Attention all you wine aficionados, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs alike! The 13th of March is fast approaching, and you know what that means – it’s time to raise a glass in honor of International Riesling Day. Whether you’re a seasoned Riesling aficionado or a curious newcomer to the world of wine, this is a day worth celebrating! But first, let’s talk Riesling. Ah, Riesling – the versatile grape varietal that has captured the hearts and palates of wine lovers around the globe. Riesling, often hailed as the “queen of white grapes,” boasts a rich and storied history dating back centuries. Origi ..read more

Savoring the Sparkle: A Journey through South African MCC in the Heart of the Cape Winelands Calling all wine enthusiasts, especially those with a penchant for the finer things in life! Today, we embark on a delightful exploration into the world of Méthode Cap Classique (MCC), a sparkling gem hailing from the illustrious vineyards of South Africa’s Cape Winelands. Prepare your senses for a symphony of effervescence and charm as we uncover the essence of South African MCC, affectionately known as the Cape’s sparkling treasure. Haute Cabriere South African MCC Picture yourself nestled in the e ..read more

Swartland Splendor Welcome back, wine adventurers! We’ve bid adieu to the charming vineyards of Franschhoek ( To recap see our Must visit Wineries in Franschoek here ) and now find ourselves amidst the rugged beauty of the Swartland region in South Africa. A South African Wine Region known for its bold wines and pioneering winemakers, Swartland beckons with promises of discovery and delight. So, grab your corkscrew and let’s dive into the must-visit wineries of this wild wine frontier! Sadie Family Wines: Our journey begins with a visit to Sadie Family Wines, where the illustrious Eben Sadie ..read more

Gather ’round, fellow wine aficionados! As we approach the revered International Syrah Day on the 16th of February, it’s time to uncork the rich history and tantalizing differences between two beloved varietals: Syrah and Shiraz. So, let’s pour ourselves a glass of liquid poetry and embark on a journey through the vineyards of time. Let’s dive right in and explore the connection between Syrah and Shiraz. Syrah and Shiraz are essentially two names for the same grape variety. Think of them like siblings who grew up in different places but share the same genetic makeup. Syrah, hailing from the Rh ..read more

Ah, wine – the nectar of the gods, or as we like to call it, the reason my dinner parties are so legendary. But today, my fellow Australian vino aficionados, we’re venturing beyond our famed Shiraz and Chardonnay shores to the ruggedly beautiful landscapes of South Africa, where wine isn’t just a beverage; it’s a saga written in vines and bottled under skies as vast as the history it carries. Let’s rewind the clocks to the 17th century when the Dutch landed on the Cape of Good Hope, not just to spice up their maritime routes but unwittingly to plant the seed for South Africa’s wine odyssey ..read more

Grab your glasses, because we’re about to embark on a vine-twisting journey through the lush vineyards of South Africa. Why, you ask? Well, the South African wine industry just blew out 365 candles on its birthday cake this February, and what’s a birthday without a bit of storytelling and a few glasses of the good stuff? The Grape Beginnings: How it All Started Picture this: 1655, the Dutch East India Company is looking for a pit stop for their spice traders. Enter Jan van Riebeeck, surgeon, part-time gardener, and unknowingly, future wine legend. He plants the first vineyards at the Cape of G ..read more

Do you remember when the sunsets painted the South African skies in hues of gold, and life was a tapestry woven with carefree laughter and the comforting embrace of familiar flavors? As a South African now calling Australia home, join us in a stroll down memory lane, where each sip of Tassenberg, Old Brown Sherry, Chateau Libertas, JC le Roux, and Pongracz not only captures the taste of South Africa but the moments that made us who we are. Do you remember when Tassenberg was more than a wine; it was a companion to your adventures? Picture the simplicity of those days, where a bottle of Tassies ..read more

The wine world is a realm where tales of passion, dedication, and innovation interlace to craft liquid poetry in a bottle. Among the constellation of prestigious South African wineries, one gem that glimmers brightly is Sadie Family Wines, a beacon of excellence nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Swartland region. Embark with us on a journey through the history, accolades, and the masterful winemaker behind this celebrated label. Sadie Family Wines Vineyards History: The Sadie Family Wines are some of the finest currently made in South Africa. Eben Sadie has earned his reputation as an i ..read more

Rust en Vrede Wine Estate, nestled in the heart of the Stellenbosch region in South Africa, is a name synonymous with excellence in winemaking. With a rich history dating back to 1694, this iconic winery has consistently produced some of the country’s finest wines. The official date on the Title Deed of Rust en Vrede Wine Estate is March 12th, 1694. The property was granted by the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel and the Cape Dutch buildings on the property date back to 1780. Today, these historic buildings all have National Monument status. Rust en Vrede Estate These building are us ..read more

Home of Pierre Jourdan – Where great wines are grown Haute Cabrière’s commitment to family, quality and innovation has resulted in a name known as much for the warm and welcoming atmosphere, as for the iconic red and white crest of their founding family. Haute Cabriere Crest Haute Cabrière. Haute: a word denoting the highest pinnacle of an art form. At Haute Cabrière the meaning is two-fold: high-quality wines produced high up on the Franschhoek Pass, where the iconic winery is situated. Of German descent, the von Arnims are renowned for their pioneering spirit and innovative approach to win ..read more