As the slow season starts, inviting us to slacken our pace a little, La Motte Wine Estate is delighted to introduce the recently released 2019 vintage of La Motte Syrah – a wine that, right on theme, loves to linger. Slow out of the blocks during the picking season, the grapes for the 2019 La Motte Syrah originate exclusively from vineyards on the Franschhoek estate. Between 10 and 30 years old, the vineyards grow in a variety of soil profiles from sandstone and granite origin – heavier textured against the mountain slopes and sandier, well-drained in the valley. Different clones and microcl ..read more

Ten years after opening the iconic Chefs Warehouse & Canteen on Cape Town’s Bree Street – the maverick restaurant that brought the irresistible blend of high quality global tapas, relaxed dining and urban swag to Cape Town -- Liam Tomlin will bring back the beloved original along with two other new and dynamic concepts at 91 Bree Street, the current location of Tomlin’s three-story operation, The Bailey. The new Chefs Warehouse & Canteen will be joined by Merchant, a restaurant that heroes local producers, and Room 91, a chic indoor-outdoor events space for private and business fun ..read more

Winemakers from South Africa’s premier cool-climate winemaking region of Durbanville will unveil the latest vintage of its collaborative Sauvignon Blanc within days – and it’s a keeper! As with its previous two iterations, the 2024 Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc pooled the champion talents of the region’s renowned wine growers and winemakers. As such, it has become a South African super Sauvignon Blanc with the 2024 release raising the bar yet again. An optimal growing season ahead of harvest ensured fruit was at its very best. In turn, the wine not only shines immediately when poured but w ..read more

The Bistro at Brookdale Estate will be celebrating moms with Mother’s Day lunch in the Paarl Winelands on Sunday, 12 May 2024. Unlike most other restaurants offering set menus or buffets on Mother’s Day, the Bistro at Brookdale will present its popular a la carte menu to give diners the opportunity to choose their favourite dishes from the current seasonal menu, before Chef Gary Coetzee launches his new winter menu on 14 May 2024. On arrival, toast Mom with a complimentary glass of the Serendipity Rosé, a delicious salmon-coloured rosé with aromas of cherries, strawberries and passion fruit ..read more

Franschhoek Wine Valley, renowned as South Africa's culinary capital, proudly announces its EAT SLEEP DRINK initiative in proud partnership with Dineplan. As the name suggests, this is the chance to revel in all three pillars that define the lifestyle offering of this magnificent stretch of the Cape Winelands. For epicureans indulging in the region's exquisite wines and culinary delights, the chance to extend their experience with discounted stays presenting an unmissable opportunity for all South African residents. In another exciting first for Franschhoek and as part of their growing po ..read more

Meerendal has revealed that there is a very special single row of Old Vines of Muscat d’ Alexandria next to the cellar. They have established the age of the wines to be close to 90 years, from looking back on photos in the Archives in Cape Town. Planted in circa 1936, SAWIS (SA Wine Information Service) is currently finalising it for certification, after which we will register them with the Old Vine Project. There are 25 vines and Rosa Kruger from the Old Vines Project, assisted last year to prune them to perfection! And the vines performed accordingly to give a good harvest in 2024. The ..read more

Housed in what was once the farm’s original stables, Die Stalle Spa first opened in 2021 after a dramatic transformation of these heritage buildings by architect Tiaan Meyer and acclaimed interior designer Liam Mooney. It was an immediate success. “As the only destination wellness spa in the Breedekloof, just three years after opening the growing demand from local residents, tourists and overnight guests demanded a rethink. We knew we needed to expand,” explains Carlen Vorster, CEO of Hospitality & Marketing for BOSJES. “We have seen a particular demand for small groups wanting to enjoy ..read more

Since opening in Franschhoek four years ago, Ōku, has risen to become the destination of choice for exquisite Southeast Asian specialities. Now, it adds to the attraction with extended lunchtime hours and a significant addition to its menu options. Situated in Heritage Square off the village main road, the eatery is the epitome of its name. Ōku is Japanese for oak, a majestic species that like Southeast Asian culture evokes a deep sense of history and spirituality. In addition to serving finely crafted dishes, the restaurant’s appeal has been that each plate stands out on the backdr ..read more

Grape stomping, live music, yummy food, games..and of course, plenty of WINE! Klein Roosboom Boogie in the Barrels is the one harvest celebration you do not want to miss! Date: 21 March Time:11h00 - 16h00 Cost: R195pp Where: Klein Roosboom, Tygerberg Valley Rd, Durbanville, Cape Town, 7551 Tickets here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/205993-boogie-in-the-barrels-harvest-celebration/?ref=events-list ..read more

Escape to the Paarl winelands to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s dinner at the Bistro at Brookdale Estate. Couples are invited to book their table for 2 on Wednesday 14 February, with a choice of seating in the air-conditioned restaurant, or on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.   Celebrate sunset on arrival with a complimentary glass of Mason Road Serendipity Rosé, a delicious salmon-coloured rosé with aromas of cherries, strawberries and passion fruit.   Chef Gary Coetzee and his team will present their seasonal a la carte menu, which includes light, summer dishes such as Char-gr ..read more