The view across
False Bay from Strandfontein
Another jam packed
week with so many different events it made our heads spin.
As we requested in the last few
issues, please try to get into the habit of checking our
blog site, not only because of problems like those we had
recently, but because our activities sometimes take us away from our base. This
will happen again at the end of this week, when we will journey into the Karoo
for a week and will only be able to post MENU on our return. We will post the
stories as we finish them so you’ll be able to follow them as we travel. In case you worry,
our niece will be house and cat sitting.
We will, of course post the links on Twitter. Please follow us there.
We write about
our experiences in MENU, not only to entertain you, but to encourage you to
visit the places and events that we do. We know you will enjoy them and we try
to make each write up as graphic as we can, so you get a good picture of what
is on offer at each place, restaurant, wine farm, festival we visit. To get the whole story with photographs, please click on “Read
on.....” at the end of each paragraph, which will lead you to the
related blog, with pictures and more words. At the end of each blog, click on RETURN TO MENU
to come back to the blog version of MENU.
My Road or ... Our week started at Societi Bistro in Cape Town, with a tasting of The
High Road wines. Owners Les Sweidan and Mike Church, who used to be in the Insurance
world, are Negotiants, which means they do not own any vineyards, but buy in
the grapes each year to make the wine and blend them to their satisfaction
before marketing them. The winemaker is Mark Carmichael Green and the
viticulturist is Paul Wallace. Their cellar is in Stellenbosch in the Bosman's
Crossing complex.
They make a classic Cabernet Sauvignon and two classy
Bordeaux blends. The sources of their grapes might change every year, so they
don’t aim to make the same wines, but they promise to make the best the grapes
can produce, to keep them elegant and of high quality. The current releases are
a 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon at R100, The Directors Reserve 2012 at R275 and the
High Road Classique 2012 at R140. Les says they are aiming for the top level
and world class. See the photographs
Sipping
Nativo Wines at the Savoy Cabbage to Argentine Tango Another well conceived function this week. Billy Hughes, born in
Argentina, moved to South Africa when he was a young man and he now owns a farm
in Malmesbury, where he makes Nativo wines. We were invited to taste these
wines, paired with Argentine inspired food, prepared by chef Peter Pankhurst at
the Savoy Cabbage and the meal was accompanied by tango played by Tango Jazz
Quartet (from Buenos Aires, Argentina) Continue....
Superb wines get great prices at the
Cape Winemakers Guild Auction We did have a paddle again this year, but
didn't manage to get any wines as the prices achieved were way above what
anyone expected. The auction made R11 815 800 this year, slightly less than last year's total of R11.9 million, but
with a smaller volume as there were 264 fewer cases this year. This means that
the average price per case has increased by 10%, a phenomenal result. It was a
great event and it was quite exciting at times, with records broken on both the
white and red wine prices
CWG Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2012 fetched the highest price
ever paid for a red wine at the auction with a top bid of R12 200 for a six bottle case. AA Badenhorst Family Wines Graniet-Berg 2013
set a new auction record for a white wine with R7 000
for a case of six. More, with photographs....
Da Capo Wines trade tasting Kyle Martin represents five wine farms:
Vondeling, Oak Valley, Blackwater wine, Klein Optenhorst, and Keermont. This
week he held his trade tasting at Dorrance cellar in the centre of Cape Town.
It is in the Heritage Square building and is a working brewery as well as a
winery. It will also soon house a restaurant run by Faisal Khakoo who owns La
Bohème restaurant in Sea Point. Pictures here
A Celebration and an
Ovation Ten years ago. David & Sue Sonnenberg
set up the Thokozani Trust for the Diemersfontein staff. This incredibly
successful BEE initiative started with 35 shareholders, who had to buy their
shares in the Trust. We were at the event held to hand over the initial share
certificates and it was a very emotional occasion. Initially they had 30% share
and now, with support, they have 80% ownership with 20% held by Diemersfontein.
They run the 4 Star cottages, the Conference Centre and the wine brand. The
Directors are nominated by the team. An inspiring story with pictures here
Tasting the stars with Le Lude Six
and a half years ago Nic Barrow, a former Attorney, and his wife Ferda, a High
school teacher, cook and gardener bought this Franschhoek wine farm. It has
taken a long time to get to this day, the launch of their Cap Classique MCC. Catch the story and the wines here
Roses are blooming at Chart Farm and so is the
food Our friend Sandra Engelen who, with her
husband Philip, ran Greyton Lodge and now runs Brooklands House has taken over
the restaurant at Chart Farm in Constantia. We were in the area on Saturday and
popped in for a quick lunch. It was very good. We think you too should go and
try it. The roses are not in bloom yet, but soon will be and the views are
wonderful. See it here
A Real Champagne Experience A
reminder to those of you who love the magic of bubbles. Cape Town's only (real
French) Champagne festival - Wine Concepts “Finer Things in Life” will be held
on Friday 20th of November at the Vineyard Hotel - 6 to 9 pm. For the entrance
price of R400 you can taste 30 cuvees of French Champagne. Houses like Taittinger,
Ayala, Drappier, Laurent Perrier, Nicolas Feuilatte, Montaudon, Jacquart,
Philipponat and many more.. Light snacks will be served throughout the evening
accompanied by live music and entertainment! Fresh oysters and fine chocolates
will be on sale for those who care to indulge. Vintage cars will be on show.
The theme will be Fire & Ice and they encourage attendees to promote the
theme by dressing up, and in so doing stand a chance to win a trip for two in a
chauffeur driven classic Rolls Royce to a fabulous lunch at a prestigious wine
estate for the Best Dressed Couple on the evening. Champagnes tasted on the
evening will be offered at a special discounted price and purchasers will be
eligible to win the grand prize of a weekend for two at a luxury lodge. There
will also be Champagne prizes for lucky-draw ticket holders on the evening! Booking
is essential and tickets can be bought from Wine Concepts stores or from www.webtickets.co.za
We definitely plan to be there.
A Glittering Evening at the Veritas Awards This
huge wine award ceremony is held once a year and this year was again at the
Cape Town International Convention Centre. Several hundred guests pack the
banqueting hall and Black tie formal wear gives us a chance to gussy up in our
finery for a change. More....
Vegans
may now celebrate. Plant is here Vegans and vegetarians get very short
shrift in South Africa. There are even some who regard chicken as a vegetable
in this meat obsessed country. And selections for them in most restaurants are
abysmal. A salad or a plate of steamed vegetables are all they are usually
offered. Today we were invited to Plant restaurant and served a selection of
totally vegan food, full of flavour, spice, texture and enjoyment.
Plant was opened in
the BoKaap a year and a half ago by engineer Adien Aggenbach and her partner Jacqueline
Lahoud. It was such a success that they have now moved to bigger more
accessible premises at 8 Buiten Street, just off Long Street in central Cape Town.
If you are seeking good vegan or vegetarian food this place will be an eye
opener to you and your non vegan
friends. Read and see more...
Coming Events:
OCTOBER
Wednesday 14th October from
17h00 to 19h00 De Trafford will host an informal vertical tasting of Merlot at the cellar,
going back to the maiden vintage. They plan to have a few bottles of selected
vintages for sale so you may leave with something special in hand. There is no
charge, but space is limited, so please confirm attendance by email to info@detrafford.co.za
Thursday, 15th October at 19h00 Top12Wines tastings
series: Organic Whites at
MOLO LOLO LODGE 27 Hudson Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town www.molololo.com R220pp
inclusive of meal & Cheeses from Ile de France The format is as usual, a blind tasting 12 of the best SA
Wines in the category of the day, all winners of awards and top reviews,
competing against the public! You will rank the wines in order of preference,
with old friends and new friends alike. Expect amazing quality wines. Info: +27 81 799
3899 - info@top12wines.com - www.top12wines.com
Thursday, 15th October at 19h00 Top12Wines tastings
series: Riesling at MOLO LOLO LODGE
27 Hudson Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town www.molololo.com R220pp
inclusive of meal & Cheeses from Ile de France The format is as usual, a blind tasting 12 of the best SA
Wines in the category of the day, all winners of awards and top reviews, competing
against the public! You will rank the wines in order of preference, with old
friends and new friends alike. Expect amazing quality wines. Info: +27 81 799
3899 - info@top12wines.com - www.top12wines.com
Friday, 16th to Sunday, 18th October ROBERTSON WINE ON THE RIVER Head for the Banks of the Breede for some fun in the sun. During
the weekend of 16 to 18 October 2015, the banks of the Breede River will come
alive with the annual and ever-popular Robertson Wine on the River – this year
celebrating its 10th anniversary.
The festival will, once again, take place on the picturesque riverside farm,
Goudmyn, situated on the R317 between Robertson and Bonnievale.
Taste in excess of 300 wines from more than 40 wineries, enjoy a
plethora of gastronomic delights and soak up the sultry sounds of live jazz and
blues melodies. Browse and shop at our Robertson Farmers’ market, meander
through the arts and crafts, take a leisurely cruise down the river and enjoy
tutored tastings for which visitors are advised to pre-book in order to avoid
disappointment. For details on these tastings please refer to www.wineonriver.com Robertson Wine on the River offers a wide variety of children’s
activities, making it a truly fabulous family festival. Pensioner prices
are available, with children under 18 years of age entering free of charge, and
children’s activities working on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ system. This makes it
convenient and affordable for the entire family to enjoy this festive affair on
the banks of the Breede River and experience firsthand the hospitality that
this valley is notorious for. Convenient designated parking areas will be
clearly sign-posted en route. For visitors utilising parking areas further
a-field, a shuttle-service will provide transport to and from the festivities. With wines being sold on site at
cellar door prices, Robertson Wine on the River provides the perfect
opportunity to stock up on your favourite Robertson wines, renowned for their
great value, from easy-drinking to top-of-the-range. An exciting new addition
to the festival is the first annual Duck Derby hosted by Sanlam Alternative
Investments in conjunction with Karin’s on Main bed and breakfast in
Bonnievale. The proceeds from this initiative will go towards the
Bonnie-People Project in Bonnievale which assists the inhabitants of the
settlement in building and developing sustainable components within their
community, focusing on the future of their children. This idyllic, open-air spring
festival is not to be missed. So bring your friends and family
along for an extravaganza of fine wine, delectable treats, great music and
complete relaxation amidst a rural ambience of spectacular scenery and warm
sunshine. Please refer to www.wineonriver.co.za for detailed offerings and more information on the festival.
Ticket prices for the festival vary from R80 to R130 for the Saturday and
Sunday, and R160 to R250 for a weekend pass. For full details on the
prices and early bird offers valid until 30 September 2015 please refer to www.webtickets.co.za.
Sunday, 18th October BLAAUWKLIPPEN'S MARKET
DOGGY WALK Another event that started with the
market four years ago, is the Vineyard Doggy Walk. We would like to thank the
Helderberg Animal Welfare Society for supporting us over the years. Bring your
furry friend along on the 18th and join us for our monthly fundraiser. The walk
starts at 10h00 and entry is R20 per person and dog. Newton Theron will be
taking the stage on this day for another vibrant performance. Enquiries
to +27 21 880 0133 www.blaauwklippen.com Blaauwklippen is on the R44 between
Stellenbosch and Somerset West, opposite Techno Park Stellenbosch
Wednesday 21st October 17h00 until 21h00 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 The Table Bay
Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Time. 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. Numbers strictly limited to 400 guests. Bookings open 22nd
September 2015. See more at: http://www.carolineswine.com/annual-white-wine-review-2015#sthash.8ZPJENNP.dpuf
Thursday, 22nd October at 19h00 Top12Wines tastings
series: Whites below R100 at
MOLO LOLO LODGE 27 Hudson Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town www.molololo.com R220pp
inclusive of meal & Cheeses from Ile de France The format is as usual, a blind tasting 12 of the best SA
Wines in the category of the day, all winners of awards and top reviews,
competing against the public! You will rank the wines in order of preference,
with old friends and new friends alike. Expect amazing quality wines. Info: +27 81 799
3899 - info@top12wines.com - www.top12wines.com
Saturday, 24th and Sunday, 25th October Klein Optenhorst will be
hosting its annual Spring Open Garden.
Entrance costs R40 and includes tea and coffee, as well as our famous freshly
made scones served with butter, home-made jam and fresh cream. Tickets are
available at the gate. The new 2013 vintage of Klein Optenhorst Pinot Noir
Méthode Cap Classique will be available for sale by the glass and by the
bottle. The nursery, selling rare and unusual plants that can be seen growing
in the garden will be open on both days. For more information, contact Jenny
Ferreira on 021 864 1210, or email, jenny.ferreira01@gmail.com. Directions to Klein Optenhorst available on www.kleinoptenhorst.com. Time: 9.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday and 9.00am to 4.00pm on
Sunday
Saturday, 24th and Sunday, 25th October NITIDA BRINGS
SCULPTURE TO SEASON OF SAUVIGNON. Season of Sauvignon sets
off a scintillating start to spring with festivities echoing through the
Durbanville Wine Valley. Nitida Wines, renowned for its multi-award winning
Sauvignon Blanc, will be showcasing its debut Sauvignon and Sculpture Season,
celebrating fine art accompanied by fine wine. Iconic
contemporary bronze sculptures by renowned sculptor, Vincent Da Silva, will be
on display. Stripping away the perception of the subject, Da Silva aims to echo
the raw essence expressed in his subjects by portraying an abstract quality of
their accentuated natural movement and inherent grace. The family friendly
festivities will be taking place outside Tables@Nitida, with its natural
outdoor amphitheatre and lush lawn, ideal for a day of relaxation, fine wine,
good music, art and slow food; and a dedicated
children’s play area that will keep the little
ones well entertained. An array of artisanal eats will be on sale, including
Table’s salad and wrap bar with a vast selection of fresh ingredients from the
harvest, the legendary slow roast pork belly sandwich, gourmet burgers and, for
the kids, anything from pancakes and lollies to burgers and hotdogs. Local
rock-and-roll band, Back On Track, will add some jubilant ambience,
entertaining guests with their contemporary, up-tempo tracks. Nitida wines and an exciting Sauvignon Blanc Sangria will be
available for purchase at the festival. Wine tasting will take place
exclusively at the tasting room. Look out for Nitida’s elegant new
labels debuting at this year’s Seasons. Cassia and
Tables@Nitida will trade as normal for those who prefer a sit-down meal.
Reservations are essential. Entrance to the festival
is free. For more information, kindly contact 021 976 1467 or
visit www.nitida.co.za. For reservations at Cassia contact 021 976 0640, and
for reservations at Tables@Nitida contact 021 975 9357
Sunday, 25th October BLAAUWKLIPPEN'S MARKET OCTOBERFEST will be another special event, with all
traders decorating their stalls and food traders including delicious German
delicacies on their menus. The popular Flamkuchen Girls will be around with
some traditional 'spritzer' drinks and music will be provided by the Cape's
premium Oompah band, The Songscape Beerfest Band. So make sure to join us for
an exciting Octoberfest with a Blaauwklippen twist! Enquiries to +27 21
880 0133 www.blaauwklippen.com Blaauwklippen is on the R44
between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, opposite Techno Park Stellenbosch
Learn about wine and cooking We receive a lot of enquiries from
people who want to learn more about wine. Cathy
Marston and The Cape
Wine Academy both run wine education courses, some very
serious and others more geared to fun. You can see details of Cathy’s WSET and other courses here and here and the CWA courses here. Karen Glanfield has taken over
the UnWined
wine appreciation courses from Cathy. See the details here
The Hurst Campus, an accredited school for people who want to become
professional chefs, has a variety of courses. See the details here
In addition to his
Sense
of Taste Culinary Arts School, Chef Peter Ayub runs a
four module course for keen home cooks at his Maitland complex. Details
here
Nadège Lepoittevin-Dasse has French cooking classes in Noordhoek
and conducts cooking tours to Normandy. You can see
more details here
Emma Freddi runs
the Enrica Rocca cooking courses at her
home in Constantia
Nicolette van
Niekerk runs baking courses at La Petite Patisserie in Montague
Gardens
George Jardine
will be running a series of winter cooking courses and other activities at
Jordan. Details here
14th October 2015
PS If a word or name is in bold type and underlined,
click on it for more information
Phones: +27 21 439 3169 / 083 229 1172 / 083 656
4169
Postal address: 60 Arthurs Rd, Sea Point 8005
Our Adamastor
& Bacchus© tailor-made Wine, Food and Photo tours take
small groups (up to 6) to specialist wine producers who make the best of South
Africa’s wines. Have fun while you learn more about wine and how it is made!
Tours can be conducted in English, German, Norwegian and standard or Dutch-flavoured
Afrikaans.
If you like the photographs you see in our publications,
please look at our Adamastor
Photo website for our
rate card and samples from our portfolio
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Recommendations
of products and outside events are not solicited or
charged for, and are made at the authors’ pleasure. All photographs, recipes and text used in these
newsletters and our blogs are © John & Lynne Ford,
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