The 2023 SA Olive Awards were held at the beautiful Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl on Friday, September 8th. A panel of local and international judges thoroughly evaluated all 82 entries from 32 producers of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).

Loxtonia Cider’s African Sundowner has won Gold at The Global Cider Masters 2023 hosted this July in London, confirming it is a standout cider that is a cut above the usual, offering complexity and intensity. The African Sundowner Baobab flavoured cider is slightly tart with a balanced sweetness and has a fresh apple aroma with Sundowner Apple and Tropical Fruit flavours notes. The majestic baobab tree is an icon of the African continent representing the “The Tree of Life”.

Pioneering Elgin producer Paul Clüver Family Wines underscored its reputation as one of South Africa’s leading Chardonnay producers by securing a gold medal with a 97pt rating at the prestigious International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London for its icon Paul Clüver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2021.

Grace Telana from Tshawe’s tavern in Khayelitsha has been crowned the Western Cape provincial Mzansi Tavern Chef champion after serving up a stunning dish of traditional African chicken, steamed bread and vegetables against fierce competition at the Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl.

Kanonkop Estate in Stellenbosch reaffirmed its position as a global wine icon by being awarded the trophy for Red Wine Producer of the Year at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), the world’s leading wine and spirits competition. Ten of the Kanonkop wines entered for this year’s IWSC were awarded medals by the team of international judges who scrutinised some 12 000 wines entered by producers from around the world.

Boplaas Family Vineyards has been awarded 93 points and a place among this year’s Top 10 in the Prescient Signature Red Blend Report, presented by Winemag.co.za. The winning wine was the Boplaas Gamka Red Family Reserve 2020.

South Africa is celebrating with the announcement that the locally produced Van Ryn’s 20-year-old potstill brandy has been awarded World’s Best Wine Brandy at the 2022 World Brandy Awards.

The Art of Duplicity is thrilled to once again make the top 100 best bars in the World, with their 86th place on this year’s list, moving up with a coveted two-place ascent since last year.

Laarman Wines clinched two 5 stars in the 2022 Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide for their Laarman Wines Focal Point Chardonnay 2019 as well as the Laarman Wines Focal Point Cinsault 2019!

There’s really nothing all that wrong with indulging in the occasional alcoholic beverage from time to time, although alcohol addiction is a growing problem worldwide among youth and adults. The prevalent issue is also one that branches out, negatively impacting the lives of everyone, from drunk driving fatalities to concerned family members; alcoholism is an issue comparable to a weed infestation in your backyard.