WeeklySA_AdminSCENIC: Renowned figures from the fine gastronomy world flock to the Mauritius for an Indian Ocean culinary adventure…
By Len Maseko
A gastronomic week promoting wine knowledge is currently underway in Mauritius, having started on Monday and ending tomorrow. The sixth edition of the La Paulee by Constance Hotels & Resorts wine event is taking place at the luxurious Constance Prince Maurice and Constance Belle Mare Plage resorts in Mauritius.
Attending the show are wine enthusiasts, sommeliers, and aficionados to experience premier wines from French winemaking regions. La Paulee refers to a French festival in Burgundy that celebrates the completion of the wine harvest.
Drawing inspiration from this tradition, Constance Hotels & Resorts created this popular event to support its sommeliers in expanding their knowledge and achieving greater excellence. This annual gathering has evolved into an illuminating touchstone for wine lovers, who keep on coming back to patronise the event in scores.
The event unites renowned figures from the fine gastronomy world to conduct workshops and provide hands-on training for individuals in the wine industry.
As in previous years, La Paulée’s Wine and Culinary Week is featuring distinguished winemakers, including Pierre Jean Villa Wine Cellar’s Constance Prince Maurice, (Domaine Devillard et Domaine Pierre Jean Villa), Charles Louis de Noue (Domaine Nouemarinic), Julien Shaal (Domaine Julien Shaal), and Donovan Rall (Domaine Rall).
Additionally, the hotel group’s esteemed chefs are treating guests to a series of exquisite pairing dinners, showcasing the finest wines to further elevate the experience.
Featured on the line-up is a South African winery, Domaine Donovan Rall.
The art of cheesemaking is also making its debut at the heart of the event for the first time with the presence of cheesemaker Jules Mons from the Mons house.
Constance Hotels & Resorts, is a Mauritian hospitality brand with seven eco-chic resorts across Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives and Madagascar, and three championship golf courses (one in Seychelles and two in Mauritius). It employs 67 sommeliers working across seven properties.
events
AWARD-WINNING WINES IN DURBS
The Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards will host an evening of wine tasting of various South African premium wine brands at the Southern Sun at Garden Court uMhlanga in Durban on May 26 and 27.
Guests will be able to network with winemakers from the various wineries, 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 Hills, Nederburg, Simonsig, Private Collection, Niel Joubert Wines, Hoopenburg Wines, Lourensford Wines and Babylonstoren Wines.The Garden Court uMhlanga is situated on corner Aurora Drive and Centenary Boulevard in Umhlango Rocks. The event starts and ends at 9pm.
WINE BY THE RIVERBANK
The Cellar Rats Winter Wine Festival will be showcasing new wines at this year’s show to be held at Riversands Farm Village in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.
Riversands Farm Village is situated on Rose Road, Riversands. Tickets cost R240 via Computicket. The show starts at 12noon. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting along the riverbank, conducted by a host of producers and who will be presenting a variety of wines, bubbles, craft gin, deli products and more foy r your enjoyment. Kids entertainment area is available (entrance is R60 per child and is bought at the entrance of the kids’ area). No cooler boxes, picnic baskets or braai’s will be permitted as food, soft drinks, water and alcoholic beverages will be on sale through the Riversands stalls. Bring along your camping chairs, blankets, umbrellas or gazebos for shade. Set up a spot along the riverbank and enjoy the food and wine that will be available. Event is a dog friendly event, as long as the pet stays on the leash.
WINE & FOOD IN KZN
The Country Market Food & Wine Festival 2023 takes place in Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal on May 26 and 27.
The venue is Camp Orchards, Inanda Rd, Pinetown NU, Hillcrest. Tickets cost R30. Organisers promise visitors to the show a weekend of indulgence, entertainment and fun. They say be ready to sample the finest gourmet food, local produce, baked goods, cured meats, sweets and crafted confections from our exceptional vendors.
Attractions include an array of exciting activities to keep the whole family entertained by live music from local artists while sipping exquisite wine from top-rated vineyards. Kids’ entertainment options include face-painting, games and more.
UNWINE IN MBOMBELA
The Unwined Food & Wine Show returns to Mbombela Golf Club in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, for its annual showcase on May 27.More than 25 of South Africa’s best wine farms will be present at the annual event – offering wines to be enjoyed in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere and against the backdrop of live music.
Food will also be available. Tickets cost between R180 (general admission) and R250.
WINE AT CASALINGA
Casalinga Country Estate will play host to the annual Groves and Vineyards Festival on the sprawling lawns of the West Rand venue on May 28.
Visitors will be treated to fine wines from 45 wine estates, including bubbles, beer, gin, olives, cheese, and artisanal foods, as well as live music from some of South Africa’s top bands. The festival provides a relaxed setting in the serene Muldersdrift countryside where the whole family can come and enjoy the sunshine. Children under 3 are free and are welcome. There will be a supervised area for them to play while parents can leisurely enjoy all the festival has to offer. The event starts at 10am. Tickets cost between R120 and R1 000. The festival will run over two days with tickets available via Casalinga.co.za with limited tickets at the gate.
VAAL WINE EXPO
The Vaal Wine & Spirit Expo returns for its annual showing on the picturesque banks of the Vaal River on June 3.
Tickets cost R300, gates open at 12noon. The venue is Stonehaven on Vaal, Next to Old Baddrift Bridge, Vaal River, Vanderbijlpark. Visitors will enjoy unlimited wine tasting and swirl, sniff and sip great SA wines while cruising down Millionaires Mile on a luxury cruiser. There is a pleasant walkway along the river bank between the two venues where you can enjoy meandering freely between all the different wine tasting stalls from one venue to the other. Guests will receive a 30-minute Vaal River Cruise voucher OR a R50 food voucher, including access to food stalls, kiddies play area, restaurant & bar.
Tickets limited to 2 000 tickets.
CAPITAL BEER FEST
This year, the Capital Craft Beer Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with another annual froth whoopee at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens on June 17.
The event will be uniting both beer and music lovers in the beautiful surroundings of the park. This year’s festival will feature the country’s favourite craft brewers, an abundance of entertainment for all musical tastes and a diverse selection of food will be on offer. Brewers include Agar’s Brewery, Cape Brewing Company, Devil’s Peak Beer Company, Jack Black’s Brewing Company, Mad Giant, Mohope, The Kennel Brewery, Tokolazi Craft Beer and more.
Tickets cost from R60 to R400.
Published on the 99th Edition
