BOPLAAS FAMILY VINEYARDS A PART OF THE NEDERBURG AUCTION 2011
2011-09-05

05 September 2011  by Boplaas Family Vineyards
 
Boplaas Family Vineyards from Calitzdorp, is once again honoured to announce that an exceptional Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2003 wine has been chosen for the auspicious Nederburg Auction to be held for the 37th time on the 16 - 17 September at the iconic Nederburg Manor House in Paarl. 
 
This is t ...

WELTEVREDE BUBBY RECEIVES GOOD NEWS OUT OF THE BLUE
2011-09-02

02 September 2011  by Weltevrede Estate

Weltevrede's Philip Jonker Entheos Brut Cap Classique comes out tops at Global Traveler's 2011 Wines on the Wing International Airline Wine Competition.

Weltevrede’s Philip Jonker Entheos Brut Cap Classique NV, entered in the competition by South African Airways, was rated a ‘clear winner’ in the category &lsq ...

KWELA AND RAPPORT 2011 'DORP VAN DIE JAAR' CELEBRATES
2011-09-02

by Leopard's Leap
 
Celebrating their new-found status as 'Dorp van die Jaar', De Rust, winner of the Kwêla and Rapport 2011 Dorp van die Jaar contest, held a festive 'Makietie' on Saturday, 20 August, which was sponsored by Leopard's Leap Wines. 
 
With more than 160 000 votes cast in this popular competition, De Rust came out tops with a total of 39 ...

A TRUE CHAMPION THE BOPLAAS CAPE VINTAGE RESERVE PORT 2006
2011-08-25

25 August 2011  by Boplaas

The Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2006 has proved it mettle as being one of the best Ports in the Cape, by garnering the highest accolades in all competitions it entered. 

The accolades started to befall this fine Cape Port in 2006, when this wine was crowned South African Champion Port at the South African National Young Wine Sho ...

MONTAGU OFFERS FAMILY TIME, ACTIVITIES
2011-08-25

By Nerine Dorman

Montagu has always been that little dorpie I’ve driven through without stopping, en route to other destinations. And always I’ve felt that some day I need to stay over. After all, it’s a charming little place, at the epicentre of the dried fruit and wine industries in the region. Once you’ve driven through Montagu, you immediately sense the sh ...

IN THE VALLEY OF CONGENIALITY
2011-08-23

By Winnie Graham

Susan says the US health-care system has much to learn from the doctors and nursing sisters who cared for her in Worcester.

“We may have the best medical technology in the States but we seem to have lost that personal touch that still exists here. The skills of health care professionals here are tops.”

Most of all, she has come to ...

DE KRANS CAPE TAWNY PORT SCORES FULL MARKS
2011-08-23

23 August 2011  by De Krans Wine Cellar

Already an award-winning wine, the De Krans Cape Tawny Port recently scored a perfect 100 points at a an awards ceremony hosted by the South African Wine Index (SAWI). A total of 10 wines scored a perfect 100 points, resulting in a historic moment for the SAWI as well as the industry. 

The SAWI is a multi vintage wine rat ...

FOUR COUSINS BUBBLY TURNS ANY EVENT INTO AN OCCASION
2011-08-17

Pop the cork on Four Cousins sparkling wine, the bubbly that adds sparkle to any occasion. This fun, no-nonsense range can be enjoyed throughout the year, whether as an accompaniment to a fiery curry in winter, a cocktail at a social engagement or pool-side refreshment on a hot summer’s day.

Four Cousins is one of South Africa’s best loved and most popular wine brands tha ...

BEST PAARL SHIRAZ FROM KWV'S WINEMAKING TEAM
2011-08-04

by KWV 

The 2009 KWV The Mentors Shiraz on Friday collected the trophy for the top Shiraz in the Santam Agriculture Paarl Shiraz/Chenin Challenge - having recently won a gold medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles as well.  

Two other Shiraz wines from the KWV winemaking team, the 2009 Cathedral Cellar Shiraz and 2009 Laborie Shiraz also made it to the f ...

WORCESTER PRODUCES ITS FIRST MCC
2011-08-04

by Worcester Wine Route 

For the first time in Worcester's winemaking tradition, the Worcester region can proudly pour its own French style sparkling wine.  

De Wet Wine Cellar has made history in becoming the first cellar in the Worcester Wine Region to produce a Méthode Cap Classique. This MCC is named Cravate (elegant French neck tie) reverring to ...

SHIRAZ AND CHENIN CHAMPIONS OF PAARL WINE REGION ANNOUNCED
2011-08-04

by Paarl Vintners 

The 2011 round of the Santam Agriculture Paarl Shiraz Chenin Challenge has drawn to a close, with the winners announced at a gala dinner on Friday 29 July; along with the Paarl finalists in the Cellar Worker of the Year competition.  

The trophy for best Shiraz went to KWV The Mentors 2009, with Windmeul’s Chenin Blanc Reserve 2010 w ...

DE KRANS PINK PORT, PERFECT FOR SUMMER
2011-08-04

by De Krans Wine Cellar 

What better way to enjoy the splendid South African summer sunsets than with a chilled glass of De Krans Pink Port. Made in a unique style to cater for the needs of its consumer, this distinctive port is the perfect sun downer drink to sip and savour during the warmer spring and summer evenings.  

Launched in early 2008, the first of ...

EXPERIENCE ZANDVLIET LIKE NEVER BEFORE
2011-08-04

by Zandvliet Estate 

The fourth installment of the Robertson Slow Festival is set to take place the weekend of 5 to 7 August 2011.  

A selection of wine estates across the Breede River Valley will open up their farms to visitors for an unforgettable experience. The Roberson Slow Festival is designed to do just that – enjoy the best in dining and wine t ...

DINNER WITH ROBERTSON'S WINE PIONEERS
2011-08-03

by De Wetshof Estate 

The legends, personalities and stories of the Robertson Wine Valley will be showcased this week-end during the Robertson Slow, which takes place from 5 to 7 August 2011.  

A highlight of this year's Slow will be the Round Table with Wine Pioneers event held on Saturday 6 August. Here some of Robertson’s well-known and legendary wi ...

SA TERROIR AWARDS 4 NATIONAL WINNERS TO WELLINGTON
2011-08-03

by Wellington Wine Route 

The SA Terroir Awards honour wines certified as single vineyard wines, estate produced wines and wines from a specific ward. Until Wellington is awarded District Status, it is regarded a ward of Paarl and in the recent SA Terroir Awards, eight of the nine category winners in the Paarl District came from the Wellington ward. 

Of the eight ...

ROBERTSON WINE ON THE RIVER
2011-07-27

27 July 2011  by Robertson Wine Valley 

For the sixth consecutive year, over the weekend of 14 to 16 October, the inimitable and ever-popular Robertson Wine on the River is returning to the banks of the Breede River. 

Once again the festival is taking place in a spacious marquee at the charming riverside farm, Goudmyn, situated on the R317 between Robertson ...

CALITZDORP, THE PORT CAPITAL OF SA
2011-07-27

Author: Jeanri-Tine van Zyl
Published: 26 Jul 11

Listing to Port
Travelling along South Africa’s longest wine route – the beautiful Route 62 – is an enchanting experience in itself, but it is the treasure trove of Ports in the small town of Calitzdorp that ultimately makes this a rewarding trip.

There is much to be said for small towns. It is ea ...

NEW ASSISTANT WINEMAKER AT ROOIBERG WINERY
2011-07-04

04 July 2011  by Rooiberg Winery 

Johan Gerber is the new Assistant Winemaker at Rooiberg Winery!  

He started working at Rooiberg at the beginning of June and we thought it is time to let the world get an inside scoop on this new passionate winemaker.

Johan answered a few of our questions:

Where did you grow up?
I grew up ...

RHEBOKSKLOOF WINE ESTATE RELEASES THEIR ESTATE PINOTAGE 2010
2011-06-29

29 June 2011  by Rhebokskloof Wine Estate 

Rhebokskloof Wine Estate at the foot of the majestic Paarl Mountains has just released their Estate Pinotage 2010. The picturesque estate is a known venue and firm favourite for those that not only enjoy good wine, but also a day out in the winelands.  

The grapes for the Rhebokskloof Estate Pinotage 2010 were ...

MCGREGOR VALLEY FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
2011-06-29

29 June 2011  by McGregor Tourism 

For 2011 the McGregor Food and Wine Festival plans to build on the last year's event which attracted over 700 people to McGregor to sample the valley's wines and experience the very best culinary produce that the town's restaurants and eateries can provide.  

For the Festival the whole village comes out to play and sho ...

ROBERTSON WINE VALLEY FESTIVAL AT KLOOFZICHT LODGE
2011-06-28

28 June 2011  by Robertson Wine Valley 

After the success of last year's inaugural Festival, the 2011 Robertson Wine Valley Festival at Kloofzicht Lodge, over the weekend of 17 - 18 September, is definitely an event not to be missed!  

A convenient and comfortable 40 minute drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, take the time to escape from the urban hub ...

THE STILL SIDE OF PORT
2011-06-27

27 June 2011  by Cathy Marston 

Is South African Port in crisis? You certainly wouldn't think so if you were in Calitzdorp last weekend when the (fingers crossed) annual Port and Wine Festival was held.  

New sponsors, Absa, had picked it as a winner (and will hopefully return for more next year), the restaurants were packed, the guesthouses overflowing ...

ROBERTSON WINE VALLEYS WACKY WINE WEEKEND
2011-06-27

27 June 2011  by Robertson Wine Valley 

The Robertson Wine Valley's ever-popular Wacky Wine Weekend, which took place over the weekend of 2 to 5 June, was a rip-roaring success all round, boasting ± 18 400 festival-goers who descended on the wineries in their droves.  

The 50 wineries who showcased their wares recorded significant wine sales; man ...

CALITZDORP PORT AND WINE FESTIVAL: A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!
2011-06-24

24 June 2011  by ABSA Port & Wine Festival 

Calitzdorp Port and Wine Festival absolute Port merriment!

The ABSA Calitzdorp Port & Wine Festival held from the 16th to 18th of June, was a resounding success amongst not only the locals from the area, but the throngs of Port lovers who made the trip to Calitzdorp from Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg a ...

BOPLAAS VINTAGE RESERVE PORTS 1986 TO 2006
2011-06-15

15 June 2011  by Angela Lloyd, www.grape.co.za 

A vertical is always special; one of Cape Vintage Ports is more than that, it's a new experience. 

The opportunity for such an experience was afforded to a small group of wine folk by Care ...

FOCUS ON BREEDE RIVER AREA
2011-06-14

14 June 2011  by Breedekloof Wine and Tourism 

The beautiful Breede River is the lifeblood that courses through our region and many visitors to the region will know this part of the Breedekloof well when they drive along the R43 on their way to view and play in the snow near Ceres.  

The Olof Bergh Brandy Cellar dates back to 1900 and is well worth a vi ...

RUGBY LEGENDS AT DU TOITSKLOOF WINES
2011-06-14

14 June 2011  by Du Toitskloof Wines 

Rugby legends John McGrath, Pieter Rossouw, Toks van der Linde, Balie Swart and Schalk Burger Snr joined Du Toitskloof Wines on Friday, 10 June in support of Paarl Gymnasiums Rugby fundraiser.  

The evening was hosted by Du Toitskloof Wines and included rugby discussions, quizzes and 'oor die vate' presented by Toks ...

A PORT ABOVE THE REST FROM DE KRANS
2011-06-13

Of the eight Ports that were awarded four stars or more by the tasting panels at the annual Wine Magazine Port Tasting, three were from De Krans Wine Cellar, being the Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2007 (4 ½ stars), Cape Vintage Port 2008 (4 ½ stars) and the Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2008 (4 stars). The Klein Karoo town of Calitzdorp – home to De Krans fortified wines – ha ...

BOPLAAS TRIUMPHS AT CAPE PORT CHALLENGE 2011
2011-06-10

10 June 2011  by Boplaas 

Boplaas Family Vineyards in the sleepy hamlet of Calitzdorp, caused a bit of a stir at the recent Cape Port Challenge hosted by the South African Port Producer's Association (SAPPA), by not only producing the Champion, but also the Reserve Champion Cape Port.  

Boplaas Family Vineyards in the sleepy hamlet of Calitzdorp, caused ...

WACKY WINE GOERS TO PLAY TAG AND WIN
2011-06-09

09 June 2011  by Zandvliet Estate 

As the dust settles and the usual calm and tranquility returns to the Robertson Wine Valley many of you are no doubt reliving the 2011 Die Burger Wacky Wine Weekend in joyous conversation around the office water cooler, on Facebook and perhaps in emails shared among friends, both new and old.  

The team at Zandvliet Es ...

WACKY WINE A HUGE SUCCESS @ DE WETSHOF
2011-06-08

08 June 2011  by De Wetshof Estate 

Sushi, wine-tasting, Chardonnay Masterclasses, great weather (mostly) and wonderful food all helped make this year's Wacky Wine Week-end a tremendous success on the De Wetshof Estate.  

Regular visitors to the farm during the Robertson Valley's annual Wacky Wine would have noticed a few new additions to De Wetshof's o ...

SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY...
2011-06-08

Only 90 minutes drive from Cape Town (on the popular, scenic Route 62), why not take the time to head out to the country and enjoy the simple pleasures in life… slowly at the Robertson Wine Valley’s slow-living festival. At Robertson Slow, one can sample honest, old-fashioned, rural hospitality synonymous with the Robertson Wine Valley’s wine-making community. Relish the slow ...

PORT FEST AWAITS ON ROUTE 62
2011-06-07

By Myrna Robins

Calitzdorp calling! Time to plan your trip along Route 62 to the port capital of South Africa, a historic and hospitable village that sprawls across a fertile and fascinating valley. The vineyards and orchards that fringe the streets give way to stretches of Klein Karoo flora, aloes starring among spekbome that form dense foliage cover in deep kloofs.

Fro ...

DU TOITSKLOOF - MUSCADEL AWARD
2011-06-02

02 June 2011  by Du Toitskloof Winery 

The Du Toitskloof 2010 Red Muscadel charmed the judges at this year's Muscadel SA awards with a gold award. 

This wonderful fortified wine is made from Muscat de Frontignan grapes, harvested when very ripe, with some of the berries becoming raisiny, resulting in a delicious honey flavour.

The wine holds note ...

CAPE PORT THE DRINK OF KINGS!
2011-06-02

02 June 2011  by Boplaas Family Vineyards 

The perception held by many that Port is only to be drunk as an aperitif, digestive, accompaniment to dessert or to be enjoyed with a fine cigar is a false one, but one that is difficult to shake!  

The amount of effort - starting in the vineyard with rigorous crop reduction, continuing with the long hours of h ...

WELLINGTON WINE ROUTE'S INSTANT CELLAR ALWAYS A WINNER
2011-05-26

26 May 2011  by Wellington Wine Route 

The Wellington Wine Harvest Festival's third 365 competition has once again raked in the entries and infiltrated as far afield as Stellenbosch and Somerset West. A significant amount of visitors and entries also came from Cape Town. All proof that a visit to the heart of the Cape Winelands is high on the list of priorities.   ...

NEW DISTRIBUTION DEAL FOR OVERHEX WINES INTERNATIONAL
2011-05-25

25 May 2011  by Overhex Wines International 

Overhex Wines International, recently announced a partnership with leading wine specialist, Copestick Murray who, with immediate effect, will exclusively represent and handle the management of their wine portfolio in the UK and Ireland.  

Copestick Murray, founded by Robin Copestick and Paul Murray in 2006, h ...

DE WETSHOF SETS SIGHTS ON NEW SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY FROM UNIQUE CLONE
2011-05-23

23 May 2011  by De Wetshof Estate
 
De Wetshof Estate in Robertson, South Africa's pioneering Chardonnay producer has added a new wine to its portfolio made from one of the oldest Chardonnay vineyards in South Africa.

The Site Chardonnay is produced from a vineyard planted in 1987, the only vineyard in South Africa that produces wine from the classic 119 Burgundi ...

CALITZDORP PORT & WINE FESTIVAL
2011-05-10

CALITZDORP IS CALLING!

Calitzdorp, renowned far and wide as the Port Capital of South Africa, is shaking off the Klein Karoo dust in preparation for the very best wine and lifestyle festival this region has to offer.  So start planning your trip now as the weekend of 16 to 18 June 2011 will see this historic town bursting out of its seams when Calitzdorp opens its heart and door ...

GET INTO THE LIMELIGHT WITH SUSHI AND WINE AT DE WETSHOF
2011-05-10

10 May 2011  by De Wetshof Estate 

Freshly-prepared sushi and Limelight, the colourful new wine from De Wetshof, will enchant visitors to this year's Wacky Wine Weekend in the Robertson Wine Valley which this year takes place from 2 to 5 June.  

At the De Wetshof Estate a sushi chef will take charge of his counter, conjuring up nigiri, sashimi and a var ...

WELLINGTON HARVEST FESTIVAL CELEBRATED LOTS TO DO, EAT AND DRINK
2011-03-29

29 March 2011  by Wellington Wine Route 

Although the Festival had to compete with a long weekend, Angus Buchan, Cape Carnival and K-Day all happening in close proximity of the annual Wellington Wine Harvest Festival, there was no limit to the fun and festivities enjoyed by the regulars and newcomers alike who poured into the town on the Saturday.  

The ...

TULBAGH WINERY TAKING CARE OF ITS PEOPLE
2011-03-29

29 March 2011  by Tulbach Winery 

Tulbagh Winery, established in 1906, is involved in a variety of social responsibility programmes in the community "families" of Tulbagh and Porterville. This demonstrates that the winery has a heart for its people.  

At present, Tulbagh Winery is committed to two projects of social responsibility.

The BEE p ...

LOCAL WILDLIFE RESERVE WINS TOURISM AWARD
2011-03-28

The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, in the heart of the Little Karoo, has beaten some of Africa’s top resorts and hotels to win this year’s Sustainable Tourism Investment award.

The award is presented by Africa investor, a leading international investment research and communications group. The winners were announced at Skukuza Camp in the Kruger National Park at a function att ...

WELTEVREDE ESTATE LAUNCHES WELTEVREDE VANILLA CHARDONNAY 2010
2011-03-28

28 March 2011  by Weltevrede Estate 

“Some taste vanilla. Some get hints of butterscotch or English toffee. Some call it crème brûlée, honey, coconut or crème caramel. Others smell tropical flavours of pineapple, passion-fruit or peach. Let us know what you think at www.weltevrede.com”, says Welt ...

THE ROBERTSON WINE VALLEY ONCE AGAIN HAD THEIR HANDS FULL AT THIS YEAR'S HANDS-ON HARVEST
2011-03-16

16 March 2011  by Robertson Wine Valley 

The Robertson Wine Valley’s 2011 Hands-on Harvest, which took place during the last weekend of February, was widely attended by budding vintners, wine connoisseurs and novices alike, who thoroughly enjoyed getting their hands dirty as they experienced the ‘magic of harvest’ at this boutique fun-filled family event.& ...

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING, BUT THE CHARDONNAY QUALITY IS FRIGHTENING
2011-03-04

03 March 2011  by De Wetshof 

Heat. Wind. Thunder. And lightning that struck the De Wetshof main building. Harvest 2011 will be remembered for a lot of climatic drama at De Wetshof.  

But according to cellar-master Danie de Wet, the foundation laid by a cool winter with consistent temperatures and near-perfect Spring conditions during the budding period ...

ROBERTSON WINE VALLEY'S HANDS-ON HARVEST
2011-02-17

17 February 2011  by Robertson Wine Valley 

This year’s boutique family event is a must for the ardent wine-lover and aspiring winemaker. With the vines yielding grapes galore, make plans to head out to the Robertson Wine Valley to experience the ‘magic of harvest’. 

This year’s Hands-On Harvest, taking place from Friday, 25 until Sun ...

WILLIE BURGER NAMED UNITED BULK WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR
2011-02-10

10 February 2011  by Badsberg Wine Cellar 

Willie Burger of Badsberg Wine Cellar has just been named the United Bulk Breedekloof/Worcester Winemaker of the Year for 2010.  

It has been an outstanding year for Willie and his team who were presented with the prestigious Pietman Hugo Trophy for the second year running at the SA Young Wine Awards - the trop ...

PLAY TAG WITH ZANDVLIET AND WIN
2011-02-08

08 February 2011  by Zandvliet Estate 

In seeing the amount of fun wine lovers had at the Zandvliet Wines stands at Wine on the River and WineX Johannesburg with the “stain” stickers and the corresponding online competition, the estate has decided to extend the Play Tag competition to its tasting room.  

In seeing the amount of fun wine love ...

DE WETSHOF'S BUBBLY HARVEST IN THE BAG
2011-01-31

31 January 2011  by De Wetshof Estate
 
De Wetshof winemakers Peter de Wet and Mervyn Williams were left no time to recover from the New Year's jollifications since harvesting had to commence in the second week of 2011.  

With the recent inclusion of a Méthode Cap Classique to the De Wetshof range, the estate's Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes ha ...

ADMIRABLE YOUNG LADY INSPIRES PINK DU PREEZ BUBBLY
2010-12-15

15 December 2010  by Doug Carew 

Du Preez Estate in the Breedekloof wine region has launched a pink bubbly, the MCC Maranda Rosé, which is “Inspired by a young lady, worthy of admiration”. It’s a delightful partner for a lazy summer evening, or a sparkling New Year’s celebration and sells for R150 a bottle ex-cellar.  

Mar ...

PETER DE WET PRESENTS THE FIRST METHODE CAP CLASSIQUE WINE FROM DE WETSHOF ESTATE
2010-12-14

14 December 2010  by De Wetshof Estate 

Peter de Wet is a third generation winemaker on De Wetshof Estate, the first registered wine estate in the Robertson Valley and one recognised as the South African pioneer of noble white wines varieties.  

Growing up in a family passionate about wine, soil and vineyards, Peter showed an interest in wine from an ea ...

HANEPOOT PICKING AT DE KRANS
2010-12-06

Mid-February to Mid-March 2011

During the months of February and March De Krans Wine Cellar, situated in the quaint little town of Calitzdorp alongside the well known Route 62, will once again offer visitors to the area the opportunity to pick deliciously sweet Hanepoot grapes.  This fun-filled picking experience will take place from round about 16 February to 12 March 2011 and ...

DU TOITSKLOOF CHRISTMAS
2010-12-06

06 December 2010  by Du Toitskloof Winery 

Pair up this Christmas! It is almost that time of year when we put out cookies and milk for the big fat bearded man in the red suit. 

I hope by the time you read this newsletter most would have set up your Christmas tree, and Boney M is in its rightful place, the CD player, put on repeat. Besides the joys of present ...

LADISMITH'S NEW POTSTILL BRANDY HONOURS HER LADYSHIP
2010-11-29

Ladismith, the charming Little Karoo town at the foot of the Klein Swartberg mountain renowned for its legends, rich history, apricots and cheeses, now makes its brandy debut with an eight-year-old wood-matured 100 per cent potstill brandy, inspired by a real-life lady.

The LadiSmith 8 Year Old Potstill Brandy pays homage to Lady Juana, the Spanish-born spouse of Sir Harry Smith, one ...

HOW THE NEDBANK AWARD WAS WON; THE GREENING OF GRAHAM BECK WINES
2010-11-23

23 November 2010  by Graham Beck Wines 

In an industry whose eco efforts can boast some significant firsts, choosing the category winners at the Nedback Green Wine Awards can't be an easy task. "A multitude of ways to go green" was found in the submissions for 2010 - this describing daily work at Graham Beck Wines, winner of the Best Environmental Practice Award.   ...

SALUTING THE MASTERS OF CHARDONNAY
2010-11-22

19 November 2010  by Emile Joubert, WineGoggle 

South Africa's top seven Chardonnay's scrummed down with three Burgundian stunners at the De Wetshof Estate in Robertson last week for the bi-annual Celebration of Chardonnay.  

The brainchild of De Wetshof proprietor Danie de Wet, the inaugural Celebration of Chardonnay was held in 2006 to create a generi ...

TWO 5-STAR PLATTER RATINGS FOR DE KRANS
2010-11-18

It has certainly been a bumper year of achievements for De Krans Wine Cellar who was awarded two five-star ratings in the latest edition of the authoritative and internationally recognized 2011 Platter's South African Wine Guide. These were awarded to its Cape Tawny Port NV and Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2008, announced at the official launch on 16 November.

The De Krans Cape Tawny Po ...

ROBERTSON WINE ON THE RIVER
2010-11-15

12 November 2010  by Robertson Wine Valley 

Set in the idyllic milieu of the Robertson Wine Valley, the inimitable open-air spring festival - the ever-popular Robertson Wine on the River - returned once again, with its usual panache, to the banks of the Breede River, making for vibrant festivity for the fifth consecutive year!  

An impressive 5 500 visi ...

BOPLAAS CAPE TAWNY - PORT OF THE YEAR
2010-11-10

10 November 2010  by Boplaas Family Vineyards 

For the 5th consecutive year Boplaas Cape Tawny Port was crowned as the "Port of the year" at the award ceremony that was held at Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West. 

For the 5th consecutive year Boplaas Cape Tawny Port was crowned as the "Port of the year" at the award ceremony that was held at Lord Charles Ho ...

VAN LOVEREN'S BIG FIVE SET TO BENEFIT THE WILDLIFE COLLEGE
2010-11-10

10 November 2010  by Van Loveren Vineyards 

Van Loveren, the well known Robertson wine farm, has entered into a four-year agreement with the Southern African Wildlife College, which will see the College benefitting from the sale of the farms Fives Reserve range of wines.  

All grapes used to produce the Five's Reserve range of wines come from a 138-hect ...

BOPLAAS COOL BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC IN TOP 10
2010-11-03

03 November 2010  by Boplaas Family Vineyards 

The Boplaas Cool Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009 was chosen as one of the top 10 Sauvignon Blanc's at this year's Bartho Eksteen Sauvignon Blanc Challenge. It got the 4th highest score overall.  

The Boplaas Cool Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009 was chosen as one of the top 10 Sauvignon Blanc's at this year's Bartho Ekste ...

ROODEZANDT BALTHAZAR BRUT 2007 (MCC)
2010-11-03

03 November 2010  by Roodezandt Wines 

Roodezandt Winery's 100% Chardonnay bottle fermented MCC 2007 is the only Co-operative Winery MCC that received an award at the recent Wine Magazine Amorim Cap Classique Challenge 2010.  

Friday evening it also received a Silver medal at Veritas held in the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

This ...

PAARL BOASTS WITH NEW THEATRE
2010-11-01

The historic Boland town of Paarl received a cultural boost this week with the official opening of the Wynvlieg cellar theatre @ Boland in Northern Paarl. This initiative was started by the award-winning local wine producer Boland Cellar.  

Well-know theatre couple Elize Cawood and Wilson Dunster were invited for the opening act and had the audience in stiches with the hila ...

PAARL BOASTS WITH NEW THEATRE
2010-11-01

The historic Boland town of Paarl received a cultural boost this week with the official opening of the Wynvlieg cellar theatre @ Boland in Northern Paarl. This initiative was started by the award-winning local wine producer Boland Cellar.  

Well-know theatre couple Elize Cawood and Wilson Dunster were invited for the opening act and had the audience in stiches with the hila ...

BOTHA RELEASES FRUITY AND CRISPY LIGHT WHITE
2010-11-01

01 November 2010  by Doug Carew 

Botha Wine Cellar has unveiled Light White 2010 - a low alcohol fruity blend targeted at health conscious consumers who enjoy their wine but in a healthier, lighter style.  

The Chenin Blanc Colombar blend has an alcohol level of 9.8% and is equally suited to brisk business lunches and sultry summer evenings. The retail ...

VAN LOVEREN CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF ABUNDANCE
2010-10-28

28 October 2010  by Van Loveren Vineyards 

Van Loveren, SA's largest family owned wine cellars and Robertson Valley producer of the country's foremost bottled wine brand, commemorates a host of significant milestones this month, not least of which is its 30th anniversary.  

Known by visitors to the farm for its abundant red cannas, lush gardens and coun ...

KWV WINES EXCEL AT INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
2010-10-22

KWV is synonymous with producing award-winning wines, with their most recent achievements at the MUNDUSvini International Wine Awards held in Germany, as well as the highly respected International Wine and Spirits Competition, which took place in London during October 2010. 

This year KWV excelled with three gold medals at the MUNDISvini International Wine Awards. KWV The Mento ...

DOUBLE GOLD FOR BREEDEKLOOF AT VERITAS
2010-10-22

22 October 2010  by Breedekloof Wine and Tourism
 
A South African champion young wine from the Breedekloof has fulfilled its potential by winning double gold at the prestigious Veritas Awards 2010. 
 
The Badsberg Badslese 2009, which was awarded the General Smuts Trophy for the South African Champion Wine at the SA Young Wine Show in 2009, was one of ...

BOPLAAS STRIKES GOLD AT VERITAS AGAIN
2010-10-21

21 October 2010  by Boplaas Family Vineyards
 
Boplaas Family Vineyards from Calitzdorp has proven its track record for producing the finest Cape Ports. 
 
Boplaas Family Vineyards from Calitzdorp has proven its track record for producing the finest Cape Ports.

At Friday 8 October glittering Veritas 2010 ceremony - South Africa's largest win ...

MCC ENTHUSIAST JOINS GRAHAM BECK WINEMAKING TEAM
2010-10-20

20 October 2010  by Graham Beck Wines 

The chance to work with "bubbles" under the tutelage of Pieter Ferreira was the driving interest behind Pierre de Klerk's decision to apply at Graham Beck Wines for the position of winemaker, Robertson: that, he says, and the flagship Robertson Syrah.  

Having started with the close-knit team on Monday 4 October, P ...

FIVE OUT OF FIVE FOR BOVLEI'S MERLOT AT VERITAS
2010-10-19

19 October 2010  by Bovlei Winery 

Bovlei Cellar in Wellington has won its fifth gold medal for Merlot at the recent Veritas Awards, one of South Africa's most prestigious wine competitions.  

In previous years, the 2006 and 2005 Bovlei Centenary Merlot won gold as did the 2003 and 2002 Bovlei Reserve Merlot.

The 2007 Bovlei Centenary Merlot ...

BOVLEI CELLAR VISITS THE TAJ FOR LUNCH
2010-10-19

19 October 2010  by Bovlei Cellar 

Bovlei Cellar and Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces share a similar heritage, as both were founded more than 100 years ago - Bovlei in Wellington, Western Cape and the Taj Group in India.  

In addition to this, both are dedicated to delivering outstanding quality - Bovlei in its wine offering and the Taj in its legendar ...

APRICOT PICKING AT DE KRANS
2010-10-06

06 October 2010  by De Krans Wine Cellar
 
With the apricot season around the corner, De Krans Wine Cellar situated in the quaint town of Calitzdop, will be offering visitors to the area the opportunity to pick delectably sweet Bulida apricots at the farm.  


Already famous for their Hanepoot picking, which takes place during February and March eac ...

SHIRAZ AND CHENIN ENTHUSIASTS MAKE THE ULTIMATE CALL ON PAARL'S TOP WINES
2010-10-06

Fans of Shiraz and Chenin Blanc will once again play judge at the annual Santam Agriculture Paarl Consumer Tasting on Friday 15 October at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate. 
 
Wine tasting guilds, wine clubs and other vinous enthusiasts are invited to pit their wits against the judging panel and cast their votes for the Consumers' Choice Awards.
 
New to the event is ...

WELTEVREDE'S PHILIP JONKER BRUT CAP CLASSIQUE COLLECTION A MUST FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
2010-10-05

05 October 2010  by Weltevrede Wine Estate 
 
Just outside Bonnievale, in the picturesque Robertson Wine Valley, lies the historical Weltevrede: the Jonker family wine estate whose rich heritage extends an impressive four generations: aptly named 'Weltevrede' by founder Klaas Jonker in 1912, meaning 'well satisfied'. 

The setting alone inspires this inwa ...

EXCITING NEW RED BLEND FROM VAN LOVEREN
2010-09-23

23 September 2010  by Van Loveren Wines

Following the successful release of the Van Loveren Cramond Sauvignon blanc/Chardonnay blend in 2009, Van Loveren Wines has just released a matching red blend to complete the Cramond duo. 

"The wine, a 60/40 Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, matured 15 months in 100% French oak barrels and has beautiful dar ...

BREEDEKLOOF CELEBRATES BADSBERG'S DOUBLE GOLD
2010-09-23

23 September 2010  by Breedekloof Wine & Tourism 
 
The Breedekloof wine region is celebrating Badsberg Wine Cellar's outstanding achievement of being awarded three Grand D'Or (double gold medals) and a championship trophy at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2010.  

The Breedekloof, which includes the wineries in the Rawsonville, Slang ...

MICHELANGELO INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS 2010
2010-09-13

 By Michelangelo CCL Label Cape International Wine Awards

Fifteen judges from 15 countries spent six days judging the 1 310 wines entered into this year’s competition, awarding silver, gold and double gold medals as well as six trophies.

Badsberg Wine Cellar, Bonnievale Cellar, Kranskop Wines and Saronsberg Cellar received Double gold awards for:

Bad ...

TASTE VERITAS WINNERS NATIONWIDE
2010-09-02

By Veritas Awards
 
You don't have to empty your pockets or purchase all the Veritas winners in order to have a taste of this star studded selection of South African wines.  

With various nationwide public tastings Veritas Awards bring the acclaimed wines, and now also brandies, right to your door.

This year Veritas celebrates two decades as the m ...

KLEIN KAROO YOUNG WINE SHOW 2010
2010-09-02

Each year, the young wines of the winelands are judged to see what the quality of the harvest is and the results are always eagerly anticipated.

This year, in the Klein Karoo, Calitzdorp Cellar was appointed the Reserve Champion Co-op Cellar with the Champion Wine of show, their Hanepoot/Muscadel blend. The Champion Private Cellar is Boplaas Family Vineyards who entered the Reserve C ...

ZANDVLIET LAUDS VAN WYK'S 14 YEARS OF SERVICE
2010-07-01

by Zandvliet Estate

With the 2010 harvest behind him, Zandvliet winemaker Johan Van Wyk will be moving further north to Vredendal where he will relocate his family at the start of his three boys' school careers. 

The 2010 harvest was notably "easier" than most of the 14 Van Wyk has witnesses at this renowned, predominantly Shiraz-producing Estate near Ashton, due to ...

CHAMELEON HEATS UP BREEDEKLOOF SOETES & SOUP
2010-07-01

by Breedekloof Wine and Tourism 

Multi-talented performer Chris Chameleon, Ivan Zimmerman, Klopjag and Dana Snyman will star at the annual Breedekloof Soetes & Soup weekend which takes place on Friday July 23 and Saturday July 24.  

Visitors can buy a Breedekloof Soetes & Soup enamel mug for R10 at their first winery and use it to enjoy complimentary ...

SUMSARE SHIRAZ: A FAMILY CELEBRATION
2010-06-25

Waiting in a long queue to deliver grapes at Robertson Winery one hot afternoon in the middle of the 2007 harvest, Danie Erasmus came up with a wonderful idea. In 2010 the Erasmus family would be celebrating 200 uninterrupted years on the farm Wandsbeck and he had been wondering how to mark the occasion. Perhaps it was the heat, or maybe the proximity of fermenting grapes, or maybe just his gre ...

BERGSIG PORT DOES BREEDEKLOOF PROUD
2010-06-25

by Bergsig Estate
 
The Cape Late Bottled Vintage Port 2000 from Bergsig Estate has been named best in class at the annual Port Challenge hosted by the South African Port Producers Association. 
 
To celebrate Bergsig is offering a 20% discount on all their Port wines for the months of June and July. So it is an ideal time to stock up to fight the winter col ...

CHRISTMAS IN WINTER FESTIVAL
2010-06-25

by Tulbach Wine Route

Christmas once again comes early this year as Tulbagh dons its winter cape in the month of June and welcomes the rest of the country to join them for a weekend extravaganza of wonderful winter warmers. 

Marvel at the array of Christmas trimmings and glittering lights, take a trip with Father Christmas down historic Church Street and help him ha ...

VAN LOVEREN CELEBRATES 2010 WITH SA ICON PLATTER
2010-06-25

by Van Loveren Vineyards 

In celebration of 2010, shared pride of fellow South African's and football fans from the world all over visiting the winelands, Van Loveren has just launched their South African Icons Tasting Platter.  

"We've carefully chosen a few of South Africa's best loved traditional food flavours and paired them with some of our award-winnin ...

OPSTAL'S SIXPENCE NOW IN CATTLE BARON
2010-06-09

09 June 2010  by Opstal Estate
 
Opstal Estate in the beautiful Slanghoek Valley of the Breedekloof released a new range of easy drinking sociable wines in 2009 under the label Sixpence. These wines can now be seen and enjoyed in Cattle Baron restaurants nationwide.  

Cattle Baron's House Wine has been exclusively blended and produced by Opstal Estate s ...

DE KRANS CAPE TAWNY PORT SCOOPS PETER SCHULZ TROPHY
2010-06-09

De Krans Wine Cellar, situated in the picturesque town of Calitzdorp, has secured the title as overall Champion Port in South Africa, for its De Krans Cape Tawny Port, at the Peter Schulz Port Challenge 2010, the biggest port competition of its kinds in South Africa. The same port was recently awarded a five-star rating by Wine Magazine, in addition to a five-star rating in the authoritative 20 ...

TIME FOR SOUTH AFRICA IN AMERICAN WINE MARKET IS NOW
2010-05-24

by De Wetshof Estate 

Unwooded Chardonnay and Pinot noir were in great demand during the recent consumer and trade tasting of South African wines held by Wines of South Africa in New York.  

According to Bennie Stipp, marketing manager for De Wetshof Estate in Robertson, it was evident that the move towards unwooded Chardonnay seen among South Africans was a ...

AN INTENSE 2010 HARVEST FOR DE KRANS
2010-05-06

by Smart Communications 

After a cold, but dry winter, budding took place approximately three to five days earlier than normal. Minimal rain with a relatively cool spring ensured disease-free and healthy grapes for the De Krans' 2010 harvest.  

January and February, respectively, were warmer than 2009, with no rain at all. The result was earlier ripening on ...

NEWS FROM THE KLEIN KAROO WINE ROUTE
2010-05-05

Dear reader
 
It is May and the harvest is in. A lower yield – in some instances as low as 29% lower than last year – but nevertheless an interesting harvest with exciting red wines.

The first accolades are also coming in, like the Boplaas Cape Tawny Port which was selected as “Port of the Year” for 2010 by South African Airways and the results ...

TWO FIVE STARS FOR BOPLAAS
2010-04-30

by Boplaas Family Vineyards 

The Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2006 is the only Vintage Port that received a 5-star rating in the April issue of WINE magazine. It was also rated 5 stars in the 2010 Platter Wine Guide.  

This beautiful Port with a black colour and intense fruit, violet, Christmas cake flavours have the potential to age for 30 years and mo ...

SUMPTUOUS SWEET MUSCADELS, OUPA- AND OUMA SE WYN, REFLECT WELTEVREDE'S DEDICATION TO HERITAGE
2010-04-29

by Weltevrede Wine Estate 

Just outside Bonnievale, in the picturesque Robertson Wine Valley, lies the historical Weltevrede, the Jonker family wine estate whose rich heritage spans a noteworthy four generations.  

Ensuring the perpetuity of family legacy is a credo by which the Jonker family lives and a mantle Philip Jonker humbly assumes as current owner: ...

WELLINGTON EXTENDED ITS WELCOME DURING THE 4TH HARVEST FESTIVAL
2010-04-20

20 April 2010  by Wellington Wine Route 

Normally only a weekend festival, Wellingtonians rallied together and provided much to see and celebrate well into the Monday during the long weekend of 20-22 March. Visitors were relaxed and unrushed and could party harder, getting loads of value for their festival armband.

The festival kicked off with an unusual but tra ...

NEW WINE BAR IN WELLINGTON
2010-04-19

15 April 2010  by The Wine Bum 

With decor ranging from Google offices to shack chique, Winebums Wine Bar in Wellington opened its doors to the public on Monday 12 April 2010. 

"Winebums aims to bring the fun factor into wine appreciation,"says partners Alex and Johann.

An impressive range of 68 wines, six potstill brandies and two grappas all fr ...

DE KRANS FIRST WITH NEW IPW SEAL
2010-03-30

De Krans Wine Cellar, situated in the picturesque town of Calitzdorp, made history this month (March 2010) by becoming the first cellar in South Africa to use the new Integrated Production in Wine (IPW)/Wine of Origin certification seal on its 2010 wines.

These unique, voluntary seals may only be used by IPW registered cellars that have been audited successfully, and guarantees the ...

STANDARD BANK FINE BRANDY FESTIVAL
2010-03-26

3RD BRANDY FESTIVAL CELEBRATES SA BRANDY – THE WORLD’S FINEST
Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival, 5 to 7 May 2010, Sandton Sun, Sandton, Johannesburg

Borne from the vine, distilled to perfection and crowned by the world, South African brandy has no equal. Celebrating South Africa’s iconic elixir, the Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival is a unique, all-brandy ev ...

TULBAGH'S NEW TEAM HAS A NEW PLAN
2010-03-04

03 March 2010  by ML Communications 

Tulbagh Winery has this year appointed a new production manager and a fulltime viticulturist, namely Naudé Bruwer and Hugo Lambrechts, with a new strategy for the cellar in mind. There are seven distinctly different wine growing areas on which their members farm and they intend to vinify each area's wines separately, with an empha ...

SOUTH AFRICA: GAME ON
2010-03-04

4:00 AM Thursday Mar 4, 2010

Michael Brown has the heads-up on the best South African side-trips and booking your World Cup tickets.

Cape Town

Okay, it's across the country from where the All Whites will be playing their pool matches, but it's hard to justify a visit to South Africa without a stop in Cape Town.

The city, hemmed in between Table Mounta ...

FOUR COUSINS LIGHT NATURAL SWEET ROS� IS THE FIRST 2010 WINE RELEASED!
2010-02-17

16 February 2010  by Van Loveren Vineyards
 
Four Cousins Light wines becomes the only bottled wine range in South Africa to carry the Weigh-Less endorsement.  

It is not the first time that a Four Cousins Light wine is the first of the new vintage onto South African retail shelves. The Four Cousins Light Natural Sweet Rosé 2010 was made availabl ...

BUSHMANSPAD ESTATE LAUNCHES ITS ESTATE PARTNER PROGRAMME
2010-02-10

10 February 2010  by Grand Vintage International 

Have you ever dreamt of owning your own wine estate? To enjoy your wines with family and friends around the dinner table? To experience the magic of a wine farm lifestyle in the Boland? All the benefits without any of the hassles of direct ownership!  

Bushmanspad Estate lies 450m above sea level at the ...

2010 HARVEST UNDER WAY AT VAN LOVEREN VINEYARDS
2010-01-14

On Wednesday, 13 January 2010 just after 08h00 the 1st grapes for the 2010 harvest were received at Van Loveren Vineyards in the Robertson Valley.  The healthy White Muscadel grapes are destined for a light-styled wine to be released towards the end of February.    While all indications are that the harvest will be 10 % down in volume from 2009, the grapes are very healthy t ...

APRICOT PICKING AT DE KRANS
2009-11-13

Apricot season is around the corner and once again De Krans Wine Cellar in Calitzdop is offering visitors to the area the chance to pick their own apricots at the farm. De Krans is already famous for their Hanepoot picking which takes place during February and March each year, and this year visitors will get the opportunity to pick deliciously sweet Bulida apricots from 25 November until 5 Dece ...

GLOBAL CHARITY GOLF EVENT COMES TO SOUTH AFRICAN SHORES ONCE AGAIN
2009-11-10

Reigning Masters Champion Angel Cabrera and double US Open champion Retief Goosen head an impressive field of golfers, businessmen and celebrities lined up for the 10th annual Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola at The Links golf course at Fancourt in George, South Africa, from Thursday November 26 to Sunday November 29.

Among the confirmed luminaries are former World Cup ...

INCENTIVE PACKAGES SOEKERSHOF
2009-11-10

The last few weeks Soekershof; Private Mazes & Botanical Gardens in South Africa has made long term agreements with the first upmarket tour operators regarding Incentive Tours. Except a standard visit this also includes an incentive which is typical exclusive Soekershof Signature and handcrafted in the Robertson Wine Valley.
 
The Incentive consists of visit plus a Soek ...

CALITZDORP THE SOUL OF THE ROUTE 62
2009-11-05

05 November 2009 by Boplaas Family Vineyards

Known to many as the "Port Capital of South Africa", Calitzdorp has much more to offer than what meets the eye. At no less than eight local cellars innovative young winemakers produce excellent table wines from cultivars such as Viognier, Shiraz, Touriga Naçional, Tinta Barocca and Portuguese inspired blends such as the Boplaas Rin ...

DE WETSHOF ESTATE SHINES AT VERITAS 2009
2009-10-15

Thursday, October 15, 2009    by De Wetshof Wine Estate
 
If the results of this year's Veritas Awards are anything to go by, it appears De Wetshof Estate has the legendary Midas touch.
 
This much loved Robertson cellar recently scooped both a Double Gold and a Gold medal at this prestigious wine competition. Their Edeloes 1991 bagged the covete ...

GOLD RUSH FOR WELLINGTON AT MICHELANGELO
2009-10-15

Thursday, October 08, 2009    by Wellington Wine Route
 
Wellington brought home no less than four double gold medals from the annual International Michelangelo 2009 held at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West on 12 September.
 
What makes this achievement more significant is that 1500 wines were entered of which only 52 achieved double gold ...

GOLD FOR DE KRANS PINK PORT
2009-09-28

Monday, September 28, 2009    by Smart Communications

De Krans Pink Port, the first ever made in South Africa, has recently been awarded a gold medal at the 2009 Michelangelo International Wine Awards. The results were announced at a function in Stellenbosh on Saturday, 12 September.

Made from traditional port varieties Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca and ...

GOLDEN HAUL FOR BREEDEKLOOF AT MICHELANGELO
2009-09-25

Friday, September 25, 2009 by Splash PR

The Breedekloof region proudly brought back two double gold medals, four gold and eleven silver medals from the 13th annual Michelangelo International Wine Awards. The Michelangelo International Wine Awards are judged by a panel of mostly international judges, and to be considered double gold the wines must score above 92/100 points.

EXCELSIOR EXCELS AT MICHELANGELO AWARDS
2009-09-25

Friday, September 25, 2009 by Excelsior Estate

Excelsior received the results of the Michelangelo awards this past weekend. Out of only four wines that were entered, Excelsior achieved one Double Gold medal, one Gold medal, and two silver medals. The best performing wine was the Merlot 2008, which received the coveted Double Gold, followed by the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 with ...

TOP 100 FOR JOHN B
2009-09-21

Monday, September 21, 2009    by Rietvallei Wine Estate 

Rietvallei Estate's New World Range, John B, boasted an outstanding performance at the USA 'Wine Enthusiast' Top 100 Best Buys for 2009, when the Sauvignon blanc/Colombar 2008 was rated at No. 5 in this exclusive selection. 

This blend scored an astounding 88 points out of 100 and its red par ...

HERMAN LE ROUX APPOINTED GM OF BOVLEI CELLAR
2009-09-16

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 by Pendulum Communications

Herman le Roux was recently appointed as General Manager of Bovlei Wine Cellar in Wellington. He worked for KWV in Paarl for twenty years where he occupied senior positions. Bovlei Cellar was established in 1907 and is therefore the second oldest cellar in the South African wine industry. It is located outside the picturesque ...

GOOD NEWS IN A GOLDEN YEAR
2009-09-16

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 by Bonnievale Cellar Jolene Calitz-Le Roux, winemaker at Bonnievale Wine Cellar, was awarded the "best other white wine" at the Robertson Young Wine Maker of the year show as well as the National Class Winner for her Nouvelle. These grapes originate from Boesmansdrift Boerdery.

At the Sanlam Farm Worker of the year competition, Madelein Hartzenberg came ...

BREEDEKLOOF CELEBRATES 350 YEARS OF WINE AND FOOD
2009-09-14

Monday, September 14, 2009 by Splash PR The Breedekloof celebrated 350 Years of Wine & Food with a glittering silver-service dinner at Opstal Estate in the Slanghoek Valley on Saturday August 29. As part of the festivities, each of the wine cellars of the Breedekloof was invited to enter four wines to be judged by Cape Wine Masters Winnie Bowman, Elsie Pells, Christine Rudman and Du ...

BOPLAAS EXCEL WITH SAUVIGNON BLANC
2009-09-14

Monday, September 14, 2009 by Boplaas Family Vineyards Who said Boplaas can only make the South African Champion Port? Boplaas recently entered the South African Young Wine Show for 2009 and received the award of South African Champion Sauvignon blanc. The grapes for this wine originates from well known Sauvignon blanc regions, Darling and Durbanville. The wine will be marketed und ...

ROBERTSON WINE ON THE RIVER - IT'S BACK!
2009-09-09

Wednesday, September 09, 2009 by Robertson Wine Valley For the fourth consecutive year, over the weekend of 16 - 18 October, the inimitable and ever-popular Robertson Wine on the River is returning to the banks of the Breede River. Once again, the festival is taking place in a spacious marquee at the charming riverside farm, Goudmyn, situated on the R317 between Robertson and Bonni ...

ANOTHER 'PLATTER' 5-STAR FOR DE KRANS
2009-09-09

Wednesday, September 09, 2009 by Smart Communications De Krans Wine Cellar in Calitzdorp recently received a 5-star rating, the fifth in a row, this time for its Cape Tawny Port NV, in the authoritative '2010 John Platter South African Wine Guide'. Only 41 from 6,000 wines tasted for this year's guide received a 5-star rating. The guide is scheduled for release in November 2009. ...

BREEDEKLOOF DOMINATES YOUNG WINE SHOW
2009-09-09

Friday, August 28, 2009 by Splash PR Badsberg Wine Cellar from the Breedekloof has dominated the annual South African Young Wine show and walked away with five prizes including the two major trophies on offer - the General Smuts Trophy and the Pietman Hugo Trophy. It was a proud moment for cellar master Willie Burger when he was presented with the General Smuts Trophy for the South ...

SUMMING-UP SLOW
2009-08-19

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 by Neil Pendock Neil Pendock reflects on Robertson Slow, a long weekend of indolent indulgence in the valley of wine and roses. Wine writers stick in the mud and not always for terroir reasons. I'll wager that lifestyle coverage of producers is in inverse proportion to their distance from Cape Town International. Which puts Robertson in the same league as ...

WELLINGTON STANDS ITS GROUND IN THE ANNUAL TERROIR WINE AWARDS
2009-08-19

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 by Wellington Wine Route One of the Cape's most unusual wine competitons is the annual Terroir Wine Awards contest which is aimed at singling out the wines that are unique to a specific area. Entrants submit wines which they feel best reflect the soil and climate of one specific estate or vineyard. The three wines which received the highest scores of a ...

BON COURAGE ESTATE ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA'S TOP WINES OF ORIGIN.
2010-03-04

After a record 205 entries for the fourth annual SA Terroir Wine Awards, Bon Courage Estate from Robertson clearly made its mark by being one of the top achievers to have two national winners. Terroir is the international wine term for a specific winegrowing terrain and for this competition only wines made from grapes from a specific ward, estate or single vineyard could be entered. Bon Courage ...

TWEE JONGE GEZELLEN WINE ESTATE LAUNCHES THE NEW TJ LIGHT 2009 VINTAGE
2009-08-10

Friday, August 07, 2009 by TJ Communications Twee Jonge Gezellen, affectionately known as TJ, when translated means Two Young Bachelors or Two Young Companions. TJ has been in the family since 1710 - always synonymous with terms like pioneering, ground-breaking concepts... It gives provenance and is home to TJ LIGHT, linked by the expertise and vision of NICKY KRONE (owner & cella ...

PAARL ROTARY CLUB'S 7TH ANNUAL WINE, ART & JEWELLERY AUCTION
2009-08-05

Wednesday, August 05, 2009 by Paarl Rotary Club The 7th Paarl Rotary Club's wine auction is scheduled to take place Saturday, 5 September at L'Avenir Wine Estate. Members of Paarl Rotary Club's wine auction committee are currently hard at work on arrangements for the Club's 7th Annual Wine, Art & Jewellery Auction which is scheduled to take place on Saturday evening 5 September in ...

KARUSA VINEYARD'S KAROO CLASSIQUE® AT KAROO KLASSIQUE
2009-08-04

Thursday, July 30, 2009 by Karusa Vineyards Newly established private winery, Karusa Vineyards, opens up their tasting facility and Karoo Tapas on Saturday 15 August during the maiden Karoo Klassique festival. The Karusa "Karoo Classique" Collection Methode Champenoise - a first for the Klein Karoo - will also be released to the public. Karusa Vineyards is situated at the foothil ...

TERROIR ON THE SOLES OF YOUR FEET
2009-08-04

Monday, August 03, 2009 by Graham Howe Graham Howe has contributed 300 columns to WINE.CO.ZA over the last decade. On the tenth anniversary of his first column in 1999, he revisits one of his favourite wine routes. "That 'Love thy neighbour thing'. I meant that - God" - church banner in Robertson The adventures of a wine writer take you to some unusual places. Last week started ...

MAVERICK CAPE BRANDY CONTINUES SA’S INTERNATIONAL WINNING STREAK
2009-08-04

Joseph Barry Cape Pot Still Brandy Ten crowned Best Brandy in the World at London’s International Wine & Spirit Competition A small batch of special pot still brandy from Southern Cape Vineyards - Barrydale in the Klein Karoo has been judged as the Best Brandy in the World by an international panel of esteemed brandy palates at the annual International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in Lon ...

NEW DEVELOPMENTS @ DE ZEEKOE
2009-08-04

We are proud to announce that our 5 superior suites are complete. We now have 16 rooms at the main house and 4 waterfront cabins at the lake. Each with a spacious bedroom, en-suite bathroom with separate shower, outdoor shower and patio with beautiful views. Each room is tastefully decorated by Paula herself. Our dining & conference room is also completed and we have hosted 5 successful functions ...

THE ROBERTSON SMALL HOTEL OPENS ITS DOOR ON THE 1ST OF AUGUST!
2009-08-04

Tuesday, August 04, 2009 by The Robertson Small Hotel A Console for the Culinary Soul, Chef Patron, Reuben Riffel, launches Reuben's at The Robertson Small Hotel. One-of-a-kind, timeless and sophisticated, The Robertson Small Hotel will inarguably be the destination everyone will be talking about. With 10 spacious luxury en-suite bedrooms, artistic décor, manicured gardens and shim ...

ROBERTSON WINE VALLEY APPOINTS ELIZMA SPANGENBERG AS THEIR NEW MANAGER
2009-07-28

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 by Robertson Wine Valley Multi-talented, young and attractive Elizma Spangenberg has been appointed Manager of the Robertson Wine Valley (RWV), the generic marketing organisation that drives this dynamic wine region. Comprising the producing wineries of the four Valley towns of Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson, the Robertson Wine Valley now stages fo ...

SIMONSVLEI SIGNS UP FOR CULTIVARIA 2009
2009-07-13

Monday, July 13, 2009 by Peridot Communications Preparations are in full swing for the fourth annual Cultivaria arts festival, which promises to turn Paarl into a cultural and entertainment hub when top local performers descend on this Boland town from 23 to 27 September. This year local wine producer Simonsvlei has signed up as official wine supplier for the festival and their awar ...

ROBERTSON SLOW - ENJOYING LIFE...SLOWLY
2009-07-13

Monday, July 13, 2009 by Robertson Wine Valley Only 90 minutes drive from Cape Town on the popular, scenic Route 62, why not take the time to head out to the country and enjoy the simple pleasures in life at the Robertson Wine Valley's slow-living festival from 7 to 10 August. At Robertson Slow, one can sample honest, old-fashioned, rural hospitality synonymous with the Robertson Wi ...

GOLDEN KAAN - A SUCCESSFUL BRAND STORY IN JUST NINE MONTHS!
2009-07-02

Golden Kaan - a successful brand story in just nine months! Thursday, July 02, 2009 by Golden Kaan Ltd The House of Golden Kaan which opened in Robertson, Western Cape in September 2008, has been a decisive brand builder in the local market for the Golden Kaan brand, since its inception. Golden Kaan serves as a visitors' centre and wine house, as well as an exclusive touri ...

JOHN B A BEST BUY
2009-06-26

Friday, June 26, 2009 by Rietvallei Wine Estate The John B range of wines are quickly becoming a household name and consumers are catching on to the amazing quality and value of these wines. Rietvallei Wine Estate is the proud producer of this range and it carries the name of the third and fifth generation of the Estate, John Burger. Even though this is an Entry Level Range, all the ...

RECESSION HAS VERY LITTLE IMPACT ON WACKY WINE WEEKEND
2009-06-26

Friday, June 26, 2009 by Robertson Wine Route The 2009 Wacky Wine Weekend has once again ensured great fun for everyone with a love of wine and a zest for life. With 16 076 visitors (compared to 16 049 visitors in 2008) streaming to the Robertson Wine Valley, the organisers are very pleased with the outcome considering the current economic conditions. With this number, the Wacky Win ...

NUY VALLEY HARVEST FESTIVAL GIVES WINTER COMFORT
2009-06-23

Tuesday,June 23, 2009 by Marlene Truter Communications Nuy Valley, one of the jewels of the Breederiver Valley, promises city slickers and others wishing to escape to the countryside a day of unique experiences and loads of fun for the whole family with their Harvest Celebration on 27 June. Come spend the day or book into one of the many guesthouses for a weekend treat. Bring the famil ...

NEW OPSTAL WINE A TRIBUTE TO LEGENDARY FARM WORKERS
2009-06-23

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 by Opstal Estate and Restaurant Opstal Estate in the beautiful Slanghoek Valley of the Breedekloof has released a new range of easy drinking sociable wines under the label Sixpence. The Opstal Estate has been in the Louw family for six generations and by choosing the name Sixpence, they are paying tribute to the generations of employees who have contributed t ...

DE WETSHOF ON PAR WITH ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREATS
2009-06-22

Monday, June 22, 2009 by De Wetshof Wine Estate Award winning Robertson wine estate, De Wetshof, once again proved its mettle when pitted against extremely stiff competition in a recent dessert wine tasting. The style of a Noble Late Harvest is indeed most noble, as these wines are produced in extremely limited quantities and only in exceptional vintages when the conditions are per ...

SOEKERSHOF - DEVELOPMENT OF NEW DRY GARDEN TOOK 6 YEARS
2009-06-03

Development of new Dry Garden took 6 years Six years ago the idea for a Dry Garden was launched for a piece of bare land with a surface of approx. 1500 square metres. It was the most brackish part of our 10 hectare (25 acres) property and soil analysis in The Netherlands showed a pH of 8.3 and an organic content of 3 percent next to numerous deficits of nitrogen, phosphorous and diverse trace ele ...

EXCELSIOR ESTATE TASTING FACILITY - OPENS 30 MAY 2009
2009-05-28

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 by Excelsior Estate After years of insistence from our devoted wine drinking public, the fifth generation De Wets has seen it fit to finally open a tasting facility. Come and enjoy Excelsior's finest overlooking the peaceful dam on which the tasting room is built. Blend, bottle and label your own creation. A favourite activity during the annual Wacky Wine Wee ...

DOOLHOF WINE ESTATE'S NEWLY RELEASED MALBEC WINS GOLD AT THE DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS IN LONDON
2009-05-28

Thursday, May 28, 2009 by Pendulum Communications Doolhof Wine Estate in Wellington, Western Cape has just won a gold medal and a silver medal at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards in London. The newly released 2007 Signatures of Doolhof Malbec received a gold medal while the 2007 Signatures of Doolhof Pinotage was awarded silver at this international competition described as "the ...

MCGREGOR WALDORF SCHOOL ROCKS IN KLAAS VOOGDS
2009-05-21

On Wednesday, 6th May, the grade 7 students from the McGregor Waldorf School set out to Soekershof on an unusual art project. Two French students, Sybille du Cussy and Pauline Gillet of the Landscape University in Blois, are doing their practical at Soekershof. Both students designed a new Dry Garden and are at the moment in the finishing stages of planting the different succulent plants. Gille ...

ROBERTSON SLOW - ENJOYING LIFE SLOWLY
2009-05-18

Monday, May 18, 2009 by Robertson Wine Valley Only 90 minutes drive from Cape Town (on the popular, scenic Route 62), why not take the time to head out to the country and enjoy the simple pleasures in life...slowly at the Robertson Wine Valley's slow-living festival. At Robertson Slow, one can sample honest, old-fashioned, rural hospitality synonymous with the Robertson Wine Valley's wine ...

TULBAGH CHRISTMAS IN WINTER FESTIVAL
2009-05-18

Monday, May 18, 2009 by Smart Communications & Events Christmas once again comes early this year as Tulbagh dons its winter cape in the month of June and welcomes the rest of the country to join them for a weekend extravaganza of wonderful winter warmers. Marvel at the array of Christmas trimmings and glittering lights, take a trip with Father Christmas down historic Church Street ...

DOOLHOF WINE ESTATE REVEALS THE DARK LADY AND OTHER SECRETS
2009-05-18

Monday, May 18, 2009 by Doolhof Wine Doolhof Wine Estate, located near Wellington, revealed three new wines at a function at the Vineyard Hotel on Wednesday, 6 May 2009. The Doolhof wine brand now comprises four distinct ranges namely, the Dark Lady, Renaissance, Signatures and the Cape Series. The Dark Lady of the Labyrinth, fittingly named after Doolhof or labyrinth, is produce ...

ROBERTSON WINE VALLEY'S WINE TOURISM SUCCESS UNDERPINNED BY FOCUSED MARKET RESEARCH
2009-05-18

Monday, May 18, 2009 by Robertson Wine Valley Robertson Wine Valley (RWV), the generic marketing body that drives this dynamic winemaking region, comprising the towns of Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson, now stages four annual events that spearhead wine tourism in this beautiful Valley. Each event has wine as its central theme, and all embrace the wide diversity of activities a ...

LIFTING THE ’VALE
2009-04-20

Neil Pendock speaks to John Barnardt, CEO of Bonnievale Wine Cellar. You’re currently making the third vintage from the merged Bonnievale, Merwespont and Nordale Co-op Cellars. Was the merger a success? Yes, the business is on the right track and is gaining momentum. Our grape farmers are united under one umbrella. In 2008 our farmers received on average 15% more for their grapes than in 200 ...

WINTER SPECIAL AT VILLA RUSTIQUE IN OUDTSHOORN
2009-04-15

Winter Special in Sunny Oudtshoorn Valid from 15 April 2009 to 30 September 2009 * Stay of 2 nights - receive a 50% discount on standard rates for the 2nd night * Stay of 3 nights - only pay for 2 nights Please contact; TELEPHONE - 044 279 3141 FAX - 044 279 3141 MOBILE - 073 720 0118 EMAIL - info@villarustique.co.za WEBSITE - http://www.villarustique.co.za ...

WACKY WINE WEEKEND NEWS
2009-03-31

Thursday, March 26, 2009 by Robertson Wine Valley The winter months are a great time to escape from life in the city and spend time with family and friends. If you have not finalised your winter weekend away join us for the Robertson Wine Valley's 6th annual Wacky Wine Weekend, taking place 4 - 7 June 2009! As always the festival will take place at participating wineries who will ho ...

BONNIEVALE'S VERTEX CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE WINS 4 STARS WITH WINE MAGAZINE!
2009-03-31

The reputable WINE Magazine panel rated Cabernet Sauvignon wines from across South Africa in March 2009. The results were published in the April 2009 issue: Number of wines submitted - 137 Five Stars awarded - 0 Four and a Half stars - 0 Four Stars 11, including Vertex Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007 The panel's average rating for this wine was 16 out of 20. This rating describe ...

MAJOR'S HILL WINE ESTATE
2009-02-09

Hi, everyone and Happy 2009! I know I have been in contact with some of you this year, but I am writing to just fill you in on our calendar for the year ahead! We are all very excited to begin harvesting our 2009 grapes tomorrow morning! I have been eagerly awaiting this day ever since I started at Majors Hill so I could see the process from the beginning. Although we are not planning any tou ...

2009 CALITZDORP PORT FESTIVAL
2009-01-28

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 by Klein Karoo Wine Route Since the first Port Festival in 1992, Calitzdorp's fame as the Port Capital of South Africa has continued to grow in leaps and bounds both locally and internationally. This historic Klein Karoo village, embraced by the Swartberg, Rooiberg and Gamkaberg mountains, is already abuzz with activity for the 2009 Port Festival so diarise th ...

ROUND THE (PAARL) ROCK HARVEST FUN
2009-01-28

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 by Marlene Truter Communications Be amongst the first to sample wines from the 2009 vintage straight from the tank and to enjoy a real Boland harvest at Round the Rock. On Saturday, 7 March several Paarl cellars - scattered around the majestic granite dome that gave the town its name - will be throwing open their cellar doors from 09h00. If you have a vag ...

ROBERTSON WINE VALLEY'S HANDS-ON HARVEST
2009-01-27

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 by Robertson Wine Valley The Robertson Wine Valley is proud to announce its newest wine festival, Hands-on Harvest. This boutique event will take place from Friday, 27 February until Sunday, 1 March 2009 and offers wine aficionados and budding vintners a chance to experience the magic of harvest for a day - without having to quit their day jobs! Guests ...

SINK THE PINK
2009-01-26

Calitzdorp winery De Krans, renowned as a top-quality Port producer, has added a pink Port to its range. Winemaker Boets Nel says the wine was developed to “capitalise on the growing popularity of rosé table wines” and hopes that it will be a means of extending Port sales into summer. De Krans Pink Port is made from traditional port varieties Touriga Naçional, Tinta Barocca and Souzão. T ...

BOPLAAS PORT THE BEST IN SA AGAIN
2009-01-22

Boplaas has won again the Peter Shulz Trophy for the fourth time in a row as South Africa’s best Port at the MNK SAPPA Port Challenge with the Cape Tawny Port N/V. It has a tawny colour with nutty aromas and a long aftertaste. The Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2005 won the Vintage Port class and also received 5 stars in John Platter 2008. In second place was the Boplaas Cape Vintage Por ...

CALITZDORP PORT FESTIVAL
2009-01-22

Since the first Port Festival in 1992, Calitzdorp's fame as the Port Capital of South Africa has continued to grow in leaps and bounds both locally and internationally. This historic Klein Karoo village, embraced by the Swartberg, Rooiberg and Gamkaberg mountains, is already abuzz with activity for the 2009 Port Festival so diarise the first weekend in May for what promises to be the region's fes ...

MILLER'S RESTAURANT
2008-11-26

Kindly note that business hours at Miller's Restaurant will be as follows during the Festive Season: Miller's will be open for the duration of the Festive Season. From 9 December until 11 January 2009 our business hours will be extended to include Tuesdays. The restaurant will also be open for lunch every day of the week. Our business hours will therefore be as follows: LUNCH: Tuesdays t ...

KLEIN KAROO WINE ROUTE - NEWSLETTER
2008-11-10

Unplugged62 Music Concert Come and enjoy easy-listening, unplugged music with easy-drinking Unplugged62 wine in the beautiful Tradouw Valley at Joubert-Tradauw Private Cellar. 6 Artists including: Valiant Swart, James Stewart, Jan Blohm, Heather Mac & The Brills, Kent O'Shea & Louise Leggatt (HappyFourTwenty & Rubber Soul) and Andrew Hoare. When: Saturday, 29 November 2008. Where: J ...

BUFFELSDRIFT GAME LODGE
2008-11-10

BUFFELSDRIFT GAME LODGE INFORMATION: -Early morning &late afternoon bush safaris -Nature Trails -Horseback safaris -Elephant walks & elephant feeding experiences -Sundowner Safaris -Health Spa treatments in the luxury of your own tent -Karoo Wedding Chapel -25 Air-conditioned tents with en suite bathrooms and private outdoor shower -Conference Venue HIGHLIGHT - OCTOBER What a way ...

MICHAELANGELO INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS 2008 - MAJOR'S HILL
2008-09-16

We at Major's Hill Wine Cellar are proud to announce our results from the Michaelangelo International 2008 Wine Awards: Double Gold for our Cabernet Sauvignon Silver for our Pinotage Silver for our Chardonnay We're glad you like our wines as much as we do! Please call us today for your order of Major's Hill Wines, perfect for any occassion. Major's Hill Wine Cellar Robertson South Af ...

SO LONG AND THANKS FOR ALL THE BARGAINS
2008-08-18

The Good-value Guru Road Trip: Episode 7 Published:Aug 17, 2008 www.thetimes.co.za Neil Pendock and the GVG run out of road. Bob Dylan once sang about God telling Abraham to “kill him a son… out on Highway 61”. If the southern hemisphere ever came into play, Route 62 would have served the divine purpose on the evening the GVG and I drove from Hermanus to Barrydale in a rain cloud. Be ...

ROBERTSON WINE ON THE RIVER - IT'S BACK
2008-07-15

Monday, July 14, 2008 by Robertson Wine Valley For the third consecutive year, over the weekend of 17 - 19 October, the inimitable and ever-popular Robertson Wine on the River is returning to the banks of the Breede River. The event is to take place in a spacious marquee at the charming riverside farm, Goudmyn, situated on the R317 between Robertson and Bonnievale. Visitors are to ...

SIMONSVLEI HELPING TO SAVE OUR WETLANDS
2008-07-09

By Philippa Huntly, WESSA Western Cape. 8 July 2008 CAPE TOWN - The work of the Western Cape Wetlands Forum has greatly benefited from the financial and in-kind support of Simonsvlei Wines. With over 50% of South Africa’s wetlands already lost, support from commercial and agricultural sectors is imperative in the drive to spread the conservation message and help with restorative processes. ...

KLEIN KAROO WINE ROUTE - NEWSLETTER
2008-07-02

Welcome new members Three new members have been added to the Klein Karoo Wine Route! They are Bergwater Vineyards from Prince Albert and from Calitzdorp Axe Hill and TTT Cellars. Bergwater adds a new wine-growing area to our region and the new additions to Calitzdorp make of Calitzdorp truly the Port capital of South Africa. Calitzdorp Port excels in NMK Peter Schulz SAPPA Port Challenge 20 ...

MOOIPLAAS CABERNET FRANC - THE ROOS FAMILY'S NEW "BABY"
2008-06-30

Monday, June 30, 2008 by Mike Bampfield-Duggan, iafrica.com The gracious Roos family of Mooiplaas invited us to attend their annual "Lang Tafel" luncheon in the delightful old manor house on the estate. The highlight was the announcement of their new "baby" the Mooiplaas Cabernet Franc. ...

WINE MAGAZINE NEWSLETTER
2008-06-30

British businessman and owner of Wellington winery Doolhof, Dennis Kerrison is a wheeler and dealer - in 2005 he resigned as CEO and president of petrochemical manufacturer Octel in the wake of a probe into the transfer of funds between Octel's SA subsidiary account and his personal account. When he entertained me and a few members of the wine trade to a tasting yesterday, it was not on the farm b ...

INKÁRA SHIRAZ - AMONGST THE BEST IN THE WORLD
2008-06-26

The importance and objectivity of wine competitions are not seldom up for discussion. It is often claimed that luck plays a bigger roll than superiority, especially when the same wine scores widely opposite results in different competitions. With Bon Courage Inkára Shiraz no luck is involved. The results are impressive and consistent. Not only did this wine become Best South African Shi ...

KLEIN KAROO WINE ROUTE - NEWSLETTER
2008-06-23

De Krans has received yet more gold De Krans Wine Cellar in Calitzdorp has just been awarded a gold medal for its 1999 Vintage Reserve Port at the 2008 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show. Only 24 wines of 1024 entered, received gold medals at this competition. This port, which was also auctioned at the 2007 Nederburg Auction, got 94 points out of 100. According to winemaker-brothers, Boets and ...

DE KRANS HITS GOLD AGAIN
2008-05-23

Friday, May 23, 2008 by De Krans Wine Cellar De Krans Wine Cellar in Calitzdorp, has done quite well in the 2008 Swiss International Air Lines Awards. Their 2006 Touriga Nacional, a dry red wine, has been awarded a gold medal - one of only 34 gold medals out of more than 700 entries. It was also the only wine from the Klein Karoo which received a gold medal. This wine was recently cho ...

KEEP WARM WITH BREEDEKLOOF SOETES AND SOUP
2008-05-21

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 by Splash PR As the days turn colder and the evenings lengthen, head to the Breedekloof for a celebration of home-made country soups, crackling fireplaces, dessert wines and country hospitality that will take place from 8h00 to 17h00 on Friday, July 25 and from 9h00 to 14h00 on Saturday, July 26 during the second annual Soetes and Soup weekend. The Breedekloof, ...

ROBERTSON SLOW - ENJOYING LIFE... SLOWLY
2008-05-21

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 by Robertson Wine Valley It is time to leave the rat race behind and head out to the country to enjoy the simple ways of life... slowly. After the success of last year's inaugural event, Robertson Slow 2008 is definitely an event not to be missed! This year's Robertson Slow will be taking place from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August and, will once again allow you to indu ...

WINTER SPECIAL AT RIVERSTONE PRIVATE GAME FARM
2008-05-20

"Riverstone Private Game Farm is offering a 10% discount on all bookings for the duration of winter. Winter is the ideal time to escape rainy and wet Cape Town and come and spend a few rejuvenating days in the little Karoo. Although the early mornings and evenings can be chilly, the days are wonderfully warm and it is the ideal time to spend time in the veld hiking and birdwatching etc. Our s ...

BREEDEKLOOF WINE AND TOURISM APPOINTS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
2008-05-14

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 by Splash PR Breedekloof Wine and Tourism has appointed Anthony Mietas in the new position of Development Manager. Mietas will focus on social development, small and medium enterprise development, arts, culture and sport development. He will also focus on human resource issues affecting employees, local communities, cooperatives, farmers and wine estates within ...

BOSMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS
2008-05-12

It seems the clock is ticking just a little bit slower these days. As we eagerly await the grapes to ripen – where last year this time we were already picking grapes! – we want to wish you all a very happy New Year. May 2008 brings forth ample joyful friendships with good food, music and beautiful wines. Giving rise to a brand new cellar Last year was a profound year for the wi ...

BALANCE AND ELEGANCE FOR TRADITION-BOUND FAMILY
2008-05-12

Bosman Family Vineyards nestled in the shadow of the Limiet Mountain near Wellington, are extremely excited about their first wines - balanced, elegant and made in the time-honoured tradition. The Bosman family, who launched their first wine from the newly renovated cellar, firmly believes that wines are nurtured long before the grape is born. After the last wines were made on Lelienfontein in ...

FOREST HALL BED AND BREAKFAST WINS THE GARDEN OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
2008-05-12

www.MyPE.co.za: The judges for the PE Express and Die Burger’s PE Garden of the Year competition, who said they were overwhelmed by the high standard of the entries, selected what they described as four worthy winners after an intense week of judging. Harm Grobbelaar of Lorraine was adjudged the winner in the large garden category. His creation was described as extremely structured and well o ...

FRENCH FLAIR SEES BONNIEVALE YOUNGSTER NAMED SA WINE CELLAR WORKER OF THE YEAR
2008-05-09

Friday, May 09, 2008 by MediaVision Barely five years after matriculating at the Ashton Secondary School and joining Bonnievale Wine Cellar, Edwin Mathambo, 23, has been named the Cellar Worker of the Year by Wine Cellars SA, the representative body of 56 of South Africa's largest wineries who together produce 80% of the country's wine. This is the second year that the award has been made ...

RETREAT AT GROENFONTEIN
2008-05-09

For those of you who already know the Retreat - come and take advantage of our great value for money WINTER SPECIALS starting on 5.5.08 till end September 2008! For those who haven't yet stayed with us, herewith an introduction: This well known award winning destination, situated 20 kms from Calitzdorp, offers accommodation with DB+B. The charming gravel road winds through beautiful unspoilt ...

WACKY WINTER PROMOTION STUNS WINE VALLEY
2008-05-06

WACKY WINTER PROMOTION STUNS WINE VALLEY At a time when the rising cost of fuel is threatening to spoil everyone’s fun, it may come as a surprise that at McGregor Country Cottages, we are cutting our prices to suit visitors’ pockets. Yes, you got it. Here, our guests become friends and we want to welcome YOU! Make up a group of friends, bring the family or visit us alone… everybody’s ...

WINTER SPECIALS AT AMATHUNZI!!
2008-05-06

REVIVE YOUR SENSES, FEED YOUR SOUL... WINTER SPECIALS AT AMATHUNZI!! DEAR FUTURE VISITOR AT AMATHUNZI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE AMATHUNZI is a Private Nature Reserve that offers all lovers of nature the perfect getaway. Amathunzi – “valley of shadows�? – is a 3 000 hectare expanse of rugged texture, seductive silence, and precious open spaces unfurling in the pastel shadows of a ci ...

WACKY WINE WEEKEND 2008
2008-03-14

Friday, March 14, 2008 by Robertson Wine Valley The winter months are a great time to escape from life in the city and spend time with family and friends. If you have not finalised your winter weekend away join us for the Robertson Wine Valley's 5th annual Wacky Wine Weekend, taking place 6 - 8 June 2008! This wine festival takes place at participating wineries all across the valley a ...

SAUVIGNON BLANC FOLLOWS THE LIGHT!
2008-03-14

Friday, March 14, 2008 by Van Loveren Van Loveren Private Cellar in Robertson has not only bottled the first wine of the season (Light White Semillon 2008), they have also bottled the first Sauvignon Blanc 2008! "Overall the whites are seven days later than last year. Easter is the only thing early this year," laughs winemaker Bussell Retief. The grapes were harvested at 21.5º Ba ...

FREEDOM HILL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN WINE
2008-03-14

Friday, March 14, 2008 by Waterford Communications Freedom Hill, a boutique winery situated on the south western slopes of the Wemmershoek Mountain range in the Paarl wine region, celebrated their 10th anniversary on Thursday, 13 March 2008. Francois Klomp, a civil engineer by training, bought the historic 82 hectare property in 1998. The farm was originally granted to Francois Retief ...

KLEIN KAROO WINE ROUTE - NEWSLETTER
2008-03-13

NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2008 Harvest 2008 The 2008 harvest started two weeks later than normal. The wet weather played an important role in the overall quality of the grapes with diseases being a problem during harvest. On a more positive note, the vineyards are not under stress and the cool climate lead to a longer ripening period. Ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot which held great promis ...

KLEIN KAROO SOUTHERN CAPE VINPRO VINEYARD BLOCK COMPETITION 2008
2008-03-12

Congratulations to Vivian Harpur of Herold Wines with her winning block Sauvignon Blanc. Meyer Joubert of Joubert-Tradauw was a close second with his block of Merlot. Boets and Stroebel Nel of De Krans were third with a block Cabernet Sauvignon. Ellen Marais PRO: Klein Karoo Wine Route Telephone: 028 572 1284 Fax: 086 528 4055 E-mail: info@kleinkaroowines.co.za Websit ...

A NEW BRAND IS BORN
2008-03-10

Robertson (Western Cape, South Africa) March 8 2008 - Soekershof, Private Mazes & Botanical Gardens in South Africa, has finally launched a brand. "In the past five years we've gained knowledge about our market", says CEO and co-owner Herman van Bon. Soekershof is a globally unique attraction not designated for mass tourism. There were simply no marketing references to match with our unusual conce ...

BREEDEKLOOF EXPECTS QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
2008-03-06

Thursday, March 06, 2008 by Splash PR & Media Consultants Breedekloof winemakers are expecting a top quality 2008 vintage due to the cooler than normal conditions over the past year resulting in slower ripening vines. A thunderstorm, which disrupted the harvest of certain varietals, including Chenin Blanc, has not dampened their enthusiasm. The winemakers said volumes of top quality C ...

DAWNING OF A NEW ERA AT SIMONSVLEI
2008-02-25

Dawning of a New Era With the appointment of Francois van Zyl, Simonsvlei’s Cellar Master and Production Manager, as Director: Production, the Board of Directors of this well-known wine cellar showed their intent to re-establish Simonsvlei as the industry leader in quality and innovation, as in the days of the late iconic wine genius, Oom Sarel Rossouw. Van Zyl has been incorporated into the ...

COUNTRY’S TOP ACHIEVERS ANNOUNCED IN SIMONSVLEI ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
2008-02-25

Country’s Top Achievers Announced in Simonsvlei Achiever of the Year Awards PAARL - Award-winning wine cellar Simonsvlei has announced the winners of Simonsvlei Achiever of the Year Awards – a competition allowing South Africans to honor and acknowledge outstanding individual achievements. Africa’s first man in space Mark Shuttleworth, was voted as the country’s Simonsvlei Achiever f ...

WACKY WINE WEEKEND 2008: 6 - 8 JUNE
2008-02-07

07 February 2008 by Robertson Wine Valley This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Robertson Wine Valley's biggest annual wine festival. The ever-popular Wacky Wine Weekend is taking place from 6 - 8 June 2008. And this year, visitors can expect even more festivity and celebration... with over 40 participating wineries showcasing their wares, as well as a variety of other key attractio ...

A FIRST IN HISTORY AN ELEPHANT ASSISTED BOPLAAS IN PRODUCING WINE
2010-03-04

From Boplaas Thousand of year’s man has helped producing wine through treading the grapes with his feet. For the first time in history – an elephant is used to help produce a wine through treading the grapes with his feet. The treading process took place on Tuesday, 5 February at the Knysna Elephant Park, where Harry, the elephant has been trained by qualif ...

GRAHAM BECK WINES AMONG THE EARLIEST IN ROBERTSON TO HARVEST - AND CERTAINLY THE MOST COLOURFUL...
2008-01-23

23 January 2008 by Graham Beck Wines "Harvest 2008... the grapes will be great!"... was this year's Graham Beck Wines' Robertson staff mantra at their annual colourful harvest parade, as the first load of Chardonnay grapes were brought into the cellar. This year's kaleidoscopic pageant boasted minstrels in all their musical glory, as Goema music permeated the airwaves, infusing the atmosph ...

DE WETSHOF ESTATE TO FEATURE AT THE GRAPES, GOURMET & GALLERY EVENING AT WINCHESTER MANSIONS
2008-01-15

16 January 2008 by GC Communications Indulge your senses with a selection of world-class quality wines from De Wetshof Wine Estate at the Winchester Mansions’ Grapes, Gourmet & Gallery evening on Wednesday, 23 January 2008. The evening will mark the opening of the artwork-exhibition entitled "Element" by the talented visual artist Neil Nieuwoudt. At the Grapes, Gourmet & Gallery eve ...

EVENTS @ TEMENOS RETREAT
2008-01-15

January is upon us so we thought to give you a quick preview of happenings planned for 2008. Please note that many of these dates are provisional and may very well change. We will send regular updates on upcoming events and recommend that you check our website for changes: www.temenos.org.za EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE 12 & 13 January 2008 Facilitated by Anthony Abbott Emotional Free ...

RUSTICUS VIOGNIER 2007 IS NOW AVAILABLE!
2008-01-07

We are pleased to announce that our much anticipated Rusticus Viognier 2007 is now available from the wine cellar at R70 per bottle. For those Rusticus wine lovers staying in Cape Town and perhaps only needing a bottle or two, Vino Pronto in Orange Street, Gardens will be stocking our Viognier 2007 from the end of this week, tel. 021 424 5587. Wishing you a wonderful 2008! Best Regards ...

SIMONSVLEI ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADING FRENCH WINE GIANTS
2007-12-14

14 December 2007 by Marcus Brewster Publicity Award-winning winemakers Simonsvlei International have announced a partnership agreement with two of the giants from the French wine industry, Castel Frere and Vranken Pommery Monopole, which will see the leading South African winery exclusively importing selective wine and champagne ranges to the South African market place. Jannie Vermeul ...

RUSTICUS CELLAR WAS AWARDED 4 STARS FOR 3 DIFFERENT WINES!
2007-12-05

In the most recent edition of John Platter, Rusticus Cellar was awarded 4 stars for three different wines! Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Ltd. Release **** "Only 3 barrels of bold, distinctive 04. Blackberry leaps from the glass, joined by Christmas pudding richness through to the extended farewell. An individual, & great with roast venison." Tilled Earth 2005 **** "earthy, toasty prelude to p ...

SUMMER WINES AND APRON PROMOTION
2007-12-04

Dear Friends of Juno Summer is finally here and we look forward to another season of dinners on the patio, picnics, brunches and braais, all enjoyed with your favourite choice in fine wine. Get a Juno Apron Free BUY your summer wines from Juno - any mixed case of 12 BOTTLES OF JUNO wines, delivered to your door - at the special price of R360 per case and receive the fabulous JUNO APRON, ...

WELTEVREDE RECEIVES SOMMELIERS GOLD LISTING
2007-11-26

26 November 2007 by Weltevrede Wine Estate Weltevrede received a Sommeliers Gold listing at Britain's first Sommelier Wine Awards for their Cape Muscat 2006. It is Britain’s only on-trade competition, and wines entered must be available to the on-trade and not the mainstream off-trade outlets. The wines are judged by the on-trade, some of Britain’s finest sommeliers and restaur ...

WELLINGTON ACHIEVES TOP HONOURS AT BEST OF WINE TOURISM AWARDS
2007-11-22

22 November 2007 by WineNews Editorial Team www.wine.co.za Wellington, historically one of the South African winelands' lesser known and regarded regions, has in recent months made PR inroads with a hoard of awards and other headlines. Last week the area made news again, this time with a novel wine tourism offering. The Wellington Wine Walk received top honours as the regional winner in ...

A LONG WAIT FOR BLANC DE NOIR AT VERITAS
2007-11-21

21 November 2007 by Van Loveren Van Loveren Private Cellar, in the heart of the Breede River, is glad to announce another prestigious award - The Van Loveren Blanc de Noir Red Muscadel 2007 won a Veritas Gold Medal! The last Blanc de Noir (Rosé’s excluded) that won a gold medal at this award function was from Klawer in 1996. “We feel very privileged, because the Red Muscadel p ...

ROCKING THE WORLD
2007-11-14

Robertson (Western Cape); November 13 2007 - Soekershof Walkabout, Mazes & Botanical Gardens, commenced excavagation works for two rockeries which will the 'growing ground' of approx. 1000 succulent species from around the world within two years. These new species are in addition to the 2467 registered different succulent plants in the existing succulent gardens. The gardens of Soekershof W ...

BREEDEKLOOF SALUTES WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR
2007-11-09

09 November 2007 by Splash PR & Media Consultants De Wet Lategan of Bergsig Estate has capped a golden year by being named United Bulk Winemaker of the Year 2007 for the Worcester and Breedekloof wine regions. United Bulk has sponsored the Winemaker of the Year award for the past 13 years. The company provides the trophy as well as a R20,000 contribution towards the winner undertaking ...

DU TOITSKLOOF LAUNCHES NEW UPMARKET RANGE
2007-11-08

08 November 2007 by De Kock Communications (DKC) Du Toitskloof Wine Cellar has launched a reserve range of wines to complement its well-known collection of value wines. The new range – two white wines and a red – targets fine-dining consumers. Du Toitskloof cellarmaster, Philip Jordaan, said the new range represented the best this co-operative cellar was producing. "Our primary ma ...

DE WETSHOF CLAIMS HALF OF MEDALS IN UNWOODED CHARDONNAY CATEGORY
2007-10-30

30 October 2007 by Kirkby Communications At this year’s Veritas Awards, unwooded Chardonnays made by Danie de Wet at De Wetshof, accounted for half of the fourteen gongs awarded in this category. He received Veritas Gold for his 2004 Danie de Wet Naissance Cabernet Sauvignon, which is another of the wines in the estate’s diverse portfolio. The wine has shown tremendous development ...

BAKENHOF GUESTHOUSE A WELCOME ADDITION TO TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE OF PAARL/WELLINGTON
2007-10-24

The Bakenhof Guesthouse has opened on the farm Die Baken as a welcome addition to the upper-end tourism infrastructure of the Paarl/Wellington district, an area which has traditionally been slower on the tourism uptake than its popular neighbours, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Forty minutes out of Cape Town, Bakenhof is situated amidst the vineyards and offers breathtaking views across the wine ...

WAMAKERSVALLEI STEALS THE LIMELIGHT AT PRESTIGIOUS LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITIONS
2007-10-24

24 October 2007 by Wamakersvallei Winery Wamakersvallei Winery has once again swept the board on the local and international awards circuit. This well loved and distinguished Wellington cellar has built up an enviable reputation for producing world class wines to suit every palate across the price range. Evidence of this is the cellar's sterling performance at recent awards ceremonies ...

BOVLEI WINERY (1907 2007) - CELEBRATING A GOLDEN AGE
2007-10-24

24 October 2007 by ML Communications Bovlei Winery, situated at the foot of the majestic Hawequa Mountain near Wellington, is the second-oldest cooperative wine cellar in South Africa. The winery celebrated its 100th Anniversary this month, appropriately with numerous wine awards. In 1907 a handful of farmers from the Bovlei Valley and broader Wellington area established Bovlei Coope ...

VERITAS ACHIEVEMENT FOR SMALL FAMILY ESTATE
2007-10-19

Bonnievale, 17 October 2007 - With the spotlight at the Veritas Awards for 2007 mostly on the double gold successes of well known names in the wine industry, the singular achievement of one small family estate went largely unnoticed. Van Zylshof Estate of Bonnievale walked away with Veritas Gold for its unwooded chardonnay for the fourth year in a row. The wine, which is sold under the Riverai ...

BREEDEKLOOF GLITTERS AT VERITAS 2007
2007-10-18

18 October 2007 by Splash PR & Media Consultants Breedekloof Wine and Tourism is celebrating the region’s golden haul at Veritas 2007 where its members were awarded seventy six medals including four gold and a double gold for the Badsberg Red Muscadel 2006. It is the second year in a row that Badsberg has been awarded a sought after double gold. The winery also received six bronze m ...

EAGLE'S CLIFF WINERY AND RESTAURANT
2007-10-10

Visit Eagle’s Cliff Winery & restaurant, spend R500 and stand a chance to win 1 of 3 prizes, each valued @ R1000 each: (combination of prizes) 1) 1 night stay in Eagle’s Rest self-catering cottage (max.6 persons) OR 2) Eagle’s Cliff wine OR 3) Eagle’s Cliff Restaurant – breakfast/lunch *Competition closes 31/12/2007 ...

FUN COMES NATURALLY AT BREEDEKLOOF OUTDOORS
2007-10-04

04 October 2007 by Splash PR & Media Consultants A celebration of wine, food, adventure and music will take place from Friday October 12 to Sunday October 14 during the fourth annual Breedekloof Outdoors, in a majestic setting where mountains combine with vineyards and sparkling rivers to create a natural outdoor playground. The fun-filled weekend will include events hosted by winerie ...

ROBERTSON WINE ON THE RIVER
2007-10-01

01 October 2007 by Robertson Wine Valley Last year’s inaugural Robertson Wine on the River proved to be a watershed event, with visitors from far and wide begging for more, so Robertson Wine on the River is returning to the banks of the Breede River. The dates for this year’s Robertson Wine on the River are 19 to 21 October and the event will again be hosted in two huge marquees a ...

TOP-END PRODUCER NAMED BEST VALUE CELLAR
2007-09-25

25 September 2007 by WINE Magazine In the hotly contested stakes of value wine producers, Robertson estate Bon Courage has claimed the title of Best Value Cellar Overall, in WINE magazine’s 2008 Best Value Awards - Wines under R50. Historically the domain of co-ops, Bon Courage clinched top spot ahead of Du Toitskloof Cellars – winner three times in the last four years – and Ber ...

SPRING INTO SUMMER WITH JUNO'S ROSé
2007-09-14

14 September 2007 by Armstrong PR - Communications and Public Relations With the beautiful days of summer approaching, celebrate this season with a Mediterranean twist and enjoy the new Juno Rosé with good friends, good life and good food. This delightfully deep salmon pink Rosé, an every day easy-drinking wine, holds a crisp palate and delicate aromas of abundant floral tones with ...

A NEW WINEMAKER AND EARLY SUCCESS FOR 2007 WINES
2007-08-28

28 August 2007 by Kirkby Communications With fast growing demand and a need to maintain and improve already high standards, Van Loveren Private Cellar in Robertson has broken with tradition and appointed its first non-family winemaker. Danelle van Rensburg has joined Bussell Retief, one of the four cousins now taking responsibility for this major winery on the banks of the Breede Riv ...

KLEIN KAROO SOUTHERN CAPE BOTTLED WINE SHOW 2007
2007-08-27

Each year bottled wines are judged in the Klein Karoo Southern Cape Bottled Wine Show. Only wine made from grapes harvested in the region may be entered. This year delivered a few exciting results. The judges were quite impressed by the high standard of the wines entered. Wines that excelled were the Shiraz, Muscadel and Port. Boplaas was appointed as the Champion Cellar and Uitvlucht Wines ...

A TOAST TO THE VARIETY OF THE KLEIN KAROO - YOUNG WINE SHOW 2007
2007-08-27

The 2007 Klein Karoo Southern Cape Young Wine Show has turned up a few beautiful wines. Both the Champion Wine and the Reserve Champion Wine are Port from Boplaas Family Vineyards. Boplaas Family Vineyards also entered the Champion Dry White - a fruity Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc, the Champion Sauvignon Blanc, the Champion Natural Sweet Table Wine, the Champion Cabernet Sauvignon and the Champi ...

OUR FIRST BRANDY - OUR FIRST INTERNATIONAL AWARD!
2007-08-27

27 August 2007 by Napier Winery Napier Sir George Potstill Brandy, from Napier Winery in Wellington, won a bronze at the 2007 International Wine and Spirits Competition in London, for their first potstill brandy. Only seven medals were awarded and Sir George Potstill brandy was awarded one. The brandy is distilled from the wine made from 35-year-old Chenin Blanc vines. It is meticu ...

LANGKLOOF GETS ALL STEAMED UP WITH NEW ROUTE 62 PLAN
2007-08-22

By Brian Hayward AMBITIOUS plans by a newly- formed tourism body in the Langkloof will see the region‘s R62 route marketed like its famous US counterpart, Route 66, with the Apple Express steam train making regular trips to the area. The appeal of the romantic journeys into the heart of the western part of the Eastern Cape will not only boost the province‘s tourism potential – which i ...

CONSISTENT PERFORMER CLAIMS SHIRAZ CHALLENGE VICTORY - BON COURAGE
2007-07-25

With several local and international accolades already to its credit, there can be no doubting the excellence of Bon Courage’s Inkará Shiraz 2005. Now, with top honours and a 4½ Star rating in the 2007 Pick ’n Pay WINE magazine Shiraz Challenge, its reputation as a wine of distinction is sealed. The Robertson bottling scooped first place ahead of the Cloof Crucible 2004, also rated 4½ S ...

BON COURAGE INKARá SHIRAZ 2005 HAS WON A PRESTIGIOUS GOLD MEDAL AT SYRAH DU MONDE IN FRANCE
2007-07-25

The first edition of the Syrah du Monde international wine competition was held on 31 May 2007 at the Château d’Ampuis in the village of Ampuis (northern Rhône Valley, France). The Syrah du Monde’s ambition is to highlight Shiraz wines from throughout the world each year and making this competition into one of the world’s top events for Syrah / Shiraz. Syrah du Monde has distinguished ...

SIMONSVLEI TO CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS OF 101 OUTSTANDING SOUTH AFRICANS
2007-07-25

Award-winning wine cellar Simonsvlei, situated on the R101 just outside Paarl, has announced the launch of the Simonsvlei Achiever of the Year Awards 2007, a project which will identify the top 101 achievers in South Africa. SA citizens are invited to nominate those they feel have made a positive contribution to the country in a variety of categories. Brand Manager for Simonsvlei, Dawie Malherb ...

BARRYDALE AND LADISMITH CELLARS REASSERT IDENTITIES
2007-06-25

With their 2007 vintage, Barrydale Cellar and Ladismith Cellar have gone back to their roots, so to speak: each cellar's wines have been repackaged under eponymous labels. The move to a simpler, clearer branding comes after the cellars joined forces in 2005 under the umbrella company, Southern Cape Vineyards (SCV). "This caused confusion in the market," says SCV general manager, Riaan Marais. " ...

WINTER VALUE AT ROSENDAL
2007-06-18

Rosendal Winery & Wellness Retreat offer you now a great winter deal at our farm: Stay 2 nights and get 1 night for free. Our winter value deal is also valid as a free ad-on with the Romantic Treat, The Activity Package and the De-stress package. Rosendal offers it's guests great services in a old colonial setting. Professional therapists in the SPA center and a great European kitche ...

SIMONSVLEI - MORE THAN WINE
2007-06-18

Simonsvlei is one of the most recognised wine cellars in South Africa and is well known for its quality wines at affordable prices. Simonsvlei offers its customers ‘More than Wine’ through an added value and diversified product offering i.e.: three wine ranges – Hercules Paragon, Classic and Lifestyle, each tailored and targeted at the national and international wine markets’ diverse needs ...

ESCAPE ROUTES - BY FIONA MCDONALD (EDITOR OF WINE MAGAZINE)
2007-05-30

Ratings: Accommodation restful, relaxing and of a high standard Service personal, efficient and polite Food service, presentation, preparation and choice all excellent Ambience laid back and chilled out, but professional Value superb – especially the weekend packages TWO NORWEGIAN couples can’t believe their good fortune in owning Rosendal, a 4 Star guesthouse in Klaas Voogds We ...

MONTAGU WINE CELLAR - ONLY THE FIFTH CO-OPERATIVE CELLAR TO OBTAIN BWI STATUS
2007-05-24

Biodiversity highlights: Area conserved – 3851ha. Montagu Wine Cellar, became the fifth co-operative cellar to obtain BWI status. They are also the first co-operative cellar in the Little Karoo to take this bold step. Some 3851 hectares of mostly pristine natural area, are conserved on the five priority farms alone. The five priority farms are as follows: Pietersfontein of Mr. Kotie Kriel Groot ...

KANGO WINE CELLAR - TOP WINES WIN 2007 SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES WINE AWARDS
2007-05-24

The winners of the fifth Swiss International Air Lines Wine Awards were announced at the Cellars Hohenort Hotel on Saturday, 5th of May 2007. This year 11 Special Awards were made, in addition to 28 Gold, 74 Silver and 199 Bronze medal winners. The Best Value Red (under R60) went to the Kango Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz 2006 in Oudtshoorn, which not only took a Gold medal, but was a ...

BOPLAAS WINE CELLAR - 2007 PETER SCHULTZ EXCELLENCE AWARDS FOR PORT
2007-05-24

Boplaas' Cape Vintage Port 2005 is the overall winner at the 2007 Peter Schultz Excellence Awards for Port, presented by the South African Port Producers Association in conjunction with NMK Premium Global Brands. The tasting was coordinated by Wine Magazine and announced winners in 4 categories. In three of the four categories the winners was represented by a Klein Karoo Port producer! 1. ...

LABORIE ALAMBIC BRANDY WINS GOLD IN BRUSSELS
2007-05-23

The Laborie winery’s Alambic Brandy, a double distilled potstill brandy, has just won a gold medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, one of the world’s most prestigious wine and spirit competitions held annually. This accolade follows soon after the same brandy won gold and was judged Overall Winner at the China International Wine & Spirits Challenge in late 2006. The Laborie Alambic ...

NEWS FROM ROSENDAL WINERY
2007-05-03

With the first rains that fell over the weekend, we have now come to accept the fact that winter is upon us. While sipping on the first cup of hot chocolate for the year, it’s time to reflect on what a truly, wonderful summer it’s been. During these sunny months, we welcomed back many of our international friends from all over the globe and also some new faces to the stunningly beautiful Ro ...

HARVEST IN THE OUTENIQUA'S
2007-05-16

Vivian Harpur reported that their harvest was smaller than expected, only 18 tons, and a little later than expected. Shiraz still on the vines in the middle of April and all together making a good harvest of truly ripe grapes with acceptable sugar levels. She also want to thank her winemaking friends in the Klein Karoo for their helpful input. Unexpected help also came from visitors wanting to ...

KLIPDRIFT COMPETITION - PROMPT YOUR EMOTIONS
2007-05-03

Klipdrift has teamed up with 2 friends to bring you a competition that will make your heart beat faster. If you purchase Klipdrift at any Makro store, make sure you swipe your card, because you and 5 friends stand a chance to win a tour of the Garden route and Route 62. Or, you can purchase a Klipdrift from the Dros and receive a scratch card, which not only allows you to win instant prizes, bu ...

THE PRINCE ALBERT BLUE GUM STUMP STORY
2007-04-12

In Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, the trees in the forests suddenly "come alive" and start "speaking", and moving around. Well it’s a bit like that here – almost. Five blue gum trees stumps in Church Street are developing shoes under flounces of long skirts and booted legs. There’s definitely one with a tummy, and another, dare I say it, a bottom! These stumps are already a landmark in Pr ...

KLIPDRIFT TASTINGROOM OPENS IN ROBERTSON
2007-06-08

We’re on the mêp! Now visitors can stop by at the famous Distillery in Robertson, where the country’s favourite brandy is produced, just off Route 62, have a drink and learn something about its history that began close by on the Robertson farm, Klipdrift, where Kosie Marais created his legendary brandy. The renovated Klipdrift Brandy Distillery, designed by architects Van Biljon & Viss ...

AUTUMN IN MCGREGOR - TEMENOS RETREAT
2007-03-16

Autumn in McGregor One of the loveliest months to visit McGregor is April when the weather begins gently to turn. The days become cooler, the light softer, and the garden prepares itself for a period of rest. Wellness Week This month we will be running our WELLNESS WEEK from 21 – 25 March. This is a great opportunity to nurture and pamper yourself with fresh air, fresh healthy country c ...

KLEIN KAROO WINE ROUTE - HARVEST 2007
2007-03-12

The 2007 harvest holds a lot of promise for the wine producers in the Klein Karoo. The yield throughout the region is 20% higher than last year and the heat wave at the end of January did not have much of a negative influence. The Merlot and Pinotage are standing out, but it is the Touriga Nacional that excites. This season the grapes yield exceptionally good flavours and, viticulture wise, the g ...

NEW LOOK FOR ASHTON CELLAR
2007-03-07

Having formed a co-operative in 1962, Ashton Kelder has established itself as the home of consistently easy drinking, quality wines which are also well priced. The cellar has embarked on a revamp their labels and range of wines, as well as a strategic marketing plan which will look at re-positioning themselves within the local and export markets. Labels in the new ranges still carry the symbol ...

INVITATION FROM HEROLD WINES
2007-02-22

Its never too late for visitors on Route 62 to visit a wine farm during harvest. Once all the excitement of the Karoo harvest has died down, we hope to begin harvesting our cool climate grapes. The hops farms in Herold have started their harvesting which is always a sign that we should start preparing our tanks and sharpening our bunch shears. We anticipate that we will be spending the mont ...

A NEW WINE GROWING AREA HAS BEEN CERTIFIED IN THE OUTENIQUA MOUNTAINS
2007-01-30

A new wine growing area has been certified in the Outeniqua Mountains. Cool mountain mists keep summer temperatures moderate and create a long ripening season for Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, growing in 6 hectares of vinyeard. The cellar - Herold Wines, is accessed via the historic Montagu Pass, 16 km from George and lies in a secluded valley overlooked b ...

GRAHAM BECK WINERY, WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY WINETASTING!
2006-11-27

The Graham Beck Winery just outside Robertson (South Africa) is a strikingly modern structure in an industry crowded with history. Situated on a hill overlooking the vineyards its huge curved roof, boldly coloured walls, and modern interior decor are unique, even to this day . But therein used to lie the catch. The buildings design only provided for access to the tasting area and cellar via two lo ...

ROBERTSON'S MICHELANGELO WINNERS
2006-11-27

At the 9th Michelangelo International Wine Awards the internationally representative jury once again selected wines of "excellent international quality". The Robertson wineries did their region proud by taking home 1 Trophy Winner, 2 Grand D'Or Medal Winners, 4 Gold and 19 Silver medals. The Bon Cap Organic Winery won the inaugural trophy donated to the highest scoring organic wine and owner Roe ...

DE KRANS WON THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS TROPHY FOR THE PORT OF THE YEAR.
2006-11-27

De Krans Cape Tawny Port has just won the South African Airways Trophy for the Port of the Year. This port will be the only port to be served on SAA in 2006. It was chosen by a panel of 6 international and 6 local judges, together with the other wines to be served in 2006. This wine was chosen earlier this year as the Best Tawny Port in the 2005 Peter Schulz Port Challenge. It was also crow ...

KLEIN KAROO WINE ROUTE NEWS
2007-01-19

The festive season is on hand and here in the Klein Karoo, everyone is getting ready to welcome our visitors and to ensure that their stay is most enjoyable. And what better way to do it than with food and wine. The Montagu Wine Cellar has introduced their new Cogmanskloof label with a Cabernet/Shiraz blend, Cogmanskloof being the most western gateway to the Klein Karoo. Further along the R62, ...

THE FIRST BRAILLE WINE BOTTLE IN THE WORLD
2006-11-27

At the beginning of 2005 the Worcester wine region developed a new brand identity to give the town and its people a sense of place, pride and a promise they are committed to stand behind. This in turn led to the creation of the first Braille wine bottle in the world, since this showcases Worcester as ?the? resource centre for the Disabled, and, most especially, the Blind. Consol Glass has cont ...