Escape to La Verdure a Franschhoek slice of heaven
Having been in semi captivity for so long, what an extreme pleasure it is to get-out to the country to Franschhoek and what better place to be than your private cabin on a trout dam overlooking the mountains as the sun sets. About as far from the madding...
We make Paul Hollywood’s heavenly layer cake–yummy!
Fancy a little something not too sweet but ever so satisfying to go with that special bottle of sweet wine you have been saving for an extended lock down? Can’t believe I actually wrote that. But you get what I mean don’t you. This cake is not too sweet, is...
Balance wines put their money where their tusks are
With the world’s eyes on the mysterious deaths of hundreds of elephants in Botswana since May this year, World Elephant Day on Wednesday, 12 August, is an opportunity to raise awareness across the globe around the preservation and protection of these gentle...
De Krans Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon–a braai winner
This Cabernet Sauvignon is both structured and accessible enough to drink on its own, but also pairs perfectly with that impromptu weekday or weekend pizza, pasta dish, or a good old braai. The De Krans Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2018...
Fabulously fragrant cashew and mushroom curry
Chetna Makan‘s bestselling cookbooks combine her creative flavour twists with a love of simple Indian home cooking. Taking inspiration from the eclectic mix of vegetarian and vegan dishes found in...
Happy 300th Birthday to Groot Constantia
“I want to express a sense of place in all our wines, a taste of Groot Constantia’s character.” “Groot Constantia’s character for me is about old world charm, restrained elegance that fits its three hundred year history.” “Wine snobbery is not what it is...
Two Tokara reds clinch Top 10 accolades
One of the not so hidden treasures of the Helshoogte in Stellenbosch is GT and Anne-Marie Ferreira’s Tokara. Here you will find not only some of the best red wines and brandies in the country, a gorgeous Deli and...
Top French wine judges love The Mentors from KWV
The Gilbert and Gaillard Challenge held quarterly in France is one of the most highly regarded internationally. More than 10 000 wines from all over the world are tasted by a panel of the best French tasters. This year KWV’s Mentor series received highly recommended...
Diemersdal —The Journal starts its own history
There’s not much the Louws at Durbanville's Diemersdal cannot do. Everything they turn their hand to is top notch. Known for the superb Sauvignon Blancs as well as some knockout reds, this sixth generation family is firmly rooted in the soil on which they live....
Cape of Good Hope Wines launch two new treasures
One of the treasures of the Franschhoek Valley—which is saying something about somewhere so special –is the Anthonij Rupert Estate. This is the home of some spectacular wines not least of which is the range they call Cape of Good Hope. This range always over delivers...
Join Prim Reddy and Naranj Pather at virtual high tea
Join cookbook duo Prim Reddy and Naranj Pather for a virtual Food and Cake celebration from their inspiring cookbook ‘Temptations’ in the comfort of your lounge in aid of StreetSmart SA at 15h00 on Sunday, 26 July 2020. ‘Temptations’ embraces the diverse...
Some of my favourite Chardonnays
There is always a time—even when you start going in to the red wines of winter when you want something white and refreshing, especially when you are eating fish or light creamy pasta dishes. The most grown white grape in SA is Chenin (18.2% of total vineyards)...
Brilliant French beef and red wine casserole
When Cape winter settles in one's thoughts turn to delicious red wine casseroles and of course red wine. One brand we have been drinking quite a lot of, well priced quaffers , just the thing to throw down with no conscience are those from Brandvlei Cellars in...
De Wetshof releases the 30th vintage of Finesse Chardonnay
When you think about Chardonnay in SA there are 3—OK 4—names that immediately spring to mind. These are people who are making world attention grabbing Chardonnays. One of them is definitely De Wetshof in Robertson whose bi annual Celebration of Chardonnay attracts...
Something is cooking at Franschhoek Distillery
There is something cooking in the beautiful town of Franschhoek and for a change it isn’t food from one of those fabulous restaurants. No—at the end of the Main Road behind the Monument is to be found the fruit orchards of the Lermer family on the farm La Verdure....
Survivor Pinotage scores in UK Top 100 Awesome Wines
Isn’t it nice to know that in the rest of the world the business of wine goes on unimpeded? Not only that, but we will soon be able to lay our hands on quality wines including those from one of my favourite wine labels. Survivor Pinotage 2017, an ABSA Top 10 Pinotage...
Now is the time to think alcohol free—with imagination
I never thought I would be writing about wine that was alcohol free but desperate times call for desperate measures and things are getting pretty desperate out there right now. Moving right along ---there are various versions available at select supermarkets ...
Irrepressible Tokara launches 2018 Chardonnay
Winemaker Stuart Botha Tokara vineyards bathed in light It does seem peculiar to be talking about wine under these extraordinary circumstances BUT this too will pass and then we will want to know what has been happening--- it will be like a dream that has passed. In...
Magnificent Merlot from Grande Provence
Thys Smit Jonkershuis at Grande Provence The launch of a single vineyard Merlot at Franschhoek's Grande Provence from the accomplished hands of winemaker Thys Smit was celebrated at Jonkershuis with a slap up lunch by chef Marvin Robyn . The Merlot was always a key...
Unsinkable Luke Dale Roberts launches gourmet takeaways.
South Africa, Cape Town, 11 May 2020; Now open for orders via www.lukedaleroberts.com , Chef Luke Dale Roberts has launched delivery of gourmet lockdown food hampers in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The LDR Gourmet Lockdown Hampers offering is already available in Cape...