OF SOUTH AFRICA’S top wine cellars that are open to the public, some have taken their tasting-room experience to another level when it comes to matching what’s in the glass with what’s on the plate, or vice versa. See below for what is currently on offer – just click on the links for more information and how to book a
Read moreTHE ANNUAL updates on the length, breadth, size and nature of the wine business in the leading wine-producing country on the continent of Africa can differ somewhat depending on whether you’re looking at things from inside or out. In April came an announcement from the OIV in Paris that in the world of wine South Africa’s national vineyard spanned 122
Read moreTHERE ISN’T ANY Pinot Noir planted at Hemelzicht Vineyards right now, but give them time and the partners aim to be making “the best possible wines in the Hemel-en-Aarde” – the brains trust comprising members of the Newton Johnson family in the Upper reaches of the valley, entrepreneur and fellow local Cairo Howarth, together with wine merchant Roland Peens, director
Read moreWHEN YOU want to but can’t venture out onto one of South Africa’s wonderful wine routes straight away, the next best thing might be to reminisce about sorties past or to plan your next trip into the countryside. The slideshows on Top Wine SA showcase the best wine producers in South Africa, the best places to eat at in the
Read moreIT WASN’T that long ago when the edibles in a Cape winery’s tasting room were limited to water biscuits or cream crackers. Today, some of South Africa’s best restaurants are located alongside some of the country’s top cellars and matching wine with food at the cellar door extends to a variety of different experiences, some offered even where there aren’t complete meals to
Read moreAS OF mid-July 2015, the following Top 100 cellars were open to the public on Sundays – unlike the others only open five or six days a week or strictly by appointment: Constantia, Tokai Constantia Uitsig – 10:00 to 17:00 Eagles’ Nest – 10:00 to 16:30 Groot Constantia – 09:00 to 18:00 Klein Constantia – Summer, 10:00 to 16:00 Steenberg – 10:00 to
Read moreGOING BY the last count in 2014, South Africa has some 3300 farms on which grapes are being grown for making wine and there are around 550 wineries in the various regions, districts and wards. According to industry data published by SAWIS, about 200 farms are registered for the production of Estate Wine – wine that is grown, produced and bottled on
Read moreWHERE TO PICNIC in the winelands of South Africa, near a winery, not far from the vines? Here are the best spots to purchase a picnic basket full of good food and wine in the countryside when wine-routing in the Cape. The are all on farms associated with highly rated reds or whites, bubblies or sweet dessert wines, i.e. the venues are
Read moreIT SEEMS LIKE only yesterday that you could count the number of South Africa’s good Rieslings on a few fingers and that the labels of these wines were so much more confusing than they are today. Shame on the producers – including Theuniskraal and Van Loveren – who persist in calling wines what they’re not, namely ‘Cape Riesling’ instead of
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