WeeklySA_AdminSELECTION: Two public tastings to be held at the group’s premier hotels in Johannesburg and Durban end of April and May …
By Len Maseko
Two major wine tasting events to showcase top wines from Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards will take place in Johannesburg and Durban end of April and May,
Wine lovers will have the opportunity to taste specifically from the award-winning wines from the 2022 edition of the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards at both events. The awards were established in 1997 to offer South African producers the opportunity of having their wines adjudicated locally by a respected panel of professionals from around the globe.
The objective of the awards is to support local wine and spirits producers in targeting international markets for exports. From the beginning, international judges were roped in to benchmark the wines in preparation for their entry international markets.
In 2003, the awards entered a new era when they were moved to Stellenbosch, the heart of South Africa’s Cape winelands. Visitors to the shows can expect to taste award-winning wines, like the winner of the Grand Prix trophy for a top-scoring wine, the Pinotage trophy, and a trophy for the best Garagiste (Boutique) wine entered into the competition.
The competition, regarded as the biggest wine and spirits competition in Africa, the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards boasts both international and local judges are hand-picked from five different continents. All entries are judged blind by panels of 5 judges, using the 100-point internationally recognised OIV judging system. The 2023 edition of the awards will take place later this year.
The first of the tastings will take place over two days in Johannesburg on April 21 and 22 at Southern Sun Rosebank and at Garden Court uMhlanga in Durban in May 26 and 27.
The line-up comprises a comprehensive selection of South African premium wine brands, including: Vondeling, The Johannesburg Distilling Company, Bon Courage, Thor Vintners, Le Pommier, Mountain Ridge, Premier Pure Fusion, Holden Manz, Nitida, Aslina Wines, De Bosch Farm, Durbanville Hill, Nederburg, Simonsig, Private Collection, Niel Joubert Wines, Hoopenburg Wines, Lourensford Wines and Babylonstoren Wines.
These renowned cellars and distilleries will exhibit more than 100 wines, spirits, MCC and other sublime creations.
Mynard Slabbert, co-owner of the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, said: “These Wine Tasting Events showcase a selection of the 2022 Michelangelo winners who were announced at a gala awards evening hosted at Southern Sun Cape Sun. The tasting events bring the wines, winemakers and producers to Johannesburg and Durban, giving local wine lovers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and merchants an opportunity to engage with them, and sample their award-winning products first-hand. Now in its 27th year, the Michelangelo Awards remain unique in Africa, with more than 263 individual judges from 47 countries having served on the panels over the years”.
Commenting on the ongoing association with Michelangelo Awards, Southern Sun chief executive, Marcel von Aulock said: “Partnering with these prestigious awards provides us with the opportunity to showcase some of South Africa’s most renowned winemakers and to support an industry which is closely linked to our own. We are delighted to host the Michelangelo Wine Tasting Events, and look forward to welcoming wine lovers in Johannesburg and Durban to Southern Sun Rosebank and Garden Court uMhlanga in April and May respectively.”
Tickets are available via Computicket, and a limited number of tickets will be available at the door (R200). Wine lovers are invited to make an evening of it with Southern Sun’s special accommodation rates for event ticketholders.
Events
PnP SHOW SET FOR CAPE TOWN
The popular Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival returns to Cape Town over two days on April 29 and 30.
It will take place at the Racecourse, Kenilworth, starting from 12noon.
Visitors will taste their way through wines from 40 farms, along with enjoying delicious food against the backdrop of live local music.
Visitors can also pre-book a 30-minute wine and canape pairing in our Tasting Room, where chefs and winemakers will show you how it’s done with personal picks from their estates, perfectly paired with melt-in-your-mouth canapes.
A day pass costs R250 and includes a branded wine glass, access to wine tasting, while a R320 ticket gets you access to a pre-booked 30-minute food and wine pairing session + a day pass, a branded wine glass, access to wine tasting. Children under 18 enter free, but must be always accompanied by a parent/guardian.
LUNCH TREAT AT R & R
Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons will host an Autumn Luncheon at their Franschhoek estate, to pamper visitors with a five-course lunch on April 29.
The lunch will be hosted inside farm’s underground barrel cellar, paired with some of our most special vintage wines. The event starts at 11am.
Later the guests will be treated to a special acoustic performance by multi-award-winning artist Bongeziwe Mabandla, the enigmatic spirit of African Soul. Bookings through the farm.
EASTER FEAST AT PERDEBERG
A trip out on the winding road to the countryside in the Cape winelands will reward visitors with a lunch feast at Perdeberg Cellar in Paarl on April 9.
The Easter feast will be served at Eat @ Perdeberg, the restaurant at Perdeberg Cellar. Visitors can look forward to Cape Malay pickled fish, a Greek-style deboned leg of lamb served with all of the trimmings, and a delicious hot cross bun bread and butter pudding for dessert.
Kids will be treated to an Easter egg hunt and magic show as part of the day’s festivities.
Pre-booking is essential. For more information email dine@perdeberg.co.za or phone 021 020 1626.
NIGHT OUT IN JOBURG EAST
The Food & Wine Festival returns to St Andrew’s School for Girls’ Rowing Club in Senderwood, East of Johannesburg on May 26, starting from 5,30 pm till late.
Tickets cost R250 per person (excluding ticket platform fees) via Quicket, which includes a wine-tasting glass, allow access to the magnificent gardens of St Andrew’s. Visitors will have the opportunity to browse artisan stalls, and an evening of live entertainment.
Stalls will include wine farms, specialized gins, craft beers, stars-on-your-tongue champagne, and artisanal food. Unwined Food & Wine Show.
Published on the 93rd Edition.
