ON THE MARQUE

Discover Franschhoek’s Cap Classique route with festivities on offer from 1-4th September 2022.

Lovers of bubbly can delight in this latest announcement from Franschhoek Tourism, as they put Cap Classique further on the map and firmly on our radars with the launch of a reignited route that features top estates open for interactive tastings and ultimate appreciation of local sparkling wines. 

Perfectly timed with the start of Spring and International Cap Classique day, September 1st 2022 sees us raising glasses for a ceremonious ‘cheers’ to all things Cap Classique. It also marks the official launch of the route and a jam-packed few days showcasing the very finest producers of an impressive array of 19 estates, conveniently located in the abundant valley of Franschhoek.

Epicureans can expect household names such as Colmant, Le Lude, Haute Cabriere, L’Ormarins and new additions to the route, such as Klein Goederust’s ‘Nomaroma’, making the route itinerary much more than you could fit into a day.

With an evolved offering that spans the first week of September, 1st to 4th, guests are invited to visit participating wine estates in a journey that includes award-winning flights of bubbly, as well as the very best food and wine pairings from the valley.

Ruth McCourt, CEO has this to say of the FWV Cap Classique route and planned celebrations “Spring is not the only reason to enjoy Cap Classique… There’s plenty of reason to enjoy a glass of bubbles every day; for breakfast, lunch, dinner- or all three! It’s fantastic to see 50 years of CapClassique heritage culminating in our valley and further highlighting the world-class local producers that proudly call this region home. Each farm has its unique offerings available to mark the occasion and we encourage all to join in the fun and support local.”

Route map, more information and a full list of participating farms are available here: https://franschhoek.org.za/event/franschhoek-cap-classique-experience/

ISSUED BY:    OPEN DOOR COLLECTIVE

NEW: HOT CHOCOLATE AND WINE TASTING AT DURBANVILLE HILLS

In a first for the Cape Winelands, Durbanville Hills has combined their love for wine and chocolate in creating a light-hearted treat: a hot chocolate and wine tasting!

From now until the end of September, the winery will be offering a limited-edition hot chocolate wine tasting of four red wines each paired with four different hand-crafted chocolate bombs, to add to steaming milk.

The tasting forms part of the winery’s creative exploration of flavours by pairing their cool climate wines with interesting foods to enrich the appreciation of their award-winning wines.

The silky-smooth indulgence and the depth the wine brings to the hot chocolate, make this an unmissable experience.

The pairings:

Durbanville Hills Cabernet Sauvignon with Coffee and Hazelnut

Durbanville Hills Merlot with Dark Chocolate Mint

Durbanville Hills Pinotage with Dark Chocolate Cherry and Turkish Delight

Durbanville Hills Shiraz with Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Each tasting includes four wines, four chocolate bombs, and hot milk to prepare your own. The bomb, when added to the warm milk, will release the chocolate and individual flavours once melted. How much wine to add would be a personal preference but a few dashes at the start will reveal the perfect balance of wine and hot chocolate! 

Cost: R120 per person

Offering: Now to end September 2022

Bookings: https://www.durbanvillehills.co.za/buying-tasting/cellar-visits/

ISSUED BY:   JIGSAW PUBLIC RELATIONS

THE CELLARS-HOHENORT AND STEENBERG VINEYARDS PRESENT A ‘WOMEN IN WINE’ FOOD AND WINE PAIRING DINNER – 26 AUGUST 2022

The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel is collaborating with Steenberg Vineyards to present a gastronomic wine pairing dinner on Friday 26 August 2022.

Executive Chef Tronette Dippenaar and Steenberg Cellar Master Elunda Basson are joining forces at this event to present gourmands with a food and wine feast in honour of Women’s Month. Steenberg is situated in the idyllic cool-climate Constantia Valley, known for producing some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cap Classique in South Africa.

The fine-dining pairing will begin with canapés of Goat’s Cheese King Cones and Free-Range Beef Tartare served with lively Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay Cap Classique. Following this, Poached Daikon Radishes with celeriac remoulade, green apple, pea purée and hazelnut are paired with the iconic Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2021, while the next course of Smoked Mussel Ravioli will be enjoyed with Steenberg The Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc 2020, pure expression of the Steenberg terroir, complete with a full and long finish.

The 2018 vintage of Steenberg’s flagship red blend Catharina has a full-bodied palate with notes of dark chocolate, cigar, raspberry and black cherry that masterfully complements the main course. Chef Tronette’s Grilled Duck Breast will be served with braised red cabbage, pomme dauphine, charred pearl onion and liquorice red wine jus.

The epicurean adventure ends with a dessert of White Chocolate and Berry Mille-Feuille with roasted chocolate sable and vanilla-berry ice cream, partnered with a fresh and fruity Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir Cap Classique.

The fine-dining Food and Wine Pairing Dinners include a welcome drink with canapés, and a 5-course menu with wines, at R595 per person. Bookings are essential. Tel 021 794 2137 or coordinator@cellars-hohenhort.co.za

Issued by FIVESTAR PR