The Le Kap Lifestyle Fair at Lourensford Wine Estate

 

Setting the tone with a sumptuous Gala Dinner the night before internationally acclaimed sommelier, Jorg Pfutzner, will take you through a never to be repeated menu accompanied by 9 specially selected and extraordinary South African wines. 

The exclusive 4-course dinner created by celebrity master chefs Bertus Basson and PJ Vadas also showcasing their culinary expertise with an exhibition kitchen. The black tie affair has a limited capacity.

Born out of the appreciation and understanding of the finer things in life the LE KAP LIFESTYLE FAIR, delivers a curated selection of gourmet foods paired with fine wines, luxuriously inspired couture, dressage with music (musical kur) and showjumping. All these elements are traditionally associated with a discerning lifestyle for individuals who have an appetite for luxury.



Savour some bubbly at the Moët & Chandon Champagne bar, experience the tastes of the vintage gourmet food market, sip the latest vintages of our country's leading wine estates or enjoy the offerings at the Glenmorangie Whisky Lounge.

Held in the breathtaking Helderberg region of the Western Cape, the LE KAP LIFESTYLE FAIR will capture a national audience who naturally embraces a lifestyle of relaxed luxury. The inaugural event will be hosted at the historic Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West, on the 9th of November 2013, in a Relaxed Country Chic atmosphere that is exclusive, yet accessible to all.

This Gourmet food, Wine, Fashion & Dressage lifestyle fair will establish itself as a superior annual event on the social calendar, due to its unique combination of popular lifestyle activities and the manner in which it will be presented. Its appeal to a local, national and international audience will, beyond doubt, make this event an annual institution not to be missed.

9th of November 2013, Lourensford Wine Estate

Get Tickets and more lekaplifestylefair.com facebook.com/LeKapLifestyleFair @LeKapLifestyle

Gala Dinner Menu

Canapés on arrival
Served with:
Lourensford Method Cap Classique Brut Rose 2010

First Course
Smoked Yellowtail, white asparagus, Nasturtium paste, walnut brittle
Served with:
2012 Savage White

Second Course
Green Olive Gnocchi, mushrooms, truffled chickpea puree, Parmesan
Served with:
2011 Sadie Palladius
2012 Alheit Radio Lazarus

Third Course
Braised lamb neck, parsnip, organic beetroot and spring vegetables
Served with:
2010 Mullineux Syrah
2009 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah
2010 Porseleinberg Syrah

Fourth Course
Apricot and almond pavlova, cardamom cream and vanilla ice cream, tonka spoom.
Served with:
2007 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance

Belgian Chocolates
Served with:
Glenmorangie Whisky

PAL Foundation Exclusive Launch at Soho House New York

PROTECTING AFRICAN LIONS (PAL) FOUNDATION ON THE ROOFTOP OF SOHO HOUSE NEW YORK

Situated on one of the most exclusive rooftops in New York, Conor Mccreedy, Colin Cowie and Mike Eilertsen hosted an exclusive launch event for Protecting African Lions (PAL) Foundation with over 350 VIP guests and friends at Soho House.

“Over the past 50 years Africa's lion populations have plummeted from over 200,000 individuals back in the 1960's to fewer than 21,000 today. A shocking number if you consider the size of that continent”

Hedge fund managers, activists, entrepreneurs, supermodels, artists, philanthropists, actors and many more, all united together to bring awareness to the African lion, a majestic creature whose population is rapidly decreasing.

The mission of this global organization is to raise awareness and to start protecting lions from further decline against poaching, non regulated hunting and many other issues that will allow the lion to thrive in its natural wild habitat. It has established a foundation designed to protect lions and to become a key strategic partner for governmental and other affiliated charity programs such as Ubuntu Educational Fund, The Mara Foundation and many more.

Guests were treated to traditional South African delights from Madiba Biltong. They were also invited to purchase the exquisite MccreedyBlue PAL bracelet, featuring a hand-made button in brass, silver, gold or platinum, designed by South African designer, Lianne Landman to further spread awareness and support the cause.

Guests included Ndaba and Kweku Mandela (the 2 key grandsons of Nelson Mandela), Tyson Beckford, Jen Goodall, Rohan Marley, Julia Jansch, Colin Cowie, Shaun Dewet, Jacob Lief, Constantine Bisanz, Dr Geoffery Scott Caroll, and the founder himself - Conor Mccreedy.

Find out more at protectingafricanlions.org  facebook.com/ProtectingAfricanLions
@PROTECTLIONS on Twitter

The Big Bottle Festival

Now in its third year, the Big Bottle Festival is the Western Cape’s grandest annual wine tasting extravaganza and celebrates South Africa’s finest “Big Bottle” masterpieces during a weekend-long festival. 

Unique in concept and execution, the event brings together South Africa’s foremost winemakers and chefs de cuisine and it all happens next weekend 23rd to 25th August 2013.

The renowned five-star Cellars-Hohenort Hotel will once again be the backdrop for this sophisticated weekend of fine wine and culinary delights coming together with the sumptuous Gourmand Five-Course Dinner Experience prepared and presented by renowned sommelier and wine consultant Jörg Pfützner and award-winning chef Peter Tempelhoff on Friday evening as well as a Rare Champagne Tasting.

Spearheaded by Tempelhoff, from the Liz McGrath’s collection of hotels, the third annual Big Bottle Festival will showcase a panoply of culinary stars such as Edgar Osojnik head chef at Buitenverwachting, Harald Bresselschmidt celebrated chef from Aubergine Restaurant, Roland Gorgosilich of Bosman's Restaurant at the Grand Roche Hotel in Paarl, Gregory Czarnecki renowned for his work at the Waterkloof Estate and Brad Ball, Executive Chef of the world class Bistro Sixteen82 amongst others.

The five courses will be accompanied by exclusively selected wines from classic international regions such as Bordeaux with the tasting of an iconic 1983 Chateau Gruaud-Larose as well new cult wine Ladredo from re-emerging regions like Ribeira Sacra.

Other wines which will be served on the evening include the 2011 Soalheiro Alvarinho Dócil, 2003 Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs from England, 1994 Quinta de Bágeiras from Portugal, 2006 Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner Tradition Kremstal from Austria, 1983 Chateau Gruaud Larose from Bordeaux France and 1998 Niepoort Colheita Port most of which will be served from rare Magnums, Imperials and Methuselah.

In keeping with the connoisseur element the Champagne Tasting will centre around extremely rare champagnes not easily found locally with eight notable 2002 vintage cuvees from Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Dom Pérignon, Louis Roederer Cristal, Jacques Selosse Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru Brut Millesime and Egly-Ouriet Pere et Fils Brut Grand Cru. As an offering of some of the best Champagne vintages of the last 10 years, the tasting will be presented by Hendrik Snyman, one of the most knowledgeable and entertaining Champagne importers and MCC producers in South Africa.

The Big Bottle walk-about and tasting on Saturday and Sunday the 24th and 25th  August allows food and
wine lovers to experience the various wines from a select group of farms. Sunday kicks off with a 3-course Champagne Breakfast. Focusing on the few wineries and estates in South Africa who are able to bottle wines in large bottle formats. All wines will be poured from big bottles during the Walk-About.

These wine farms bottle in large formats, usually only for special occasions and limited releases, to showcase outstanding vintages either to mark a winery’s anniversary or for charitable purposes. These magnificent bottles are synonymous with celebration, extravagance, enjoyment and invoke a feeling of delightful, social decadence.

Some forty of SA’s top wine producers and importers are serving their best wines at this not to be missed event. Participation is strictly by invitation only with estates including Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton-Russell, Iona, Delaire Graff Estate, Buitenverwachting, Neil Ellis, Jordan, Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Tokara and Klein Constantia.

Tickets for the Big Bottle Festival are available through Webtickets (webtickets.co.za) with the Walk-Around Day Pass priced at R400 (this includes food and wine), the Gourmand Dinner Experience priced at R1,980 and the 2002 Prestige Champagne Tasting priced at R2,300 per person.

Special hotel packages have been arranged or guests traveling to the Festival.

Single Options - One person all inclusive

• Walk-about-ticket & 1 night accommodation in Luxury Room R2950.00
• Gourmand Dinner, walk-about-ticket & one night accommodation in Luxury room R4999.00
• Prestige champagne tasting, walk-about-ticket & one night accommodation in Luxury room R5500.00
• Dinner, prestige champagne tasting, walk-about-ticket & one night accommodation in Luxury Room R7900.00
• The Full Monty Big Bottle Festival Weekend - Gourmand Dinner, prestige Champagne tasting, 2 night accommodation Luxury Double with Verandah and walk-about tasting R9999.00

Double Options - Two persons all inclusive

• Walk-about-tickets for two & one night luxury room R3999.00
• Gourmand dinner for 2, walk-about-tickets & one night luxury room R8299.00
• Champagne tasting for two, walk-about-tickets & one night accommodation R8900.00
• Gourmand dinner, champagne tasting, walk-about-tickets for 2 & one night accommodation R13750.00
• The Full Monty Big Bottle Festival Weekend - Gourmand Dinner, prestige Champagne tasting, walk-about tasting and 2 night Luxury Double room with Verandah. R14999.00

For more information please visit the Big Bottle Festival website: www.bigbottle.co.za, follow them on Facebook Facebook.com/BigBottleFestival or follow them on Twitter: @BigBottleSA 

 

The Rise Skyy Vodka's Elevated Experience

 

“No lows, just highs. Tonight’s the night we all rise.” This is the chorus from a new single called “The Rise,” released at SKYY Vodka’s highly anticipated “Elevated Experience” in Johannesburg on Friday 17 May. 

 

Although the song is the soundtrack to SKYY Vodka’s latest LIFE IN THE SKYY advertising campaign, it was the first time that the full-length version was heard by partygoers anywhere in the world! 


The song was recorded by Lerix, an up and coming rapper from Brooklyn, and produced by Pulse Music in New York, well known for producing Grammy Award winners, like Mary J Blige, Herbie Hancock, Tim McGraw, Sting and Britney Spears.

Hailed as a contemporary, high-energy party anthem, “The Rise” celebrates people who break the glass ceiling, climb the corporate ladder, lead the way, reach for the stars and rise to the top of their game.

Those who haven’t managed to crack the nod to SKYY Vodka’s exclusive “by invitation only” party are able to lay their hands on the coveted track by going to www.skyyvodka.co.za, where it’s available as a free download. An in-store promotion, which includes specially tagged bottles of SKYY Vodka, flags the opportunity. Can't wait to experience the Cape Town event.

In keeping with the lyrics of the song, which promise to “Take it to the top, where the music never stops,” SKYY Vodka hosted 500 VIPs at a secret venue revealed at a pre-designated meeting point. The stylish revellers enjoyed a bird’s eye view of the beautifully illuminated City of Gold.

There they experienced three SKYY bars, including SKYY 90 and SKYY Infusions, as well as big names from the world of South African music. DJs Fistaz Mixwell, p.H. and SPHEctacula who pumped up the party, while live performers, like Donald and TKZEE, took it to a whole new level. Everyone received a copy of “The Rise” when they headed home in the early hours of Saturday morning.

View more on the event here.

About SKYY Vodka

Conceived in 1992, SKYY Vodka revolutionised the spirits industry with its proprietary quadruple-distillation and triple-filtration process that consistently ensures exceptional quality. Distilled in America from the finest grain and 100% pure filtered water, SKYY Vodka is the leading domestic super-premium vodka in the US and one of the best-selling premium vodkas in the world.

 

 

Women: Inspiration & Enterprise Symposium Africa

WIE Symposium Africa in association with The Wellbeing Foundation

WIE Africa will be the first women’s symposium on the African continent to bring together female leaders from the worlds of politics, business, philanthropy, media, fashion, entertainment and the arts to empower and inspire the next generation. The inaugural WIE Symposium Africa is to be held from May 5th to 7th, 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa.

WIE (Women: Inspiration & Enterprise), founded in 2010 is a global annual conference and online community designed to empower the next generation of women leaders. WIE Africa is timed to coincide with the World Economic Forum Africa and will showcase the women taking a central role in shaping the Africa of tomorrow.

Humanitarian campaigner Graca Machel; renowned talk show host Felicia Suttle; CNN’s Robin Curnow; Assoc Media founder Jane Raphaely; Wellbeing Foundation President, Toyin Saraki; Ferial Hafajee, acclaimed editor of South Africa’s City Press; Elsie Kanza, Head of Africa at the World Economic Forum; Saran Kaba Jones, the founder of FACE Africa;

Swaady Martin-Leke, the founder of Yswara; Moipone Buda-Ramtlo, Executive Director of Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund; Rachel Tladi, founder of UvukoCivils; Mojanku Gumbi, former legal advisor to Thabo Mbeki; Lukwesa Burak, news presenter for eNCA; Patricia Amira, star of the Patricia Show; musician Lindiwe Suttle; couture fashion designer Zizi Cardow; LEAP Africa founder, Ndidi Nwuneli and Marie Claire editor Aspasia Karas feature in line-up.

The day will be packed full of panels and workshops on topics such as role of technology in media, tackling social perceptions of African women, entrepreneurship and the influx of western brands to the continent. GracaMachel, humanitarian and the wife of Nelson Mandela, will close proceedings.

Following the symposium, WIE and the Wellbeing Foundation will host a VIP fundraising dinner to benefit the GracaMachel Trust whose mission is to foster and promote African women’s leadership and contributions in economic, political and social frameworks.

Dee Poku, Co-Founder and CEO of WIE said: “Africa is truly the land of opportunity and there are some incredibly impressive women seizing that opportunity to launch companies and find innovative solutions to the various issues.”

For tickets and further event details visit: www.wienetwork.org

To reserve a table at the gala dinner contact: potcakes@wienetwork.org

5 for Change 2013: Making A Difference One Party At A Time

5 For Change is a platform dedicated to raising awareness about five inspiring social enterprises which are changing the way Cape Town gives back. Every year 5 fledgling social enterprises doing something unique and innovative in their field are selected and showcased at the annual black tie fundraiser.

The aim of 5 For Change is to raise awareness about 5 inspiring social enterprises, change the way young professionals, entrepreneurs, and other young South African opinion leaders think about philanthropy and social change and create a rewarding, fun and enjoyable avenue for people to give back.

Following on from the inaugural 2012 event, which saw the likes of Hollywood actress Kristanna Loken from Terminator 3 in attendance, this year’s event will be held on Saturday 18 May 2013 at the Cape Town City Hall and promises to be a spectacular affair. Tickets can be purchased via Quicket.co.za for R300 which includes welcome drinks, canapés and entertainment by leading SA bands.

5 For Change is a philanthropic initiative based in Cape Town founded in 2012 by Ross McKernan, David Deetlefs and Adriaan Dippenaar.

“We feel that, despite the immense need in South Africa, the act of giving back or philanthropy is a nascent concept. We feel it often carries negative connotations, is seen as “boring”, or frustrates people as they feel that they cannot do something which would have a measurable impact. We want to change that mind-set and create the perception that not only can people give in a variety of ways but also that it can be done in a meaningful, rewarding, fun and enjoyable manner.” Comments Co-founder Adriaan Dippenaar.

“We are of the view that inherently most people do want to contribute but that they just need the correct platform that appeals to them to do so. Furthermore, the organisations we are showcasing are run by a group of very talented young leaders, but whose networks and level of publicity do not necessarily give them the broader reach to connect with other young opinion leaders in Cape Town.” Adds Co-Founder Ross Mckernan.

“We hope through 5 for Change we can bridge the gap between the leaders of social enterprises and young professionals, entrepreneurs, and other young opinion leaders in Cape Town, leading to a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties.” ends Co-Founder Dave Deetlefs.

The 5 selected charities involved in the second annual 2013 campaign are: Waves for Change, Ilizwi Photography Club, Iyeza Express, See-Saw-Do and Trashback. For more information on these amazing organisations check out: 

 

Waves for Change

www.nikonafricatrust.co.za/ilizwi-photo-club.html

Iyeza Express

See Saw Do

Trashback

For further press information or details about the event & sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kirsten Hopwood on kirsten@prestigecommunications.co.za or Joanne Rose-Innes on joanne@byinviteonly.co.za / info@5forchange.co.za or alternatively call 0827488887. View 5 for Change website on www.5forchange.co.za

The First Ever International Luxury Travel Market Africa

The launch of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Africa, Cape Town, the first event of its kind on the African continent kicks off with the ILTM Africa Opening Forum – a live debate led by some of Africa’s leading industry figures who will discuss the rise of luxury travel, the issues that this has brought to the continent, and how safari tourism has moved upmarket.

With overwhelming support from luxury travel experiences across the African continent and fully booked with 70 participants, all of whom represent the most authentic and diverse range of elite travel products and services. Many of these participants will be exhibiting at a trade show for the first time and will join Hosted Buyers who also have not attended an event of this kind in Africa before – 37% of these will attend an ILTM event for the first time.

Visit Africa Travel Week in 2014

The Forum, facilitated by international African Travel Writer, Graham Boynton will take place before the show opens on Monday 8th April at the Mount Nelson Hotel, the venue for the ILTM Africa showcase. The first day of ILTM Africa 2013 culminates in a Gala Dinner hosted by the Cellars Hohenort.

The forum will be in two parts and starts with Minister Alan Winde, Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism for the Western Cape Government, who will give an insight into the infrastructure and tourism assets of his region and beyond. Followed by South African author Clem Sunter, focusing on Africa’s economic and political health.

Boynton will then facilitate a lively debate on “The Issues Facing The Luxury Travel Market” looking at perception vs reality – how the outside world sees Africa - and the impact of recent changes that have taken place in the market, plus how the luxury African product has evolved and the key issue of intra-country air connections. Taking part will be Tony Romer Lee – CEO, The Collection by Liz McGrath; Adrian Gardiner – Founder & CEO, Mantis Group and Beks Ndlovu – CEO, African Bush Camps.

ILTM’s Exhibition Director, Alison Gilmore commented: “The point of the ILTM forum concept is to kick off an event with some content and debate that gives all our participants – exhibitors and hosted buyers – real insights into trends, issues and successes of the host country as well as some thought provoking take-aways to begin their two days of business.

We are delighted to welcome Minister Alan Winde and of course such an influential line up of speakers for what is bound to be a lively and enlightening debate that will also give the audience the opportunity to ask their own questions from those that are directly involved in the industry luxury tourism”.

The inaugural ILTM Africa 2013 the first invitation only event in Africa to showcase 70 exclusively African travel experiences who will meet with 70 international Hosted Buyers, dedicated to creating and planning luxury travel inbound to Africa.

Business appointments are pre-scheduled, matching mutual requests from buyers and exhibitors alike to meet on a strict one-to-one ratio. Following the traditional ILTM format, both buyers and exhibitors must follow a strict accreditation process in order to participate.

For further information, please visit www.iltm.net/africa

 

ILTM Africa will host international VIP buyers from major markets including the USA, Europe and Brazil, each with a specialism in Africa, personally invited and verified to ensure their luxury travel credentials are of the highest standard. The event matches mutual requests from both buyers and exhibitors to meet on a one-to-one basis to build business opportunities and communities.

Muriel Minnell Falck, CEO & Executive Director of Argentina’s Sundance Tours, a specialist in Africa’s exotic destinations commented: “There are Africa luxury specialists all over the world who have long needed a dedicated forum at which to meet solely high end African product, from the established to the smaller, lesser-known brands. ILTM Africa is extremely promising and we are very much looking forward to being part of its launch in April and meet with exhibitors who would mutually benefit from forging new relationships.”

Like all other ILTM events, ILTM Africa will feature a detailed programme of social networking opportunities. In addition, the ILTM Africa Opening Forum will reflect both regional and global key luxury travel trends and issues, in a series of live interviews and debates.

Alison Gilmore, ILTM Exhibition Director said: “Our pre-event research was clearly extremely accurate - the overwhelming interest in ILTM Africa since we launched such a short time ago, shows just how much demand there is for an event that focuses exclusively on the high-end market.The global portfolio of ILTM events are about addressing the needs of both the buyers and suppliers and the response we have received will help ILTM Africa to grow in 2014.”

About ILTM

International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) and ILTM Asia are the leading annual business to business events for the global luxury travel community, bringing together the world’s most sought after destinations, ultra-luxurious accommodation, elite transportation and unique travel experiences showcased for the most discerning luxury travel buyer via an unrivalled pre-scheduled appointment system and effective networking and information opportunities.

ILTM – which invites only the most discerning buyers from across the world – takes place in Cannes, 2 - 5 December 2013; ILTM Asia – which selects buyers from across the Asia Pacific – takes place in Shanghai, 3 - 6 June 2013 and ILTM Americas – a one-to-one summit for travel agents from North, Central and South America – takes place at Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico, 30 September - 3 October 2013. A similar niche event ILTM Japan – inviting both Japanese and international buyers - launched 11 – 13 March 2013 in Kyoto; ILTM Africa will launch 8-9 April 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa profiling African product and inviting international buyers and ILTM Spa will take place in London from 30th September – 2nd October 2013.

The White Club presents - A Wine Lovers Dream

The White Club and Parmigiani return to South Africa to host “A Wine Lovers Dream”: An exquisite evening of excellence with Domain de la Romanée-Conti

The White Club, an international wine and champagne private members club are hosting an exquisite journey of oenological excellence in Johannesburg and Cape Town this March.
 
Their presenting partner Parmigiani, the most luxurious watch brand in the world, is preparing to treat an exclusive group of 16 guests to a “once in a lifetime” experience with Domain de la Romanée-Conti, the most expensive wine in the world. Lalique, the worlds most beautifully designed crystal, glass and art, will also be co-hosting these magnificent Events.

Guests who attend the extravagant and extraordinary evenings will experience an unparalleled journey of the rarest and most legendary wines in the world. The events are to be held at “secret locations” to provide additional excitement and mystery for those privileged enough to attend, who will be collected by private car and driven to the location.

The Johannesburg event will be held on Thursday 21 March and the Cape Town event on Saturday 23 March. Principle wines that will be served at these events include Pétrus 1947, Château Cheval Blanc 1947, Château Latour 1958, Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 and Domain de la Romanée-Conti 1989, Le Montrachet 2007 and La Tâche 1962 amongst a total of 20 wines served.

The events will also include a “Culinary Chef's Challenge” that will create a competitive edge to the evening. Celebrated chefs will team up against each other, assisted by revered Sommeliers from the Country, to create their own seven-course gastronomical feast that will be paired with the illustrious wine list.

The Teams include Chef PJ Vadas from “Camphors”, the newly opened restaurant at Vergelegen Estate, assisted by Sommelier Luvo Ntezo from The One & Only Hotel and Christiaan Campbell from Delaire Graff assisted by Sommelier Manuel Cabello from Ellerman House. The Johannesburg teams will consist of Coco Reinharz from Sel et Poivre and Leanne Roberts and Charl Whitlock from De Waterkloof.

Malene Meisner, CEO, The White Club

Malene Meisner, CEO of The White Club, comments, “We wanted to create additional excitement and theatre around the events in South Africa this year. The secret locations and the culinary chefs challenge will create these added elements of enjoyment for our guests.”

Parmigiani, the most luxurious watch brand in the world, originating from Switzerland, partners The White Club events and links in well with the lavish lifestyle that this group has to offer. Guillaume Marx of Parmigiani speaks of their partnership: “Precision work is what lies between us as watch and wine lovers. It is what defines us. These similarities combined with a passion for the lavish and exclusive things in life are what make this partnership flourish.”

The White Club, which began “The World of First Growths” project in South Africa last year, will also be presenting semi-blind flights of Pinot Noirs including Hamilton Russell, Bouchard Finlayson and Creation wines against Domain de la Romanée-Conti. Glenelly Estate wines will also be included alongside Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande.

The chosen charity this year for The White Club and World of First Growth Events is the “Make a Difference” (M.A.D) charity pioneered by Francois Pienaar. A silent auction will be held on both evenings and all proceeds will be donated. This charity, created in 2003 aims to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged academically talented young South Africans by creating exceptional educational opportunities.

For the chance to purchase one of these golden tickets the price tag is R25,000 (JHB) and R20,000 (CT). For ticket enquiries please contact Shelley Webb on +27 (072) 386 6527 / shelley@whiteroomsa.com

 

Franschhoek Summer Wines Festival

Celebrate the last few days of summer in style and head off to Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards on 16 March, set in the picturesque Franschhoek Wine Valley, for the annual Franschhoek Summer Wines.

 

Regarded as one of South Africa’s leading wine destinations, more than 30 of the Valley’s finest wineries will be showcasing their top summer wines at this exclusive event.

Participating wineries include, amongst others, La Bri, Morena, Colmant, Môreson, Anthonij Rupert’s Cape of Good Hope and Terra del Capo, Franschhoek Cellars, Bellingham, Noble Hill, Leopard’s Leap, La Motte, Solms-Delta and Haut Espoir. Wine lovers will have the opportunity to browse at their leisure or engage with the winemakers.

To ensure you don’t go hungry visitors will be able to purchase mouth-watering deli-style food from the Harvest Table, prepared by the chefs in the Leopard’s Leap Kitchen. Round off your meal with delicious ice cream from the Ice Cream Bar.

Relax and unwind, taking in the scenery of the valley as live entertainment ensures an unforgettable experience throughout the day. Taking full advantage of the glorious summer days the festival will be open from 12pm until 5pm, and the theme for this year’s event is ‘elegantly white’.

Tickets cost R180 per person which includes a tasting of all the wines on show. Wine aficionadas can look forward to tutored tastings which will take place at 1pm and 3pm on the day. As seating is limited visitors are requested to pre-book their seats which can be done via events@franschhoek.org.za.

Tickets can be purchased directly from www.webtickets.co.za and booking is essential as tickets are limited to 500 people only.

Make the most of the experience and book an overnight stay in one of Franschhoek’s fine accommodation establishments, ranging from the finest bed and breakfasts to luxurious boutique hotels, all nestling in a picturesque and safe environment. We recommend La Clé des Montagnes Luxury Villa's For more information contact the Franschhoek Wine Valley offices on 021 876 2861.

CONSTANTIA FRESH Festival 2013

Fine Wine Events is proud to announce the Constantia Fresh Festival which aims to present and further discover fine wines. This year’s event will invite the finest South African wine producers to showcase not just their Sauvignon Blanc, but other wines exhibiting that all important character: Freshness.

Once again Constantia Fresh explores the distinctiveness of Constantia’s fine wine, while exploring and contrasting with offerings from other regions of South Africa and the rest of the world. Kicking off on the 1st of March with a fine wine dinner hosted by Jörg Pfützner of Fine Wine Events alongside the notable Peter Tempelhoff of Cellars Hohenort's esteemed The Greenhouse restaurant regarded as one of the best in South Africa.

Fine Wine Events will present some of the finest white, red and sweet wines of Constantia, together with well known wines from Piedmont, Toscana, Sancerre, Marlborough, Condrieu, St Joseph, Tokaji and Bordeaux. Guests will be welcomed with a selection of Constantia’s Méthode Cap Classiques, and a welcome address presented by Tempelhoff. He will prepare a delectable five-course degustation menu carefully paired with 16 local and international wines.

Guests can expect to savour wines from producers such as Buitenverwachting, Steenberg, Luciano Sandrone, Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Constantia Glen, Groot and Klein Constantia, Eagles Nest and many more. Seats at the dinner are limited due to the intimate nature of the restaurant. Tickets are on sale at R1500 per person.

The March 2nd main event will have wine enthusiasts wandering about the lawns of Buitenverwachting sampling South Africa's finest and freshest wines paired with canapés made by South Africa's best chefs. An elegantly constructed braai will take place in the early evening. Tickets to this tasting are on sale at R400 per person.

As an advocate of new perspectives, Pfützner has extended the invitation to other top South African wine producers, with the emphasis on freshness in their wine. ‘Constantia Fresh’, now in its fourth year running, is possible thanks to the support of the host region and participating Constantia producers namely Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Steenberg, Eagle’s Nest, Buitenverwachting and Constantia Glen.
 

Tickets to these events can be bought at the participating local and regional wine farms or from www.webtickets.co.za. For further information, please visit www.constantiafresh.com or contact Fine Wine Events on enjoy@finewineevents.co.za

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival, the flagship event of South Africa’s iconic wine region, stomps its way into a new era this January with an expanded ten-day program designed to showcase in a bigger, better and bolder fashion the delightfully diverse town of Stellenbosch until 3 February 2013.

The Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes moved this annual highlight event from its previous mid-winter schedule to the new dates in order to capitalise on the unique assets and attractions this historic oak-lined town and its more than 150 wineries has to offer during the height of summer.



The new date also celebrates the birth of South African wine, thanks to this entry on 2 February 1659 in the diary of Jan van Riebeeck, official of the Dutch East India Company and First Commander of the Cape: “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.”

“We realised that it makes sense to showcase our world-class wines during a period when everything that Stellenbosch offers - its natural beauty, unique cultural heritage, excellent academic institutions and vibrant agricultural industries - is at its best and brightest. Perfect summer weather, the buzz of a new University year and the bustling start of the harvest season will all add new dimensions to the Stellenbosch Wine Festival experience.

Our member farms are excited, the whole town is mobilised and we are sure that wine lovers and lifestyle tourists from all over South Africa and the world are going to be thrilled with what Stellenbosch is bringing to the table this summer,” says Annareth Bolton, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.

The new-look Stellenbosch Wine Festival delivers a full flight of wine experiences for both casual fans and connoisseurs, including an inaugural charity gala, a ten-day promotion at many of the area’s award-winning restaurants, special cultivar evenings, and wine farm tours. Sporting events, art exhibitions and musical concerts throughout the town during the festival will give attendees a colorful taste of the Stellenbosch lifestyle.



A festival highlight will be the Blessing of the Harvest and a Harvest Parade as celebrants from Stellenbosch member farms are expected to march through the streets. Throughout the week, enthusiasts will be able to tailor-make their own festival experience by dining in town and estate restaurants offering special food and wine pairing menus as part of the festival’s “Wine & Dine” sensation or by visiting a myriad of farms offering unique tours and tasting programmes.

 

Culminating in a three-day Wine Expo which will be located in the heart of the vibrant town and feature interactive stands and tasting programmes from over 130 wine and gourmet food producers. The Wine Expo is set to take place from 1 to 3 February on Die Braak and will take full advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings with rustic tables, green décor and free-flowing Bedouin tents. A central stage will play host to Sundowner Concertsto keep festival goers entertained as they enjoy the fabulous vintages on offer.

For more information, visit: www.stellenboschwinefestival.co.za