WeeklySA_AdminJohnnie Walker Blue recently launched their Umami blend limited edition whisky at Circa Gallery in Rosebank, headlined by an exclusive food-and-whiskey pairing conducted by chef Wandile Mabaso; a showcase of a luxury electric Mercedes Benz fleet; and groovy music by DJ Kitchen.
Unveiling the limited edition, Mealyn Joyce, luxury brand ambassador at Diego SA, said: “In the world of spirits, tradition and heritage have long been the bedrock upon which the finest brands have built their legacies for centuries, whiskey distillers have remained faithful to age-old techniques, cherishing the time-tested methods that have yielded some of the worlds most cherished libations. However, the paradigm shift is underway and innovation has become the guiding star in the spirits industry, ushering in a new era of possibility”.
BROOKDALE EARNS ITS FIRST 5-STAR PLATTER’S
Paarl’s new-kid-on-the-block winery, Brookdale Estate, has earned its first 5-star Platter rating, thanks to its innovative approach to the art of winemaking.
The Brookdale Sixteen White Blend 2022 is one of 12 white blends (excluding Bordeaux blends), to walk away with the coveted 5-star accolade in the Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide 2024.
Brookdale Sixteen is a celebration of the lost art of field blend winemaking. The wine comprises 16 varietals, interplanted as bush vines without rhyme or reason. Grapes are therefore ‘blended’ in the ‘field’, rather than grown and vinified separately before blending in the cellar. The second vintage of the Brookdale Sixteen (2022), is described as having a sense of quiet luxury on the opening chords.
EVENTS
Fine Wine Auction Showcase
As the year draws to a close, the much-anticipated final Fine Wine Auction for 2023 starts today, featuring an exciting ensemble of wines from both Young Gun and New Wave producers, alongside the offering of Old Vines. Organised by auction company Strauss & Co, online bidding for the wines will conclude on November 27, and closing at 18h00.
What Defines a Young Gun and New Wave Winemaker? These winemakers, recognised as Young Guns and New Wave producers, are a breed of innovators pushing the boundaries of winemaking. Hailing from notable estates, they create cutting-edge wines marked by personality and energy. Working collaboratively, this dynamic generation embraces innovation while upholding tradition, delivering exceptional wines that captivate global palates.
With an entrepreneurial spirit, these visionaries are revitalising the industry, elevating South African wines to new heights of quality and international recognition. They draw inspiration from classic to avant-garde styles and techniques, exploring wine regions worldwide. Applying creative interpretations on home soil, often sourcing from unique vineyards and old vines, they produce limited-edition, high-demand wines, positioning themselves as rising stars and future icons.
Most rely on grapes sourced from certified Old Vine vineyards, emphasising the importance of preserving and caring for younger vines. The Old Vine Project, supporting this initiative, seeks to develop a culture of vine care, promoting healthy and productive old age for vines and highlighting the benefits of wines crafted from old vines. With 118 lots set to go under the hammer, this final auction of the year promises to be a frenetic affair that gives serious wine drinkers the opportunity to acquire wines that embody the spirit of South African innovation.
To browse the auction, register and bid: www.straussart.co.za
PERDEBERG FAMILY FESTIVAL
A fun-day out in the Winelands awaits wine lovers at the annual Perdeberg Family Festival on November 25. The venue is the spacious Vryguns Farm in Paardeberg, Paarl, and the event starts at 10am. While the adults sit back and enjoy a glass of chilled Chenin Blanc, taking in the sights and sounds while the kids will be kept entertained for hours. Riaan Niewenhuis and Die Broers will entertain guests with their live performance, in addition to a live broadcast by Magic828. Face painting, a jumping castle and pay-to-play carnival rides are some of the kids’ activities lined up.Food trucks add the extra touches to what promises to be a day of wine, food and fun. Ticket prices for this year’s event will be as follows: Premium entry: R360 per person, includes entry, complimentary wine glass, tastings and a guided wine tasting with the winemaker. Standard entry: R195 per person, includes entry, complimentary wine glass and tastings. Designated driver entry: R125 per person, entrance only. Children: Children under the age of 18 pay R65, while toddlers under the age of 2 years get free entry. A pre-ordered picnic basket for two is available at R260.
WINE AND DRUMS
Drumstruck, the hit African music & wine tasting experience returns to Silvermist Wine Estate for its second season in Cape Town from tonight. Drumstruck has been entertaining audiences across the globe since its humble beginnings in Johannesburg in 2002. Producer Warren Lieberman explains that he brought the show back to South Africa after Covid to give locals and tourists access to the transformative and unifying magic of drumming together, while learning something about traditional African music. The show will run every weekend from November 10 until 31 November 31. From December 1 until April 2024, the show will run twice daily from Wednesday to Sunday, with shows starting at 11am and 5pm. The show runs for 110 minutes (50 min wine tasting, 60 min drum show) and SA rates are R350 (Adult wine tasting & show); R200 (Kids U12); R275: (Adult, show only)
