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 19th-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.

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

FASCINATING PAIRING OF WINE & COFFEE AT NEDERBURG’S THE MANOR IN PAARL

Think you have it all figured out when it comes to wine tasting?

Nederburg’s The Manor restaurant and wine tasting hub in Paarl has teamed up with Freedom Coffee to offer wine and coffee lovers a slightly unusual tasting experience.

The Brew Tasting comprises a selection of Nederburg’s delicious white and red wines, as well as some top-notch single origin and blended coffees by Freedom Coffee, and edibles like dried mango, prunes, grapes, white chocolate with nuts and raspberries, dark chocolate and fatty biltong.

Different combinations of these components promise a taste sensation of note. According to those in the know, the secret lies in the chemical makeup of the wine as well as the coffee, and the ways in which these interact. 

Explains coffee roaster Vicus Kruger, owner of Freedom Coffee: “It’s quite easy to imagine a tasting of chocolate and wine, or fruit and wine, or coffee and red wine, but is almost seems unthinkable to match a white wine with a coffee and some food items. That’s partly what makes this pairing so intriguing.

“Also, by working with the coffee flavour wheel, together with some of Nederburg’s fine wines, we’ve managed to develop blended and single origin coffees in a way to conjure up certain flavours in the wine when consumed with the edibles, such as a spicy steak when it comes to reds, or fruity desserts in terms of the white wines. Truly fascinating!”

Kruger heads up the team at Freedom Coffee, also located in Paarl.   It’s the only wood-fired coffee roastery in South Africa, using just olive wood in an effort to maintain and promote sustainable, organic processes.   

The Brew Tasting, at R165 per person, is offered during opening hours, and pre-booking is advised.  To make a reservation, contact the team at The Manor on info@nederburg.com or 021 877 5155. 

Website: www.nederburg.com

ISSUED BY                      AUGUST COLLECTIVE

DINE DURBANVILLE TO HOST ITS LATEST SHOWCASE OF STELLAR FOOD AND WINE

The Durbanville Wine Valley’s popular wine and dine event returns in August with an exciting new line-up and splendid collaboration between local wineries and the region’s leading restaurants. 

Happening on August 24, Dine Durbanville has been themed as a celebration of excellence and is to be staged as a degustation experience. The tasting menu will be presented at the stunning hilltop location of Loch Lynne wine estate, some 30 minutes from Cape Town CBD.

In a relatively short time, this calendar highlight has become an important lifestyle showcase for varieties that excel in Durbanville, from its legendary Sauvignon Blanc to its Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Teaming up for the evening of August 24 are Diemersdal and its restaurant, The Farm Eatery at Diemersdal; Klein Roosboom and its Jéan Restaurant; and Groot Phesantekraal Wines and its restaurant.

Wines to be presented include 

  • The inaugural vintage of the Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc, whose grapes were supplied by the 13 wineries of the Durbanville Wine Valley. 
  • Diemersdal’s 8 Rows Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage. Amongst the celebrated winery’s most recent awards include being the recipient of one of four Gold medals handed to Cape wineries at this year’s Concours Mondial du Sauvignon Blanc. 
  • Klein Roosboom Sauvignon Blanc and Dear Diary Chardonnay. The boutique winery is renowned for its various wine experiences include tastings offers in converted wine tanks.
  • Groot Phesantekraal Limited Release Cap Classique, Cabernet Sauvignon and Anna de Koning, a barrel fermented, single vineyard expression and flag bearer for Chenin Blanc of Durbanville origin. 

These outstanding wines and crafted dishes will star at Loch Lynne estate’s luxurious function venue. Located on an elevated ridge in the Durbanville Wine Valley, its views span an undulating landscape of vineyards and sprawling farmlands.

The Dine Durbanville degustation menu begins with canapé delights such as braised pork belly served with apple puree and coriander; croquettes of sundried tomato and chicken with coconut curry and pea shoots; tikka Namibian crab claw; and grapefruit-cured crayfish tacos with umami mayo, ginger pickled cabbage, yuzu pepper pearls and radish. 

There will be a selection of tapas, such as Yellowtail ceviche, venison tartare with smoked macadamia; and slow-roasted pork cheek. 

A seafood course includes seared tuna in a scallop ceviche, served with black garlic olive paste, heirloom tomatoes and rocket cress. Red meat will be served in the form of slow braised beef cheek, celeriac puree with roasted fennel, asparagus, baby carrot and a red wine jus.

The meal concludes with cheeses and a dessert of brown butter almond polenta cake, complemented by textures of apple, caramel and salted tonka bean ice cream.

The Dine Durbanville evening is priced at R970pp and includes the meal and wines. Bookings must be made online via The Farm Eatery at Diemersdal’s Dineplan link, https://bit.ly/3PFOOX8.

For more information about Durbanville Wine Valley, visit www.durbanvillewine.co.za 

ISSUED BY: ROUX REKLAME

Indulge in Shiraz and Venison at Anthonij Rupert Estate this August

National Shiraz Day is celebrated annually on the 21st of August, which represents the pinnacle of Shiraz celebrations in South Africa with producers and restaurants alike creating delicious Venison dishes to perfectly match this savoury and spice-laden cultivar.

Anthonij Rupert Wyne, situated in the heart of the Franschhoek Wine Valley, has dedicated the entire month of August to Shiraz, and will be offering delectable pairings in honour of this varietal.

From Tuesday to Sunday enjoy a delicious three course Shiraz and Venison paired menu, culminating in a delectable Shiraz-inspired dessert, at a cost of R495 per person. The trio of dishes include a cured Kudu loin served with parmesan and rocket; slow braised Venison ravioli in brodo; and a mini Venison and root vegetable pie. The three dishes will be paired with generous servings of the Protea Shiraz, Cape of Good Hope Riebeeksrivier Syrah as well as the Anthonij Rupert Wyne Syrah.

A culinary experience which affords you the opportunity to not only sample Anthonij Rupert Shiraz wines across the various brands, but also gain some new food and wine pairing ideas, perfectly suited to Winter dining.

This once off pairing will be available from 3 to 31 August.

Booking is essential and can be made directly via tasting@rupertwines.com or www.rupertwines.com.

ISSUED BY:ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS