This has been a marathon. A large number of stories to write and edit in between visits to doctors and hospital, conducting tours and a myriad other obligations. So we have twelve stories for you, some longer than others and mostly about events in the South African wine industry. And we have managed to complete them in time for boarding a plane to England, where we will visit friends and, most importantly, attend a very special family function. Enjoy the stories and we’ll be in touch again on our return
Sunday Pinot noir tasting at Strauss Auctioneers
On a Sunday afternoon in late August, John attended a tasting of the best South African Pinot noirs at the Strauss & Co premises in Salt River. Read on...
Morvino trade wine show at The Mount Nelson
Another event attended by John on his own with Lynne in hospital for surgery on her broken arm. There was a good turnout of invited guests from the wine trade, hospitality industry and wine enthusiasts. Read on...
The 41st anniversary Blaauwklippen blending competition lunch
The awards ceremony of the annual Blaauwklippen Blending Competition was held in the main restaurant at Blaauwklippen. Present were the top three wine clubs, the judges, and the media. Read on...
Caroline's 2024 White Wine Review
This year's opportunity to taste some of the very best South African White wines chosen by Caroline Rillema of Caroline's Fine Wine Cellar was held at the DHL Stadium, a very good venue for rugby matches and wine tastings. Read on...
Alto celebrates the centenary of their iconic Alto Rouge red blend
We joined the other guests in the Alto cellar for a candle lit tasting of the last five vintages of Alto Rouge. Read on...
John Collins trade wine tasting at Den Anker
John Collins has hosted his wine trade show at Den Anker in
the Waterfront for several years. It is a very popular venue for the event with
superb Belgian canapés and even a refreshing Belgian beer on tap for the
thirsty
Restaurant Week lunch at Ramenhead
We love Restaurant Week, even when it's nearly five weeks long, It gives us a chance to try out some restaurants that we couldn't normally afford and others that are new and in our own neighbourhood. There are always some very good specials. We love Peter Tempelhof's restaurant Fyn and had not yet managed to get to his Ramenhead which is below Fyn, in the same building, near Parliament Square. So, seeing it listed on Restaurant week inspired Lynne to book it for lunch on the very first day. Read on...
Martin Moore memorial sundowner at Durbanville Hills
We were invited to Durbanville Hills wine cellar to join the team and other guests at a memorial sundowner to their much-loved late cellarmaster Martin Moore. Martin was a good friend who was an important mentor to us when we were studying for our wine diplomas and he was winemaker at Groot Constantia. Read on...
The 2024 Cape Winemakers Guild Auction
After an early start, we arrived at the Lord Charles Hotel's Conference Centre in Somerset West at 9am. Read on...
Sunday Passion for Puccini recital at Diemersfontein
Lynne caught up with Johan Bongani Olivier at the John Collins tasting and he asked her if we would like to join him and his partner at this recital. Read on...
Extreme Wines trade tasting at Judd's Local in Kloof Street
The 2024 Veritas Awards at the CTICC
A rare event for us in 2024; the 2024 Veritas Awards dinner at the CTICC. The invitation said "Strictly black tie" and many of the men did, indeed, wear suits with black neckties with a reasonable number in proper evening gear, but it was disturbing to note how few had polished their shoes. The women, naturally, were beautifully, mostly glamorously, turned out. The men need to polish their act. Read on...
All our stories can be opened from the archive list near the top of the column on the right
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