Remember, remember the 5th November…but do it with champagne pops rather than fireworks…it sounds so much better anyway. Here’s my weekly round-up of awesomeness:
published on: 07 November 2014

Top Event this week:
Rooiberg celebrated 50 years with an all-out birthday extravaganza at their winery in Robertson. The theme was red and white and no expense was spared on the decor, canapés by Bourbon Street and of course the wine. Their 50th bash coincided with the release of their brand new MCC Brut (R145) with a shiny black label and red ribbon top minus the foil – a look that a lot of consumers like these days.

We stayed at Orange Grove Farm which has a number of self-catering cottages. Ours was Longlands which can sleep 4 people but I’d go as a couple because it’s utterly romantic (private pool, sweeping valley views, outdoor shower etc).Top Wine this week:

Kranskop Chardonnay 2012 is a R55 revelation. Tasted at the bi-annual Celebration of Chardonnay held at the De Wetshof Estate in Robertson, this wine took many of us by surprise and I can guarantee that it’s going to be snapped up at that price point.

Other Chardonnays that were mind-blowing were the Richard Kershaw 2012 – it comes with a hefty price tag that makes me balk but it really is super yummy. Long time favourite Groot Constantia 2012 once again wowed and it is by far the best Chardonnay to come out of the Constantia region.

Top Dish this week:

More like dishes. Invited for a Pinot Noir tasting with the legendary Jan Boland Coetzee at Vriesenhof winery, lunch was a smorgasbord of braaied game meat, salads and salmon.

If you haven’t been to the farm, you’re missing out. Stunning oak trees shade the tasting room and the view of the Helderberg Mountains is fabulous.

You must try:

Leopard’s Leap tasting menu – six wines in the Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Collection, each paired with an example of an ideal food partner – now that sounds like time well spent.

It’s a cooperation between Leopard’s Leap’s Chef, Pieter de Jager and Cellar master, Eugene van Zyl, the pairing is very informative and while providing guests with the knowledge required for future food and wine choices, the experiences is interactive and entertaining. It only takes place on a Friday at 12pm and costs R120pp