Lunch with Steenberg's new vintage at Bistro 1682

Another one of those terrible days.  With a storm sweeping in from the North West, we headed off to Steenberg to meet Marketing manager Caroline van Schalkwyk in the tasting lounge, where she welcomed us warmly with a glass of their new Sauvignon Blanc bubbly. Not an MCC, not enough time on the lees, more of a Prosecco, fresh and crisp with sparkly style. Then we sat down and tasted through some of their other wines before going through to the restaurant for what turned out to be a very long lunch indeed. Were we having a good time? Yes, you bet or we might have left at a decent hour. And we were captivated by Chef Brad Ball’s food from his new Bistro style menu. 

Our welcoming drink

Caroline tells us about it in front of a very necessary fire

This is the new Sauvignon Sparkling wine. We really like the new modern stand-out label with traditional touches

We then went on to taste four Steenberg wines

The 2014 Sauvignon Blanc is a classic green pepper Constantia Sauvignon, very much to our taste, with lots of asparagus and lime. Very quaffable, with elegance too

Then the Black Swan 2012 Sauvignon Blanc which was launched in May this year.  It's a blend of two vineyard blocks and is fermented in barrel and then transferred to stainless steel tanks, which makes it a Blanc fumé. Leesy rather than woody, it is also full of green peppers, with a nice touch of smoke on the end. Refreshing and complete.

Our tasting sheet

The weather was becoming murkier outside, but the view of the Constantiaberg is still magnificent

Then came the Steenberg Shiraz 2012. Spicy with black pepper, turmeric liquorice, cassia and red berries on the nose, this is a very pretty, feminine wine. It has a lovely mouthful of red and black cherries, vanilla with perfume on the palate and some salt on the end. And then Steenberg’s famous Nebbiolo , still one of only three made in South Africa, and always one of our favourites. It has a wild nose, full of childhood sweeties, raspberry jelly and a whiff of smoke.  On the palate, it is full of salty goji berries, raspberries and cranberries. So complex and appealing, it is a great food wine. It spends 15 months in oak.

Sparkling glasses and a fruity mobile in the tasting room where we met sommelier Kayla Mayman, who will serve you the Steenberg wines you want to taste

And then it was time for lunch in a corner of Bistro 1682

Chef Brad Ball, busy at the pass in the kitchen

We examine and discuss the new menu

And drink some more delicious Steenberg wine, These are the 2014 Sauvignon blanc and the 2012 Black Swan

A rare photo of the photographer. John having a good lunch

Caroline Poulter van Schalkwyk

The Menu

Many of us ordered the Chicken Liver Parfait with truffled granola and a cranberry compôte. Perfect with the Steenberg Merlot

But we looked enviously at the baked camembert, which was crusted with nuts and surrounded by fig syrup and parsley oil. A very pretty dish. Caroline saw the envy and ordered another one for the table to share

She had the Smoked trout with a poached egg, asparagus and salad leaves, served with a grainy mustard dressing

We were in the restaurant from about 1.30 till 5 and it never seems to empty. People came for lunch, stayed for tea and others then arrived for tapas and, as we were leaving, the evening dinner crowd started to come in. The kitchen closes at 8.30, so do get there early. You can stay later, but without food service.

The deconstructed Banting Beef Bourgignon:

On the plate: Cauliflower purée, lardons, mushrooms and fondant onions

In a separate bowl, the short rib of beef in a rich red wine sauce

The free range roast chicken with a crispy egg, celeriac purée, confi'ed garlic and a thyme cream. And, of course, some broccoli. Another Banting dish!

In deep discussion about the food and wine

Ah, the cheese course comes with a Banting nut and seed cracker!

The rose red panna cotta was perfect, just set, so nice and wobbly, lots of rose flavour and a lovely pistachio sponge, an unusual (in a good way) green fig ice cream set on a burnt marshmallow.

Guess who had the Chocolate Nemesis? With honey ice cream, an orange anglaise custard and a chocolate almond crumble. Yum

Chef Brad Ball came and joined us at the table and we had lots to talk about while we tasted more wine with the excellent food

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© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2014

Celebrating ten years of Saronsberg Shiraz at Auslese

Tasting 10 vintages of Saronsberg Shiraz

We feel very privileged when we are invited to this sort of tasting. Saronsberg winemaker Dewaldt Heyns took us through the ten vintages of their Shiraz at Auslese this week, followed by lunch with our favourites. To see the progression of this wine on one table is amazing and very, very interesting. It started out as a big, full on, spicy, warm Shiraz and, as the vines have aged, it has turned into a Northern Rhône style shiraz, full of minerality and refined layers of flavours, but still recognisable as the same wine. Lynne had two very different favourites, the award winning block buster from 2007 and the elegant 2010; hard to believe that they are from the same vines, but what a marvellous progression. We have all asked if we can do this again in another 10 years, so that we can taste 20 years of the wines’ progress! Here’s hoping that we will all still be around tasting wine.

The farm was bought in 2002 by Nick and Mariette van Huyssteen and, in 2003, was badly hit by a fire. The vines were ‘aggressively’ replanted and they also added more surrounding vineyards. In the early days, some of the wine was bought in. Now it is all produced on Saronsberg. Is this the best area for Shiraz? It really does seem to suit the Tulbagh area. Does Tulbagh have a terroir indicator on its wines? We found tobacco on the nose and palate of the odd year vintages.

All these wines have dark and dense colour. It was interesting to see how fresh some of the older wines still are, showing lots of further growth potential. The earlier, full, fruity style changes as the vines aged and many people preferred one style to the other. We liked wines from both ends of the spectrum and were delighted to find that we could drink them with lunch. Lynne’s preferred vintages were the 2007 (Tobacco, silk, mulberries and ginger on the nose and full to bursting with ripe warm fruit and spice and some soft chalk. No faults and it still has lots of life left to keep on giving). The contrasting wine that she scored the highest is also the favourite of winemaker Dewaldt and it is he 2010: Vanilla on a shy nose, intense minerality, elegant ripe cherry fruit with whiffs of violets. Soft fruit on the palate which intensifies on the back palate, spices and long, long flavours. A definite food wine. It was also interesting to taste 2013 and surmise how it will develop – not yet a final blend, as it is still in barrel and will be bottled in October/November. It has a pretty nose of violets, spice, dark cherries and some creaminess. Lots of shy fruit hiding in the wine, with lots of depth, but it is seeking balance and does not yet have strength. Dewaldt will sort this out when he does the final blend, we are sure

Delightful canapés of a fish mousse, produced by the Auslese chefs

and lovely fresh oysters

The long table took 38 journos and other wine related experts and invitees – it was a tiny bit of a crush, especially as we all had 10 glasses in front of us

Auslese (and Aubergine) sommelier Khuselo Mputa pouring, with Cathy van Zyl MW watching with amusement. Next to her are Maryna Strachan and Karen Glanfield Pawley

Greg de Bruyn CWM, James Pietersen of The Wine Cellar and wine writer Angela Lloyd

Oops! Lynne sent one glass flying over John’s nice clean trousers

With ten glasses at each place, space was very tight and some of us need to use our hands when we talk

Dewaldt Heyns, winemaker of all the vintages at Saronsberg, tells us about the vintages while Harold Bresselschmidt, Chef and Owner of Aubergine and Auslese, acts as a pourer. Lynne is checking out the quantity he is, fairly, pouring

‘Legs’ on wine can indicate its substance, quality and, often, its keeping ability

Dewaldt told us, not only about the vintages, but also the weather in each year, which has a profound effect on the wine. Was it a windy, wet or dry year, were there heat waves or was it cool? Did we have rain at harvest? All these factors and more can seriously influence what goes into the bottle.

The line up of the ten wines we were tasting. They have won multiple awards over the years, as you can see from the stickers. The interesting thing is that the bottle without any award stickers, the 2009 Shiraz, was felt by many attending to be one of the best wines in the tasting, proof that it often needs time for a wine to come into its best

Winemaker Dewaldt Heyns

James Pietersen

Graham Howe

Mariette van Huyssteen

Greg de Bruyn CWM

Wade Bales and James Pietersen, chatting while enjoying some warm bouillon

Wade talking to Alan Mullins CWM

Journalist Samarie Smith and Anel Grobler

Johan Crafford and Johane Nielsen

Broadcaster Guy MacDonald and Anel Grobler

Sommelier Khuselo Mputa liked the same two vintages that stood out for Lynne. All of them were good wines, but most of us have preferences!

Chef Harold Bresselschmidt with Jane Broughton

The lunch menu offered dishes paired with Shiraz vintages

Just seared fresh tuna, coated with dukkah spices in what tasted like a nut paste. The pink grapefruit was a lovely contrast.

Unctuous braised lamb shank with very fine textured shiraz flavoured polenta a Shiitake mushroom filled with pickled cabbage with Romanesco (a type of broccoli)

John's special version was prepared specially, without the mushrooms

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© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2014

John & Lynne Ford’s Main Ingredient MENU list of Wine Shows and Tastings

John & Lynne Ford’s Main Ingredient MENU list of Wine Shows and Tastings

(Click on the bold highlights to access websites for more information)

Events are listed in the order in which they will occur, starting with the most imminent date.

Note: These events are published with information provided by the event organisers or their representatives. John & Lynne Ford and their businesses cannot be held responsible for any incorrect or misleading information and receive no remuneration for this service

JULY

Thursday and Friday 24th & 25th July  FNB Limpopo Wine Show  - Meropa Casino, Polokwane. The eighth FNB Limpopo Wine Show takes place in Polokwane on 24th and 25th July. Limpopo wine lovers have the opportunity to sample some of the country’s top award-winning wines, many of which grace the pages of the country’s most respected wine lists and catalogues.  Show visitors can be sure to enjoy recent vintages of well-known wines, discover lesser-known labels and complete the evening with a premium brandy tasting. With over 40 producers exhibiting at both wine shows – Springfield Estate, Oneiric, Welgemeend, Morgenhof, Spier, Groot Constantia, Glen Carlou, Vondeling and Oude Molen Brandy to name a few  – wines are also available for purchase via the Shop@Show retail facility which delivers to the purchaser’s home or office.  Light meals will be available for sale at the show. Ticket Price: R130 (includes unlimited tastings and wine tasting glass);  no under 18s, nor babies and prams.  A complimentary show guide includes producer information and informative notes on wine variety characteristics, food matching and serving temperatures. Tickets can be purchased via www.computicket.com, Money Market counters in Shoprite Checkers stores and at the door subject to availability. Enquiries:   011 482 5936/5/4. The FNB Limpopo show is one of the trio of regional wine shows directed by wine authority Michael Fridjhon and organised by OutSorceress Marketing. Contact: Alex Mason-Gordon 011 482 5936 or email: alex@outsorceress.co.za

Friday 25th to Sunday 27th July The Pick n Pay Taste of Durban is back at Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World (Suncoast). Chefs from eight of Durban’s top restaurants will create special menus of starter-sized dishes, including their signature dishes, designed to reflect their individual philosophies, whilst showcasing seasonal and premium ingredients. Taste of Durban 2014 promises to be the most exciting ‘foodie’ event of the year. Marcelle Roberts from Café 1999 is back for the third-year running with her inimitable brand of casual cuisine.  Louise Potgieter from Havana Grill at Suncoast and Little Havana and Chef Nardia Adams, from Asian Tapas spot Greedy Buddha, will be cooking up a storm and Lucy Markewicz will be flying the colours for Freedom Café.  Popular Indian restaurant Amaravathi Palki, Market and Beluga, brings the total of participating restaurants to eight. Enquiries should be directed to Joanne Hayes, Tumbleweed Communications, Postnet Suite 218, Private Bag x10, Musgrave 4062. Cell:  +27 83 627 7249, Fax:  086 514 7729 tigerjo@iafrica.com SKYPE:  tigerjo83813

Sunday 27th July 10h30 until 16h00  MURATIE TO HOST A MINI PORT FESTIVAL  Make the most of the Cape winter and head out to the historic Muratie Estate in Stellenbosch where the Melck family, in conjunction with Juvenal Corks, will be hosting a Mini Port Festival on Sunday 27th July. Port lovers are invited to cosy up in one of the Cape’s oldest wineries, sailing from ‘port’ to ‘port’ with South Africa’s Top 10 Port Producers, appreciating the rich and luscious flavours and noshing on delicious winter warmer treats from the food stall. In addition, adhering to their mantra “nothing chocolate….nothing gained”, von Geusau will be tempting taste buds with their decadently delicious hand crafted chocolates. And for those who enjoy mellow fireside relaxation, the Muratie Farm Kitchen will be open as usual. All the Ports on show will be available for purchase at cellar door prices. Cost: R80 per person including a tasting glass. Due to limited space, visitors are advised to book in advance. Telephone: 021 865 2330 or Email: info@muratie.co.za At Muratie, the passion for preserving the estate’s rich heritage and the intriguing human stories woven into the very fabric of its centuries old history, are captured in every nook and cranny of this family farm, where the unique old-world ambience is almost tangible. Muratie’s history is also commemorated in the naming of the estate’s wines after the extraordinary characters from the farm’s colourful past, each with its own enchanting story described on the back label. And there are a myriad stories reaching as far back as the 17^th century. With a Port tradition that dates back to the 1940’s, Muratie’s popular Ben Prins Cape Vintage pays homage to the estate’s legendary Ben Prins, winemaker at Muratie from 1957 until 1987. Affectionately known as Barefoot Ben, his trademark was his bare feet. Guarded over by ancient oak trees, a visit to Muratie reveals a piece of history where time has largely stood still: a unique and magical environment where visitors can enjoy Muratie’s legendary wines, honest farm food and great hospitality. Tel: 021 865 2330 · Email: info@muratie.co.za · Website: www.muratie.co.za · GPS: S 33 52.234   E 18 52.554

Monday, 28th July The Vineyard Hotel continues its series of ongoing complimentary wine tasting evenings in July, showcasing some of the finest wines from a variety of estates in South Africa. July’s tastings conclude on a high note with Spier Wine Farm, one of the oldest in South Africa.  Spier will present a selection of their award-winning wines, which have been hand-picked and produced with quality and sustainability in mind, on 28th July. A representative from the estate will host the hour-long tasting from 6pm.  Tastings are free of charge. For more information, please call 021 657 4500 or alternatively visit www.vineyard.co.za.

Wednesday, 30th July, CAROLINE’S 2014 RED WINE REVIEW takes place at The Table Bay Hotel, in the ballroom. As usual, it starts at 17h00  and goes on until 21h00. Last entry: 19h30. Taste the finest South African red wines, and meet the winemakers who created them! Tickets @ R200 on sale now, exclusively from Computicket. The ticket price includes a programme and crystal tasting glass, which you will receive at the door. Parking in the hotel vicinity, or any V&A Waterfront parking area, for own account.
Thursday, 31st  July to Sunday, 3rd August  Visit the Good Food & Wine Show  at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg and stand a chance to win a complete wine cellar worth R20 000 from the Wade Bales Wine Society. A special wine fridge, filled with exclusive and specially selected boutique estate wines, will be won by a lucky winner at the show.  Visitors can enter the competition by visiting the Wade Bales Wine Society stand at the Gauteng Good Food and Wine Show where they can also sample choice premium wines.  The Wade Bales Wine Society has been introducing exclusive and limited-release wines to its 10 000 clients since 2007. Visitors to the Good Food & Wine Show are being given the chance to show off their bartending skills under the guidance of a master mixologist at the Interactive Cocktail Zone hosted by the Bartenders Workshop. Budding bartenders can shake or stir their very own cocktails behind the bar and impress fellow visitors with their bartending skills. Interactive demonstrations will take place every half an hour at the Interactive Cocktail Zone for the duration of the Good Food and Wine Show. Book tickets at Computicket. www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za

AUGUST

Thursday 31st July and Friday 1st August  FNB Free State Wine Show - Leopards and Lace, Bloemfontein. The second FNB Free State Wine Show in Bloemfontein on 31st July and 1st August.  Limpopo and Free State wine lovers have the opportunity to sample some of the country’s top award-winning wines, many of which grace the pages of the country’s most respected wine lists and catalogues.   Show visitors can be sure to enjoy recent vintages of well-known wines, discover lesser-known labels and complete the evening with a premium brandy tasting.    With over 40 producers exhibiting at both wine shows – Springfield Estate, Oneiric, Welgemeend, Morgenhof, Spier, Groot Constantia, Glen Carlou, Vondeling and Oude Molen Brandy to name a few  – wines are also available for purchase via the Shop@Show retail facility which delivers to the purchaser’s home or office.  Light meals will be available for sale at the show. Ticket Prices: R130 (includes unlimited tastings and wine tasting glass);  no under 18s, nor babies and prams.  A complimentary show guide includes producer information and informative notes on wine variety characteristics, food matching and serving temperatures. Tickets can be purchased via www.computicket.com, Money Market counters in Shoprite Checkers stores and at the door subject to availability. Enquiries:   011 482 5936/5/4. The FNB Free State show is one of the trio of regional wine shows directed by wine authority Michael Fridjhon and organised by OutSorceress Marketing. Contact: Alex Mason-Gordon 011 482 5936 or email: alex@outsorceress.co.za

Friday, 1st August from 5pm - 8pm  Wine Concepts on Kloof’s Winter Wine Fair. Join Wine Concepts in Kloof Street for their Winter Wine Fair wine tasting. Taste over 60 wines, craft beers and local gins. Lucky draws, live music and special offers from participating producers. Remember that all wine on tasting will be discounted for the evening. Wine Concepts is on the Ground Floor of the Lifestyles on Kloof Centre, ample parking available.

Saturday, 16th August 11h00-17h00  Simonsig’s Vintage Wine Day. Taste and buy rare vintage wines and enjoy a family day out, filled with hearty food, music and children’s activities at Simonsig’s Vintage Wine Day.  With wines dating back to the early 90’s, you can enjoy Cellarmaster Johan Malan’s private selection at superb prices. Besides the rare chance to taste and buy these older vintages, visitors will have the opportunity to attend a Master Class by Simonsig Cellarmaster Johan Malan and winemaker Hannes Meyer, who will lead a tasting showcasing older Kaapse Vonkels, wooded Chenin blanc, the Tiara red blend and Johan’s Heirloom Shiraz... Entry fee: R150 pp. Simonsig Wine Club members: R120 pp. Tickets can be bought from WebTickets.

Thursday, 21st August from 18h00 to 21h00. Nedbank CWG Auction Showcase Cape Town at CTICC, Jasminium Conservatory (Ground Floor). Price: R170 per person. The Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Showcase at the Cape Town International Convention Centre offers wine lovers a preview of the wines crafted exclusively for the prestigious Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction. Meet the Guild members and sample exceptional wines with a creative edge and great diversity of styles in an informal and interactive environment. The Showcase also features a silent auction of rare wines in aid of the Guild's Development Trust. Since its inception in 1985, the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction has become a quality benchmark of what can be achieved by South African wine producers. The Auction is open to the public and takes place on Saturday, 4 October  at Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. Book Online

Wednesday, 27th August from 18h00 to 21h00 Nedbank CWG Auction Showcase Johannesburg at The Atrium, Nedbank Sandton, 135 Rivonia Road. Price: R170 per person. The Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Showcase in the Atrium at Nedbank's Head Office in Sandton offers wine lovers a preview of the wines crafted exclusively for the prestigious Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction. Meet the Guild members and sample exceptional wines with a creative edge and great diversity of styles in an informal and interactive environment. The Showcase also features a silent auction of rare wines in aid of the Guild's Development Trust. Since its inception in 1985, the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction has become a quality benchmark of what can be achieved by South African wine producers. The Auction is open to the public and takes place on Saturday, 4 October  at Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. Book OnlineWednesday, 27th August Pop-Up Dinner with Bistro Sixteen82. Adventurous diners looking for a new culinary experience will get their fix with one of Bistro Sixteen82’s enormously popular Pop-Up Dinner. This evening of avant-garde gastronomy will feature a five-course menu presented by a “surprise” chef from an award-winning South African restaurant and skilfully paired with Steenberg wines. Please contact Edwina on 021 713 2211 or reservations@bistro1682.co.za to reserve your seat.

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Friday, 3rd October from 18h00 to 21h00 Cape Winemakers Guild Final Pre-Auction Tasting at Spier Conference Centre, Stellenbosch. Price:  R350 per person. The Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Final Pre-Auction Tasting offers wine lovers a final preview of the wines crafted exclusively for the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction. Sit down for a formal tasting and sample exceptional wines with a creative edge and great diversity of styles, presented formally by the winemakers.  Since its inception in 1985, the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction has become a quality benchmark of what can be achieved by South African wine producers. The Auction is open to the public and takes place on Saturday, 4 October 2014 at Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. Book Online.

Friday, 17th to Sunday,19th October Join us in Spring 2014  for the Robertson Wine on the River Festival. The Robertson Wine Valley brings a spring Experience on the banks of the Breede River! This idyllic open-air wine festival takes place on the banks of the Breede River at the Goudmyn Farm between Robertson and Bonnievale. Just imagine a setting with the river flowing by, vineyards all around, beautiful hills and shading poplar trees.  Add to that live music, plenty of wines to taste, BIG SCREEN RUGBY, picnics and other local produce – and you’ve got yourself a spring festival not to be missed! Cost and Bookings here

Tuesday, 21st October  Caroline’s White Wine & Cap Classique Review is one of the most important events on the South African wine calendar. It is a showcase of a maximum of 60 wineries that have consistently achieved the highest accolades in all the top competitive platforms. Each of the selected wineries is invited to show just one wine for tasting by the public. This must be their flagship wine, and it will be shown by the winemaker personally. One can engage with them and learn, in an organised yet informal atmosphere in the ballroom. The annual event is to be held on at TheTable Bay Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Time: 17h00 until 21h00. Arrive anytime, and get your programme and crystal tasting glass at the entrance. Tickets @ R200 are available exclusively at Computicket online, or at their outlets in major centres. See more at: http://www.carolineswine.com/annual-white-wine-review-2014#sthash.j3ubJQur.dpuf

Wednesday, 29th to Friday 31st October 5pm – 9pm daily RMB WineX at The Pavilion, Sandton Convention Centre, Maude Street, Sandton. RMB WineX, the undisputed festival of choice for the discerning wine consumer, is a celebration of all that is good to savour and experience in the world of wine. Now in its 15th year in Sandton, the show boasts the greatest selection of South Africa's top cellars under one roof together with an exciting array of newcomers, boutique producers and garagistes – all passionate about what they make and why it is different. Tickets will be available via Computicket.com. There is ample parking at Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square. Game also offers space for parking.

NOVEMBER

John & Lynne Ford’s Main Ingredient list of Special events with wine and/or food connections

John & Lynne Ford’s Main Ingredient list of Special events with wine and/or food connections. (Click on the bold highlights to access websites for more information)

Events are listed in the order in which they will occur, starting with the most imminent date.

Note: These events are published with information provided by the event organisers or their representatives. John & Lynne Ford and their businesses cannot be held responsible for any incorrect or misleading information and receive no remuneration for this service

AUGUST

Friday, 8th August at 20h00  CELEBRATIONS WITH PRETTY YENDE at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town. A programme of familiar opera favorites and some lighter classics with South Africa's international Opera sensation, Pretty Yende! Including students from the University of Cape Town music school and directed and accompanied by Professor Kamal Khan (Director of the UCT Opera School). The concert celebrates the growing operatic talent in South Africa, and in particular, Pretty Yende's wonderful successes to date. The concert is a fundraiser for Diemersfontein's "Excellence out of Africa Trust" - which supports talented graduates at the beginning of their careers. Ticket prices range from R150 to R500 (complimentary Diemersfontein & Thokozani wines will be served at interval, and the R500 tickets include an after party with light snacks and the opportunity to meet the artists)  Tickets are limited - and available at Computicket

Friday, 8th to Sunday, 10th August  ROBERTSON SLOW time will go by exceptionally slowly in the beautiful Robertson Wine Valley when the 7th Robertson Slow will take place.  26 Wineries and Guesthouses from Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson will welcome visitors  into their homes, to their dining tables and onto their farms for a food & wine experience - enjoyed SLOWLY. Guests can look forward to dinners at the homes of our winemaking families, cooking traditional Robertson Country Fare such as Waterblommetjie Bredie, "melktert", venison and Karoo Lamb. As always wine will be central to the weekend and you will have ample opportunity to meet with our winemakers to taste and discuss their wines. The weekend will also include some great options where you can learn to make pasta or gnocchi, taste wine from grape specific glasses or learn to play poker! Other activities will include Horse Riding, Boat Cruises and Fynbos and Renosterveld Walks as well as vineyard tours. On Sunday, 11th August, join us for our 6th annual Regional Food Market where local foodies & cooks alike bring the finest from their kitchens. With live music and plenty of food, this is one of the highlights of the weekend and not to be missed! This weekend is definitely a must for the wine lover who prefers to take the slower lane - but please do not wait too long to book your tickets as they are limited.

Sunday, 10th August from 10h00-14h00 Regional Food Market @ Klipdrift Farm - Join us for the 6th Regional Food Market. This market takes place only ONCE a year to coincide with the Robertson Slow. Fruit & Veggies | Organic Produce | Fresh Meat | Olive Products | Dairy | Baked Goods | Flower & Garden | Pasta | Food on the Go | Drinks & Cordials | Condiments & Preserves. With live music, enough to eat and drink and some seating, this is the perfect excuse for a family day out in the Robertson Wine Valley. Directions: From Robertson, take the R317 towards Bonnievale (turn right at the circle); cross the railway line; soon after turn right onto a gravel road (look for signage that says Majors Hill or Constitution Road); approximately 150m further, you will see the market on your right.

Saturday, 16th August 11h00-17h00  Simonsig’s Vintage Wine Day. Taste and buy rare vintage wines and enjoy a family day out, filled with hearty food, music and children’s activities at Simonsig’s Vintage Wine Day.  With wines dating back to the early 90’s, you can enjoy Cellarmaster Johan Malan’s private selection at superb prices. Besides the rare chance to taste and buy these older vintages, visitors will have the opportunity to attend a Master Class by Simonsig Cellarmaster Johan Malan and winemaker Hannes Meyer, who will lead a tasting showcasing older Kaapse Vonkels, wooded Chenin blanc, the Tiara red blend and Johan’s Heirloom Shiraz... Entry fee: R150 pp. Simonsig Wine Club members: R120 pp. Tickets can be bought from WebTickets.

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, 13th September 12h30 to 19h00  Pinotage on Tap - Jo’burg, 2014 at Val Bonne Country Estate, Modderfontein Reserve, 1 Arden Road, Conservation Park (GPS: -26.089202, 28.147573). Bands: December Streets, Monarch and Daniel Baron. Festival Pass includes: Entry, free-flowing wine on tap & meals. Ticket prices: R 370 (Festival pass only), R 840 (Festival pass + case of Pinotage), R 1290 VIP Ticket (Fest Pass + VIP Seating + After party) No under 18's. Tickets at Computicket - No tickets at gate

Wednesday 17th to Saturday 20th September AGRI MEGA WEEK 2014 from 09h00 to 17h00 (Wednesday until Friday) and 08h00 to 16h00 (Saturday) at Mega Park, Bredasdorp will not only be attended by more than 14 African agricultural delegations and decision makers, but also host the 2014 Jersey National Championship and the 2014 Dorper Championship. International conferences will be hosted by both the Jersey- and Dorper Breeders Associations. Theme: "Focus on Africa". Our 6000m² BKB exhibition hall is extended by an additional 2000m² with the brand new Voermol Wing ready for the 2014 Agri Mega Week Showcase, to complement our existing array of premier undercover and outdoor infrastructure and undercover exhibition space on 28 hectare Mega Park, Bredasdorp. However with more than 20 000 visitors experienced on average over the past two years even this additional space seems to be insufficient for the current demand by exhibitors and participants. Space is indeed limited as we wish to accommodate your unique requirements. Since 1992, we have developed our expo as an informative, educational and unveiling event and platform for innovation, the latest technology, equipment, products, services and current topical agricultural and rural debating and workshops. AGRI MEGA WEEK is indeed the ultimate showcase of the genuine character of agricultural production and life in the rural areas. Share your showcase with your target audience at the largest agri expo in southern South Africa - this is the ideal platform where exhibitors and advertisers can reach their respective target markets. With our focus firmly on Africa AGRI MEGA WEEK 2014 is drawing global attention to the imperative position of the continent in food production for the world's growing population. Farmers, smallholders, manufacturers, suppliers, delegations, stakeholders, farm workers, authorities and consumers are excited and can hardly wait to enjoy in excess of 400 exhibitions, debates, workshops, demonstrations, fresh farm produce, competitions, family fun and much more. To ensure your participation at Agri Mega Week 2014 reply NOW! Enquiries should be directed to Reinette Basson, Client Services Manager - Mega Events, Agri Mega Investments (Pty) Ltd. Phone: +27 21 863 0397, Fax: +27 86 425 1068, Email: eventsadmin@agrimega.co.za. Website: www.agrimega.co.za

Saturday, 27th & Sunday, 28th September Franschhoek Uncorked. Get into the swing of spring and sample superb wines at this year’s Franschhoek Uncorked Festival, over the weekend of 27th and 28th September. Wineries in and around the Valley will be putting out the stops showcasing limited releases wines and possibly a new release (or two). Don’t miss out on the wine specials either, valid for the weekend only. The perfect excuse to stock up on your wine collection as you travel from farm to farm. Choose to stop and sample wines or take in the entertainment and activities on offer at some of the farms. Look forward to cellar and vineyard tours, food and wine pairings, art exhibitions and live entertainment. Get your Uncorked Weekend Pass, at a cost of R120 per person, and available directly from www.webtickets.co.za. Your pass includes a tasting glass and free wine tastings at the participating wineries for the duration of the weekend. For more info contact the Franschhoek Wine Valley offices on 021 876 2861 or visit www.franschhoekuncorked.co.za for further details and a list of participating farms.  For regular updates follow us on Twitter @Franschhoek_SA.

Saturday, 27th  September SHEEP RACING, WINE TASTING AND BRING-AND-BRAAI AT DORAN VINEYARDS’ OPEN DAYS. At Doran Vineyards in the Voor-Paardeberg, five tame sheep earn their living in a unique way. Rambo, Sid, Lucky, Séan and Alice are regularly decked in colours then, lured by offers of food, run an 80-metre course while spectators shout encouragement from the sidelines. “The last race was spectacular,” says farm manager Basson Potgieter of the most recent Doran Vineyards Sheep Derby. “Sid was right at the back but at the last minute he overtook the field and won by half a length!” Two years ago, these five Île-de-France lambs, born on the farm between Wellington and Malmesbury in the Western Cape, were rejected by their mothers – something that isn’t unusual among sheep – and taken in by Basson and his wife. And while hanslamme (Afrikaans for orphaned or tame sheep) do make charming pets, these lovingly hand-reared specimens became the basis for a stable of racing sheep. “Basson is already raising two more orphans from this year’s breeding season,” says farm director André Badenhorst, the brains behind the Sheep Derby. André – whose impeccable farming credentials include the iconic Buitenverwachting and Constantia Uitsig farms in Cape Town – is a great fan of this particular breed of sheep, which are farmed for both wool and meat. “I’ve seen sheep-racing elsewhere but not in South Africa,” he says. “The next step is to get the sheep used to having jockeys on their backs,” he adds – the “jockeys” being knitted teddy-bears. The Doran Vineyards Sheep Derby takes place on the farm’s open day on the last Saturday of each month from September 2014. Visitors can roam the 180 ha property, which is home to the rest of the flock of Île-de-France sheep (currently 200, but with the aim of increasing this to 500 ewes), 60 Aberdeen Angus cattle and a large flock of chickens, and just under a third of which is planted with vines. Award-winning winemaker Martin Lamprecht produces both the flagship Doran range of three reds, a white and a rosé, and the Horse Mountain range. All are available for tasting and purchase at the open days, and André encourages visitors to bring along picnics or meat for a bring-and-braai. Irish-born, London-based Edwin Doran, the other half of the Doran Vineyards partnership, describes the goal of this family farm as “To have fun and enjoyment in everything we do and to share that pleasure with as many people as possible.” And, with the Sheep Derby, this is certainly what they’re doing. Visitors to Doran's Sheep Derby are invited to donate generously to the SPCA Wellington on the day. For a quick view on what to expect at the Doran Vineyards Sheep Derby, please follow the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaWvGMGh7Rc&feature=youtu.be  Doran Vineyards is situated off the R45, Voor-Paardeberg Road, Paarl 7630. To arrange a personalised tasting email deidre@doranvineyards.co.za or call 27 21 869 8328. For more info visit http://doranvineyards.co.za 

OCTOBER

Thursday, 2nd October from 10h00 to 21h00 CWG Golf Day at De Zalze Golf Course, Stellenbosch. Bookings & Enquiries:  Please contact the CWG Office. Price:  R2 800 per team (4 players in a team). The Cape Winemakers Guild Golf Day offers golf enthusiasts the opportunity of rubbing shoulders with some of the country's finest winemakers. The day includes on arrival snacks, a halfway house lunch and dinner enjoyed with superb Guild members' wines. Wonderful wine prizes to be won. The CWG Sports Day is sponsored by Consol Glass.

Saturday, 4th October 12h30 to 19h00 Pinotage on Tap - Durban, 2014 at The Litchi Orchard, Seaforth Drive, Salt Rock, Durban (GPS: -29.285968, 31.134348). Bands: Redlight Stereo and Daniel Baron. Festival Pass includes: Entry, free-flowing wine on tap & meals. Ticket price: R 310 (Festival pass only), R 780 (Festival pass + case of Pinotage), R 80 (Under 18's) Tickets at Computicket - No tickets at gate

Saturday, 4th October 09h00 to 15h00 (Collection of bidder's paddles from 08:00). Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction at Spier Conference Centre, Stellenbosch. Recognised as South Africa's leading wine auction and open to the wine trade and general public, the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction offers rare wines with a creative edge and great diversity of style. All the wines are crafted exclusively for the Auction by members of the Guild in small lots, representing the pinnacle of what can be achieved in South African winemaking.  Pre-Registration is essential and first-time bidders will be requested to pay a refundable deposit of R5 000.  Online, telephonic and proxy bidding options are also available for those unable to attend the Auction. Book your Auction Week Accommodation at Spier. Frans Smit, Cellar Master of Spier and proud Cape Winemakers Guild member, invites all guests attending the 2014 Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction week to enjoy a special discounted rate at the Spier Hotel. Please note there are very limited spaces available so book early to avoid disappointment!  Check out the CWG Blog for more information on these special rates and how to book. Bookings & Enquiries: Please contact the CWG Office

Saturday, 11th October 12h30 to 19h00  Pinotage on Tap - Cape Town, 2014 at Diemersfontein Wine Estate, R301 Jan Van Riebeeck Drive, Wellington, Western Cape (GPS: -31.428663, 18.808594). Bands: Lucy Kruger, Farryl Purkiss and Daniel Baron. Ticket price: Festival Pass includes: Entry, free-flowing wine on tap & meals. R 370 (Festival pass only). R 840 (Festival pass + case of Pinotage). No under 18's. Tickets at Computicket - No tickets at gate. Transport: FS Tours - Be Responsible & "Take the Bus" to POT. Collection points and times on Saturday 11th October: 10h00:  Newlands Swimming Pool - 10h30: Water Taxi parking lot (just past City Lodge on left hand side entering the V&A Waterfront from the Conference Centre side) - 11h00: Canal Walk entrance 2 - 11h30: McDonalds Tygervalley. Proceed to Pinotage On Tap, Diemersfontein Wine Estate, Wellington! On departure: Please note that the busses will leave at the the advertised time. We cannot wait for latecomers. On return: The busses will leave at 19h15. There will be no earlier busses and we cannot wait for anyone that is late. Please look after valuables as the bus drivers cannot be held responsible for anything that is lost. No smoking or drinking on busses. Please return on the same bus that you departed on. Payment: Email norm@fstours.co.za for payment details

Friday, 17th to Sunday,19th October Join us in Spring 2014  for the Robertson Wine on the River Festival. The Robertson Wine Valley brings a spring Experience on the banks of the Breede River! This idyllic open-air wine festival takes place on the banks of the Breede River at the Goudmyn Farm between Robertson and Bonnievale. Just imagine a setting with the river flowing by, vineyards all around, beautiful hills and shading poplar trees.  Add to that live music, plenty of wines to taste, BIG SCREEN RUGBY, picnics and other local produce – and you’ve got yourself a spring festival not to be missed! Cost and Bookings here

Saturday, 25th  October SHEEP RACING, WINE TASTING AND BRING-AND-BRAAI AT DORAN VINEYARDS’ OPEN DAYS. At Doran Vineyards in the Voor-Paardeberg, five tame sheep earn their living in a unique way. Rambo, Sid, Lucky, Séan and Alice are regularly decked in colours then, lured by offers of food, run an 80-metre course while spectators shout encouragement from the sidelines. “The last race was spectacular,” says farm manager Basson Potgieter of the most recent Doran Vineyards Sheep Derby. “Sid was right at the back but at the last minute he overtook the field and won by half a length!” Two years ago, these five Île-de-France lambs, born on the farm between Wellington and Malmesbury in the Western Cape, were rejected by their mothers – something that isn’t unusual among sheep – and taken in by Basson and his wife. And while hanslamme (Afrikaans for orphaned or tame sheep) do make charming pets, these lovingly hand-reared specimens became the basis for a stable of racing sheep. “Basson is already raising two more orphans from this year’s breeding season,” says farm director André Badenhorst, the brains behind the Sheep Derby. André – whose impeccable farming credentials include the iconic Buitenverwachting and Constantia Uitsig farms in Cape Town – is a great fan of this particular breed of sheep, which are farmed for both wool and meat. “I’ve seen sheep-racing elsewhere but not in South Africa,” he says. “The next step is to get the sheep used to having jockeys on their backs,” he adds – the “jockeys” being knitted teddy-bears. The Doran Vineyards Sheep Derby takes place on the farm’s open day on the last Saturday of each month from September 2014. Visitors can roam the 180 ha property, which is home to the rest of the flock of Île-de-France sheep (currently 200, but with the aim of increasing this to 500 ewes), 60 Aberdeen Angus cattle and a large flock of chickens, and just under a third of which is planted with vines. Award-winning winemaker Martin Lamprecht produces both the flagship Doran range of three reds, a white and a rosé, and the Horse Mountain range. All are available for tasting and purchase at the open days, and André encourages visitors to bring along picnics or meat for a bring-and-braai. Irish-born, London-based Edwin Doran, the other half of the Doran Vineyards partnership, describes the goal of this family farm as “To have fun and enjoyment in everything we do and to share that pleasure with as many people as possible.” And, with the Sheep Derby, this is certainly what they’re doing. Visitors to Doran's Sheep Derby are invited to donate generously to the SPCA Wellington on the day. For a quick view on what to expect at the Doran Vineyards Sheep Derby, please follow the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaWvGMGh7Rc&feature=youtu.be  Doran Vineyards is situated off the R45, Voor-Paardeberg Road, Paarl 7630. To arrange a personalised tasting email deidre@doranvineyards.co.za or call 27 21 869 8328. For more info visit http://doranvineyards.co.za 

NOVEMBER

Saturday, 29th November SHEEP RACING, WINE TASTING AND BRING-AND-BRAAI AT DORAN VINEYARDS’ OPEN DAYS. At Doran Vineyards in the Voor-Paardeberg, five tame sheep earn their living in a unique way. Rambo, Sid, Lucky, Séan and Alice are regularly decked in colours then, lured by offers of food, run an 80-metre course while spectators shout encouragement from the sidelines. “The last race was spectacular,” says farm manager Basson Potgieter of the most recent Doran Vineyards Sheep Derby. “Sid was right at the back but at the last minute he overtook the field and won by half a length!” Two years ago, these five Île-de-France lambs, born on the farm between Wellington and Malmesbury in the Western Cape, were rejected by their mothers – something that isn’t unusual among sheep – and taken in by Basson and his wife. And while hanslamme (Afrikaans for orphaned or tame sheep) do make charming pets, these lovingly hand-reared specimens became the basis for a stable of racing sheep. “Basson is already raising two more orphans from this year’s breeding season,” says farm director André Badenhorst, the brains behind the Sheep Derby. André – whose impeccable farming credentials include the iconic Buitenverwachting and Constantia Uitsig farms in Cape Town – is a great fan of this particular breed of sheep, which are farmed for both wool and meat. “I’ve seen sheep-racing elsewhere but not in South Africa,” he says. “The next step is to get the sheep used to having jockeys on their backs,” he adds – the “jockeys” being knitted teddy-bears. The Doran Vineyards Sheep Derby takes place on the farm’s open day on the last Saturday of each month from September 2014. Visitors can roam the 180 ha property, which is home to the rest of the flock of Île-de-France sheep (currently 200, but with the aim of increasing this to 500 ewes), 60 Aberdeen Angus cattle and a large flock of chickens, and just under a third of which is planted with vines. Award-winning winemaker Martin Lamprecht produces both the flagship Doran range of three reds, a white and a rosé, and the Horse Mountain range. All are available for tasting and purchase at the open days, and André encourages visitors to bring along picnics or meat for a bring-and-braai. Irish-born, London-based Edwin Doran, the other half of the Doran Vineyards partnership, describes the goal of this family farm as “To have fun and enjoyment in everything we do and to share that pleasure with as many people as possible.” And, with the Sheep Derby, this is certainly what they’re doing. Visitors to Doran's Sheep Derby are invited to donate generously to the SPCA Wellington on the day. For a quick view on what to expect at the Doran Vineyards Sheep Derby, please follow the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaWvGMGh7Rc&feature=youtu.be  Doran Vineyards is situated off the R45, Voor-Paardeberg Road, Paarl 7630. To arrange a personalised tasting email deidre@doranvineyards.co.za or call 27 21 869 8328. For more info visit http://doranvineyards.co.za 

DECEMBER

Saturday, 27th December SHEEP RACING, WINE TASTING AND BRING-AND-BRAAI AT DORAN VINEYARDS’ OPEN DAYS. At Doran Vineyards in the Voor-Paardeberg, five tame sheep earn their living in a unique way. Rambo, Sid, Lucky, Séan and Alice are regularly decked in colours then, lured by offers of food, run an 80-metre course while spectators shout encouragement from the sidelines. “The last race was spectacular,” says farm manager Basson Potgieter of the most recent Doran Vineyards Sheep Derby. “Sid was right at the back but at the last minute he overtook the field and won by half a length!” Two years ago, these five Île-de-France lambs, born on the farm between Wellington and Malmesbury in the Western Cape, were rejected by their mothers – something that isn’t unusual among sheep – and taken in by Basson and his wife. And while hanslamme (Afrikaans for orphaned or tame sheep) do make charming pets, these lovingly hand-reared specimens became the basis for a stable of racing sheep. “Basson is already raising two more orphans from this year’s breeding season,” says farm director André Badenhorst, the brains behind the Sheep Derby. André – whose impeccable farming credentials include the iconic Buitenverwachting and Constantia Uitsig farms in Cape Town – is a great fan of this particular breed of sheep, which are farmed for both wool and meat. “I’ve seen sheep-racing elsewhere but not in South Africa,” he says. “The next step is to get the sheep used to having jockeys on their backs,” he adds – the “jockeys” being knitted teddy-bears. The Doran Vineyards Sheep Derby takes place on the farm’s open day on the last Saturday of each month from September 2014. Visitors can roam the 180 ha property, which is home to the rest of the flock of Île-de-France sheep (currently 200, but with the aim of increasing this to 500 ewes), 60 Aberdeen Angus cattle and a large flock of chickens, and just under a third of which is planted with vines. Award-winning winemaker Martin Lamprecht produces both the flagship Doran range of three reds, a white and a rosé, and the Horse Mountain range. All are available for tasting and purchase at the open days, and André encourages visitors to bring along picnics or meat for a bring-and-braai. Irish-born, London-based Edwin Doran, the other half of the Doran Vineyards partnership, describes the goal of this family farm as “To have fun and enjoyment in everything we do and to share that pleasure with as many people as possible.” And, with the Sheep Derby, this is certainly what they’re doing. Visitors to Doran's Sheep Derby are invited to donate generously to the SPCA Wellington on the day. For a quick view on what to expect at the Doran Vineyards Sheep Derby, please follow the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaWvGMGh7Rc&feature=youtu.be  Doran Vineyards is situated off the R45, Voor-Paardeberg Road, Paarl 7630. To arrange a personalised tasting email deidre@doranvineyards.co.za or call 27 21 869 8328. For more info visit http://doranvineyards.co.za