August 2011 events on WINE magazine calendar
WONDERFUL WINTER WINE-BLENDING WEEKENDS
1–31 August – Dragonridge Winery at Fynbos Estate, outside Malmesbury
These weekends that are not only full of scrumptious food, but awash with wine tastings and wine blending. In-between you can sit by the fire, browse through the library or walk in the nature reserve. R1 500 per person, including two nights’ accommodation and all meals, tasting and blending. Tel 022 487 1153; info@fynbosestate.co.za
GRAPES GOURMET GALLERY EVENING
3 August – Winchester Mansions, Sea Point
R345 per person for a five-course menu, including a glass of Avontuur wine with every course. Art exhibit courtesy of Patrice Boussekey’s Eclectic Gallery. Tel 021 434 2351; banqueting@winchester.co.za
KLEIN KAROO KLASSIQUE 2011
4–7 August – Oudtshoorn
Top-quality classical music, art, regional food and wine will be celebrated at the third Klein Karoo Klassique in Oudtshoorn. The musical programme includes performances by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, the Klein Karoo.Festival Choir and chamber music ensembles. Tel 044 203 8600; info@klassique.co.za
CATHY MARSTON'S WINE-TASTING COURSE
4 August–8 September – De Huguenot Estate, between Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl
Cathy Marston's releaxed and informative wine-tasting courses are into their eighth year. This year for the first time, she is offering a six-week course.in.the winelands, which should answer all the questions you never knew you had about wine, get you tasting some of the finest wines in South Africa and meeting many of the winemakers and other movers.and.shakers of the winemaking industry. R600 pp. www.cathymarston.co.za
THE FRIDAY TABLE AT HASKELL VINEYARDS
5 August – Haskell Vineyards
The first Friday of each month, winemakers’ lunch at Long Table Restaurant, on the Haskell Vineyards estate, Stellenbosch. Tel 021 881 3895; werner@dombeya.co.za
THE WINE SHOW JOBURG
5–7 August – The Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg
Learn about wine and winemaking in the Wine theatre, or brush upon the latest food and wine pairing tips in the Friends for Dinner Theatre. The Wine Show is relaxed, fun and informal with plenty to do – from boules and virtual golf to sushi and cocktails. Tel 021 888 8815; info@wineshow.co.za
ROBERTSON SLOW-LIVING FESTIVAL
5–7 August - Robertson Only 90 minutes' drive from Cape Town, on the popular, scenic Route 62,
so head out to the country and enjoy the simple pleasures in life – slowly... at the Robertson Wine Valley’s Slow-Living Festival. Tel 023 626 3167; manager@robertsonwinevalley.com; www.robertsonslow.com
KLEIN KAROO EXPERIENCE
6 August – Excelsior Manor Guesthouse, Robertson
Come and experience the Little Karoo and Excelsior Wine Estate. R300 pp (dinner only) or R900 pp (dinner, bed and breakfast). Tel 023 615 2050; guesthouse@excelsior.co.za
MARDI GRAS MASQUERADE @ THE ASHTON KELDER SLOW WEEKEND
6 August - Ashton Kelder
'Fat Saturday' at Ashton kelder with a mardi Gras Masquerade. Enjoy a delicious five-course dinner, song and dance in a festive atmosphere. Be merrymakers and coordinate your outfit with your mask. Big prizes to be won! Join the celebration! Tel 023 615 1135; grethe@ashtonkelder.co.za
HERMANUS WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL
6–8 August – Wine Village, Hemel-en-Aarde Village, Hermanus
Taste more than 200 wines for R95 per day. Tickets available at Computicket or at the door. Nominated as one of the 10 Best Wine Shows in South Africa. Celebrate the wines of some of more than 50 producers from Elgin to Elim. Free entry to the gourmet food court. Tel 028 316 3988; winefair@hermanus.co.za; www.hermanuswineandfood.co.za
NEDBANK CAPE WINEMAKERS GUILD AUCTION SHOWCASE
11 August – Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
Experience exceptional wines with a creative edge and great diversity of styles at the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Showcase, when members of the Guild present the wines that will go under the hammer at
this year’s Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction. Tel 021 852 0408; info@capewinemakersguild.com; www.capewinemakersguild.com
CARLETONVILLE WINE FESTIVAL
12 August – Carletonville Sports Complex, Onyx Drive, Carletonville
The Carletonville Wine Festival is a big indoor wine festival with about 30 different wine farms exhibiting their wine. Tel 084 511 4885; amelia69@polka.co.za
FARMER’S MARKET AT WINDMEUL CELLAR
13 August – Windmeul Cellar, outside Wellington
This will be a real market, with the freshest produce on offer (remember your cooler box), and the focus is mainly on organic produce straight from the farms. Tel 021 869 8043; suretha@windmeul.com
THE SOUTH AFRICAN WINE COURSE
15 & 22 August – Manuka, Tokai, Cape Town
A two-day introduction to the wonders of wine – for everyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating subject. Wine knowledge is an asset, whether you are pursuing a hobby or enhancing your knowledge for a www.capewineacademy.co.za; www.capewineacademy.co.za
BRANDY-TASTING EVENING
17 August – The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Cape Town
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa will hold a brandy-tasting evening with Distell’s brandy ambassador Pierre Schelhase. Guests will be guided by Schelhase through the wonderful world of fine luxury brandies in The Conservatory. The evening will consist of discoveries on aspects such as the colour, nose and taste of the brandies, as Schelhase transforms guests into brandy connoisseurs. Tel 021 437 9000; banqueting@12apostles.co.za
BARREL TASTING – RED BORDEAUX EVENING
17 August – Vergelegen Winery, Somerset West
Experience André van Rensburg’s passion as he guides you through the different winemaking layers – tasting as you go. Each evening is themed to cover all the wine profiles in depth. Tel 021 847 1337
THE SOUTH AFRICAN WINE COURSE
22 & 29 August – Manuka, Somerset West
A two-day introduction to the wonders of wine – for everyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating subject. Wine knowledge is an asset, whether you are pursuing a hobby or enhancing your knowledge for a
career.susan@capewineacademy.co.za; www.capewineacademy.co.za
THE SOUTH AFRICAN WINE COURSE
23 & 30 August – River Club, Observatory, Cape Town
A two-day introduction to the wonders of wine – for everyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating subject. Wine knowledge is an asset, whether you are pursuing a hobby or enhancing your knowledge for a
career. susan@capewineacademy.co.za; www.capewineacademy.co.za
PAUL DU TOIT PICK N PAY GOOD FOOD STUDIO CHARITY EVENT
24 August – 1st Floor, Pick n Pay on Nicol, cnr William Nicol Drive and Republic Road, Sandton, Johannesburg
Pick n Pay Good Food Studio will bring together internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Paul du Toit, culinary master chef George Jardine and leading winemakers Gary and Kathy Jordan from Jordan Wine Estate. They will express their individual creative talents at a unique fund-raising event for The Lunchbox Fund. This non-profit organisation is dedicated to providing a daily meal for impoverished schoolchildren around rural
South Africa. Tel 011 998 3310; goodfoodstudio@pnp.co.za
THE MERCURY WINE WEEK
24–26 August – Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World, Durban
The Mercury Wine Week is now in its 33rd year. Wine-lovers will have the opportunity to taste the widest variety of wines available at one place in KwaZulu-Natal. Tel 031 328 2556; www.mercurywineweek.co.za
WORLD CHEFS TOUR AGAINST HUNGER
24–27 August – Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World, Durban
In August, 200 chefs from over 30 countries will descend on South Africa to raise funds and awareness for the plight of the hungry as part of the Bidvest World Chefs Tour Against Hunger. Some may not speak English, most have never set foot on African soil, but all share a passion for alleviating the suffering of the underprivileged. www.worldchefstour.com
SEDUCTIVE SAUVIGNON FESTIVAL
26 August – The Vineyard Hotel & Spa, Newlands, Cape Town
Submit to the allure of a fine selection of flirtatious 2011 Sauvignon Blancs and captivating Cabernet Sauvignons at Wine Concepts’ Seductive Sauvignon Festival this August. Tel 021 671 9030; newlandshop@wineconcepts.co.za; www.wineconcepts.co.za
MCGREGOR FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
27 August – NG Church Hall, McGregor
From small beginnings, the annual one-day McGregor Food and Wine Festival has blossomed into an important date on the Cape country calendar. The valley wineries present their best vintages and new releases alongside the village’s chefs, restaurateurs and gourmets, who tempt with a range of rustic and sophisticated and quite irresistible bites. www.tourismmcgregor.co.za
SPIT EVENING – DINNER DATE AT SPIER
27 August – Spier Hotel Restaurant
Enjoy our award-winning wines with our winemaker in front of the fireplace, followed by a special dinner prepared by our chef. Starts at 18:30 with a wine tasting followed by dinner at the Spier Hotel Restaurant. Tel 021 809 1100;
reservations@spier.co.za www.spier.co.za
TELKOM BUSINESS MICHAEL FRIDJHON WINE EXPERIENCE 2011
27–28 August – Hyatt Regency, Johannesburg
This sought-after annual event has three sessions starting with the Benchmark Tasting on Saturday followed by the Gala Dinner and the legendary Champagne Brunch on Sunday morning. The theme for this year’s Wine Experience is ‘The World’s Best Shiraz’. Tel 011 482 5936; www.outsorceress.co.za
GLENFIDDICH WHISKY SUNDAYS
28 August – Asara Wine Estate and Hotel, Stellenbosch
To warm the hearts of whisky-lovers this winter, Asara Wine Estate and Hotel is presenting a series of Glenfiddich Whisky Sundays. Held from 12:00 to 18:00 at the estate’s characteristic Sansibar Whisky and Cigar Lounge, the Whisky Sundays showcase the single malt range of the
celebrated Glenfiddich distillery. Sit back in one of the plush leather armchairs and let the large fireplace warm you up while you pair a glass of Glenfiddich with one of chef Archie Maclean’s seasonal dishes. Tel 021 888 8000; dining@asara.co.za; www.asara.co.za
