The Great Wine Capitals Global Network is a network of nine major global cities in both the Southern and Northern hemispheres which share a key economic and cultural asset: their internationally renowned wine regions. One of the cornerstones of the Networks’ mission is the development of wine tourism across the Network. To promote wine tourism and reward excellence the Network established an international tourism awards program in which wineries can be judged in different categories. These are: Accommodation; Wine Tourism Restaurants; Architects and Landscapes; Art and Culture; Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences; Wine Tourism Services and Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices.

The motivation to offer the Best of Wine Tours (or farm trips) to Best of Wine Tourism Awards entrants was twofold: firstly, to reach a different audience as opposed to traditional media in order to create awareness of the Best of Wine Tourism Awards and Great Wine Capitals.

Secondly, to alert wineries to the existence of this initiative, and to the value and promotional opportunities it offers, not only through possibly winning a category, but also the extended exposure via social media. These WOSA tours are unique to South Africa in the Network context and were met with applause by Cape Town’s counterparts at the CWCGN AGM last year.

Lynne and The Green Cab

The Green Cab Company was the tour transporter, an eco-innovation company which provides South Africa’s first cost-effective, aggressively green transport solution. They do this by utilising Liquified Petroleum Gas and BioDiesel.

Waterkloof Restaurant

Our first visit was to Waterkloof Wines, where the restaurant, tasting lounge and cellar are perched dizzily on the slopes of the Schaapenberg overlooking False Bay. The quality of wines here set an impossibly high standard to copy and were loved by each of us in the tour group. This farm has so much going for it not the least the fact that farming operations are bio-dynamic. I can’t wait to return to Waterkloof.

Panoramic views from Waterkloof restaurant

Hard at work - Jan Langenhoven, Di Procter, Kitty Snyman, Glenda van Blerk and Carla van der Merwe

Vergelegen Estate, Somerset West, welcomed us next in the form of wine host, Arnoux who outshone the other wine presenters of the day by far. He was passionate, engaging, knowledgeable and never in a rush to go and pour wine at the next table. Quite the opposite. He remained our host for our whole visit. Vergelegen offers innovative wine experiences and the “Camellia Inspired Tasting” was presented to us where four wines were thoughtfully paired with four Camellia blossoms. Vergelegen Estate has much to offer the visitor apart from award-winning wines. Things like garden tours, restaurants, picnics, barrel tastings, environmental walks and full moon vineyard walks.

Vergelegen Camellia Tasting

National Monument Camphor Trees

Our next wine tasting was at Rust en Vrede, Stellenbosch. What stands out about their wines is that they must have huge appeal for the wine collector who is purchasing wines to lay them down as they clearly need much time in the bottle to reach their full potential. Our wine presenter certainly knew her lines but seemed to lack interest and personal charisma.

Rust en Vrede

When I learned that tour lunch stop would be at Spier’s new organic food restaurant Eight, I was curious and excited. Our group was not disappointed – each dish ordered was delicious and of the highest quality plus Spier Private Collection Chenin Blanc was loved by all. Sitting close to the Eerste River in the beautiful Winter sunshine was such a treat. To get a feel for the light, airy feel of the setting, visit Eight’s Facebook page here. Spier offers many different attractions for visitors of all ages and backgrounds and deserves a place in the GWCGN hall of fame.

Eight at Spier

The open kitchen at Eight

Gershwin serving our table

The “dessert” stop was at The House of J C Le Roux for a sparkling wine, marshmallow and meringue pairing featuring five sparkling wines. Certainly innovative in their approach, the tasting room setting and products will be popular with trendy, Generation Y wine lovers.

The House of J C Le Roux

Sparkling wine, marshmallow and meringue tasting

Finally let me introduce my travel companions:

Kitty Snyman of Rufaro Travel. Twitter @kitty_rufaro

Carla Van Der Merwe of Wine.co.za. Twitter  @carla_wino

Di Procter, writer of Wineblog-diana. Twitter @DiProc

Jan Langenhoven, writer of Tappets On The Run. Twitter @JanTappets

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Cape Winemakers Guild Auction

This year’s Guild Platter 5-star wines, Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Auction Reserve 2007 and the acclaimed white blend, Steenberg Vineyards The Magus 2009, are amongst the 19 Platter 5-star wines crafted by members of the Cape Winemakers Guild listed in the 2011 guide.

Etienne le Riche, legendary Cabernet Sauvignon specialist and founder member of the Cape Winemakers Guild, hand selected the grapes personally from one of his prime vineyard sites for his 5-star wine which spent 24 months in new French Oak barrels. He describes the wine as vibrant with fresh, ripe cherry fruitiness and well integrated classic spiciness. The “classy” palate is full and rich, supported by a firm yet fine tannin structure ending in a long finish. This wine fetched on average R3 500 a case of six at the Guild auction.

John Loubser’s renowned white blend of Sauvignon blanc and Semillon was fermented separately in old French oak barrels to capture maximum fruit whilst lees contact for eight weeks enhanced the mouth-feel. Wild and herbaceous with piercing mineral notes, this wine is a true reflection of cool terroir and will age wonderfully with careful cellaring. Its full, vibrant palate with hints of passion fruit and tangerine is elegantly balanced by subtle smokiness. Steenberg Vineyards The Magus 2009 went under the hammer at an average price of R1 400 a case of six at the Guild Auction.

Herewith the full list of 19 5-star wines made by Guild members featured in the 2011 Platter’s South African Wine Guide:

Etienne Le Riche

Cabernet Sauvignon
· Boekenhoutskloof 2008 (Winemaker: Marc Kent)
· Kanonkop 2007 (Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar)
· Le Riche CWG Auction Reserve 2007 (Winemaker: Etienne le Riche)
Grenache
· Neil Ellis Vineyard Selections 2008 (Winemaker: Neil Ellis)
Pinotage
· Beyerskloof Diesel 2008 (Winemaker: Beyers Truter)
Shiraz
· De Trafford 2008 (Red Wine of the Year) (Winemaker: David Trafford)
· Haskell Pillars 2008 (Winemaker: Rianie Strydom)
· Rijk’s Private Cellar 2005 (Winemaker: Pierre Wahl)
Red Blends
· Ernie Els Signature 2007 (Winemaker: Louis Strydom)
· Graham Beck Ad Honorem 2007 (Winemaker: Pieter Ferreira)
· Hartenberg The Mackenzie 2007 (Winemaker: Carl Schultz)
· Spier Frans K. Smit 2006 (Winemaker: Frans Smit)
Sauvignon Blanc
· Graham Beck Pheasants’ Run 2010 (Winemaker: Pieter Ferreira)
Chardonnay
· Groot Constantia Gouverneurs 2009 (Winemaker: Boela Gerber)
White Blends
· Cape Point Isliedh 2009 (Winemaker: Duncan Savage)
· Steenberg Magna Carta 2009 (Winemaker: John Loubser)
· Steenberg CWG Auction Reserve The Magus 2009 (Winemaker: John Loubser)
Méthode Cap Classique
· Villiera Monro Brut 2005 (Winemaker: Jeff Grier)
Port
· Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2008 (Winemaker: Carel Nel)

The Cape Winemakers Guild comprises some of South Africa’s most respected winemakers with the single minded vision to elevate the standing of the South African wine industry amongst the world’s best through their ongoing dedication to the production of world-class, quality wines.

For the comprehensive list of all of the 5 star wines visit wine.co.za.

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The Stables Wine Estate Airport Cellar

the art King Shaka International Airport in Durban. This exciting innovation by Tiny and Judy van Niekerk, owners of The Stables Wine Estate, offers travelers to Durban a full bar service from 05h00 until 22h00 each day. About 14 different wines are available by the glass as are beers, spirits, tea, coffee and water. Producers represented range from Solms Delta, Spier, Springfield and Saronsberg to Cederberg, Cabriere and Cape Point Vineyards.

The enthusiastic, helpful and knowledgeable manager of the wine bar is Vuyo Charles. When I asked him how he became a wine aficionado, Vuyo related to his five year stint as bartender in Knysna. He endured the “boring entry level duties” of serving beers. Then, wanting more, he progressed to learning about and serving coffee and cocktails before becoming a wine steward. When The Stables Airport Cellar opened prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Vuyo applied for a position and rapidly was promoted to manager. Vuyo loves the challenge and constantly increases his wine knowledge and tasting experience.  His favourite wine style is rose and he recommends The Stables Zambezi Pink2006. Champagne is a fascination of Vuyo’s and because he has a bit of a sweet tooth prefers a semi-sweet Methode cap classique.

The Van Niekerks established 27 ha of vines in Nottingham Road and in Greyton, KwaZulu-Natal to pioneer grape production in the

Manager, Vuyo Charles and Abigail Radebe

province. The farm is set on the site of a former thoroughbred stud and boasts views of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Mountains. In 2005 The Wine and Spirit Board of South Africa designated the area as a Wine of Origin Geographical Unit and in 2006 the first certified KwaZulu-Natal wine of origin was released.

The question we must ask though is: The Natalians may beat the Western Province at playing rugby but can they compete at wine-making?

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CWG Flagstone Love Handles 2004

Here’s the chance for Cape Town and Joberg wine aficionados to sample informally, the best that South Africa can offer as well as chat to the winemakers themselves.

The CWG consists of  only 41 South African winemakers who have to craft two wines a year which are peer reviewed and qualified to be sold on the CWG Auction. The guild funds from this auction, social development investment for school children in the wineland areas and further education through the Protege Programme.

The events also offer a chance to bid on a silent auction of rare signed bottles of CWG wines from previous auctions.

The details are here:

Cape Town Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Showcase

Thursday, 12 August 2010

Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)

18:00 – 21:00

R150 per person including a tasting glass

Johannesburg Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Showcase

Thursday, 02 September 2010

The Atrium, Nedbank Sandton

18:30 – 21:30

R150 per person including a tasting glass

The auction itself takes place on Saturday, 02 October at 09h00 at Spier Conference Centre in the Stellenbosch Winelands and is open to the public. To purchase your tickets to the Auction Showcases or to find out how you can obtain these rare and exclusive wines visit: www.capewinemakersguild.com, email info@capewinemakersguild.com or call Tel: +27 +21 852 0408.

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Beating the Australians hands down, South Africa came sixth overall after Chili, earning 80 medals. The winning country was France, followed by Spain, Italy, Portugal and Chili. 7,000 Wines and spirits were judged.

Here are South Africas winners -

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

Grand Gold Medals

Engelbrecht Els 2007

Spier Private Collection Chenin Blanc 2008

Gold Medals

Almenkerk Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Backsberg Pumphouse Shiraz 2007

Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2009

Boschendal Sauvignon Blanc Grand Cuvee 2009

Douglas Green Chenin Blanc 2009

Drostdy-Hof Chardonnay 2009

Ernie Els 2006

Douglas Green Chardonnay 2009

Drostdy-Hof Chardonnay 2009

Fairhills Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2009

Fairview Primo Pinotage 2008

Grande Provence Chardonnay 2008

Grande Provence Shiraz 2007

Guardian Peak Lapa Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Hartenberg Chardonnay 2008

Kaapzicht Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Kaapzicht Steytler Pinotage 2007

KWV 10 Year Old Potstill Brandy

KWV 20 Year Old Potstill Brandy

La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Linton Park Proprietor’s Reserve Shiraz 2007

Mont Rochelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Oude Meester Demant

Ridgeback Journey 2005

Riebeek Cellars Reserve Chenin Blanc 2009

Riebeek Cellars Reserve Shiraz 2007

Rust en Vrede Shiraz 2007

Saronsberg Shiraz 2007

Spice Route Chakalaka 2008

Spice Route Flagship Syrah 2007

Stormhoek Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Leopard Frog Vineyards Tantra 2005

KWV The Mentors Canvas 2008

KWV The Mentors Orchestra 2008

KWV The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009

Distell Three Ships Aged 5 Years

Distell Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish

Distell Three Ships Select

Van Ryn’s 15 Year Old Fine Cask Reserve

Van Ryn’s 20 Year Old Collectors Reserve

Villiera Traditional Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2009

Fairview Shiraz 2008

Hartenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009

La Motte Chardonnay 2008

Lourensford Winemaker’s Selection Chardonnay 2009

Naledi Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Nederburg Viognier Chardonnay 2009

Remhoogte Estate Wine 2006

Ridgeback Shiraz 2007

Rust en Vrede 1694

Rust en Vrede Single Vineyard Syrah  2007

Saronsberg Chardonnay 2008

Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz 2007

Spice Route Malabar 2006

Spier Creative Block 2009

Spier Private Collection Chardonnay 2008

Spier Private Collection Pinotage 2007

Spier Private Collection Syrah 2007

Stormhoek Pinotage 2009

KWV The Mentors Petit Verdot 2008

KWV The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Silver Medals

Boland Cellar Reserve No 1 2007

Boland Cabernet Reserve 2007

Boschendal 1685 Shiraz 2008

Boschendal Grand Cuvee Brut 2006

Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Chardonnay 2008

Cederberg Sauvignon Blan c 2009

Cirrus  Ernie Els Wines 2007

Boland Cellar Reserve No 1 2007

Boland Cabernet Reserve 2007

Boschendal 1685 Shiraz 2008

Boschendal Grand Cuvee Brut 2006

Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Chardonnay 2008

Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Cirrus  Ernie Els Wines 2007

Distell Collison’s White Gold

Douglas Green Chardonnay 2009

Fairhills Cabernet Sauvignon – Petit Verdot 2009

Fairview Primo Pinotage 2008

Grande Provence Chardonnay 2008

Grande Provence Shiraz 2007

Guardian Peak Lapa Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Hartenberg Chardonnay 2008

Kaapzicht Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Kaapzicht Steytler Pinotage 2007

KWV 10 Year old Potstill Brandy

KWV 20 Year old Potstill Brandy

La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2009

La Motte Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Linton Park Proprietor’s Reserve Shiraz 2007

Mont Rochelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Distell Nachtmusik

Oude Meester Demant

Ridgeback Journey 2005

Riebeek Cellars Reserve Chenin Blanc 2009

Riebeek Cellars Reserve Shiraz 2007

Rust en Vrede Shiraz 2007

Saronsberg Shiraz 2007

Spice Route Chakalaka 2008

Spice Route Flagship Syrah 2007

Stormhoek Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Leopard Frog Vineyards Tantra 2005

KWV The Mentors Canvas 2008

KWV The Mentors Orchestra 2008

KWV The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009

Distell Three Ships Aged 5 Years

Distell Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish

Distell Three Ships Select

Van Ryn’s 15 Year Old Fine Cask Reserve

Van Ryn’s 20 Year Old Collectors Reserve

Villiera Traditional Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2009

For the complete list of all the winners  click here.

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Gary Vaynerchuk

Wine educator and wine critic, Gary Vaynerchuk is also referred to as “the first wine guru of the YouTube era” and “aside from Robert Parker, the most influential wine critic in the United States.” He started Wine Library TV (WLTV or The Thunder Show) in 2006 and produces his daily podcasts from Monday to Friday each week. The show is watched by an estimated 90,000 people.

The wines tasted on this show are Sizanani 2008, from Bellvue Estate, Stellenbosch;  Savanah Steen 2008 which is part of Spier and Teddy Hall Chenin blanc 2009 which is  presumeably part of the Moments collection.

With his inimitable passion and conviction Gary tastes and rates the wines using the 100 point scale.

Sizanani 2008 initially scored 59/100 but was down-graded to 55/100. Gary declared the wine to be “Awful. Really bad. Thin, disjointed like bad water with topsoil”.

Savanah Steen 2008 scored the best getting 89/100 with it’s aromatic flavours and similarity to Pinot Grigot.

Teddy Hall 2009 was Gary’s favourite in the lineup because of it’s green vegetable character. He scored it 82/100 thinking that not everyone would be attracted to the almost New Zealand Sauvignon blanc style.

Follow this link to enjoy the show yourself.

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Amongst the top ten best Chardonnays of the world are wines from France, Greece, Austria, Spain, Germany, Canada and South Africa, the only new world wine producer to be included in this elite group. Our best Chardonnay on this list is Lourensford Winemaker’s Selection Chardonnay 2009.

CHARDONNAY DU MONDE 2010

Also winning a gold medal is The Abacus Chardonnay – True to Terroir 2008 made by Spier Wines.

Silver Medal winners are:

Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Chardonnay 2008

Spier Private Collection Chardonnay 2008

Tokara Reserve Collection – Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2008

Riebeek Cellars Chardonnay 2009

Glen Carlou Chardonnay 2008

Eikendal Chardonnay 2009

Durbanville Hills Chardonnay 2009

Danie De Wet Limestone Hill Chardonnay 2009

De Wetshof Estate Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2009

Graham Beck Brut Blanc de Blancs 2009

Bronze medal winners:

Stellenbosch Drive Chardonnay 2009

Moreson Blanc de Blancs Brut Methode Cap Classique Solitaire

De Wetshof Estate Finesse Chardonnay 2008

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It takes a special kind of passion for wine, and a determination to keep sourcing, selecting and blending to come up with exceptional ranges of premium wines at the right prices. All the fantastic awards we have won this year show that Woolworths is fortunate to be in partnership with excellent winemakers who are as excited about innovation and quality as we are.

Platter’s South African Wines 2010 – 5 Star – Superlative – A cape classic award 

Limited Release Pinotage Diemersfontein 2008

Woolworths Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Limited Release Spectrum TMV 2008 – Tulbagh Mountain Vineyards

Limited Release Cape Point Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Jordan Cobbler’s Hill 2005

Veritas Double Gold award 

Woolworths True To Terroir The Hutton Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Woolworths Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007

Veritas Gold award 

Woolworths True To Terroir Koffie Klip Merlot 2007

Woolworths True To Terroir and Abacus Chardonnay 2008

Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show “Best Chenin Blanc” and “Best Overall White Wine” 

Woolworths True to Terroir The Hutton Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Woolworths Limited Release Chenin Blanc – Simonsig 2008

Michelangelo Awards Competition – Gold medals 

1500 Wines from 263 producers were judged and Woolworths wines garnered the following accolades:

Woolworths Simonsvlei Hercules Paragon Shiraz 2006

Limited Release Diemersfontein Pinotage 2008

Ladybird Red

Of these wines nine are approved by Biodiversity in Wine initiative – BWI. This is a partnership between the South African Wine industry industry and the conservation sector having the goals to minimise the further loss of threatened natural habitat, and to contribute to sustainable wine production, through the adoption of biodiversity guidelines by the South African Wine industry. These wines carry the BWI label which depicts a sugar bird on a protea blossom.

Tasting notes on all of these wines are available on request – simply use the comments field to ask.

These wines are readily available at any Woolworths store throughout South Africa as well as on the website www.woolworths.co.za

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