I purchased this wine at Delaire Graff Wine Estate (South Africa) a few months ago and decided to save it for a special occasion to share with family and friends, and Christmas Day is the day! I was also told that this is a staff favorite. This is a wine that feels like a special […]
Wine Review: Delaire Graff – Cabernet Franc Rosé 2021 Read More »
South African viticulturists and producers are predicting a smaller 2023 wine grape crop following a “healthy, yet dry season.” This is the second consecutive year the grape crop is expected to be lower than the previous year, after 2022’s challenging harvest due to the uprooting of vineyards causing a decline in the overall vineyard area.
South African viticulturists predict a smaller 2023 harvest Read More »
Stellenbosch Wine Routes will hold its inaugural “Sommelier Bootcamp” this September, in a bid to educate wine professionals about the region’s terroir. There will be an intensive five-day course aimed at sommeliers, hospitality professionals and wine media across South Africa with the aim is to immerse participants in the stories of the region and enlist
Stellenbosch “Sommelier Bootcamp” Launches September Read More »
History The estate was founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel. Simon brought with him a sound knowledge of viticulture. In 1982 John Platter (wine writer) purchased the estate which was then known as Avontuur. Looking at the magnificent view, John decided to rename the wine farm Delaire Estate, meaning “From the Sky”. Laurence
Delaire Graff Estate, South Africa – Part ll Wine Tasting Read More »
I recently had the distinct pleasure of having a personal tour of Laurence Graff’s private villa also known as “Owner’s Villa” at Delaire Graff Estate. The Owners Villa is also available to rent out (by application) if available for $25,000 USD/night. The estate is anchored on the vineyard slopes of Botmanskop, high above the Helshoogte
Delaire Graff Estate, Stellenbosch, South Africa – Part 1 The Owner’s Villa Read More »
Andre Morgenthal, Project Manager of the Old Vine Project (South Africa) give a brief overview of the Old Vine Project, and we taste six wines from The Certified Heritage Vineyards. What a great experience! This unique initiative aims to preserve old vines in South Africa and was launched by consultant vineyard manager, Rosa Kruger in
Andre Morgenthal, Old Vine Project – South Africa Read More »
This week I’m staying at The Oude Werf Hotel, which is in the heart of the Winelands, in Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is surrounded by the picturesque vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the mountains of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa, dating back to 1679. The town has oak-lined streets
The Oude Werf Hotel, Stellenbosch, South Africa Read More »
I’m so happy to be back in South Africa and to re-visit Holden Manz Wine Estate. My last visit was four years ago, and I was very impressed back then.……..and now more impressed! Holden Manz Wine Estate is located in Franschhoek Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and two rivers. Here I found a bit of
Holden Manz Wine Estate, Franschhoek [South Africa] Read More »
On Sunday evening, invited international judges attended a “Welcome Party” to kick off the 26th Michelangelo International Wine + Spirits Competition at the beautiful Lourensford Wine Estate, South Africa. This year’s Michelangelo judges line-up include: Otto Batzer, Austria; Georgi Mihov, Bulgaria; Liz Palmer, Dame Chevalier de Coteaux de Champagne from Canada; Karel Novotný, Czech Republic;
Welcome Event: Michelangelo International Wine + Spirits Competition, South Africa Read More »
The South African wine industry is making a comeback after facing serious challenges the past two years. There was a distinct silver lining when wine exports recovered to a healthy“volume of 388 million litres, which amounted to R10.2-billion” according to a statement by Wines of South Africa. There was a strong demand from UK, US and
South Africa’s Wine Exports Bounce Back After Two Years Read More »
