Creation Sommelier`s Choice: Eben Bezuidenhoud from Grootbos

In this popular series we feature selected sommeliers from top restaurants around the world. This week we welcome the gifted Eben Bezuidenhoud from Grootbos Private Nature Reserve near Gansbaai.

Eben says: At Grootbos we focus on supporting our local winemakers as much as possible, but even if that wasn’t the case it would be difficult not to cultivate a close relationship with the team at Creation. Apart from the laudable quality that Jean-Claude puts into each bottle and the professionalism of Carolyn and her team, everyone at Creation just seems to understand that food and wine are in essence inseparable. Or at least should be! A dining experience is incomplete if either part is done without know-how, passion or consideration. And Creation lacks in none of these.

As a sommelier I love quirky and ‘off the beaten track’ grape varieties and wine styles. Most are extremely versatile with food pairing and they give me a few extra tools, so to speak, to create that truly memorable culinary experience for my guests. In the case of Viognier few guests are familiar with it and even when they are, they think of a very heavy white with high alcohol levels and low acidity. But Viognier wines produced judiciously in cooler areas, such as the Creation Viognier, prove that this grape is much more resourceful and can be pleasing to a wide range of wine preferences. I’ve also seen how the Creation Viognier can show depth of flavour and unmask its intrigue with a little bit of time in the bottle (we still have some 2012 in the cellar).

Click here to read the complete blog and here to order wine online.

2016 Harvest Highlights
For insightful information from our viticulturist and winemaker, JC Martin about the 2016 harvest, click here. 

Creation in the news

Click here to view Samarie Smith’s article in Die Burger Versnit on Herb and Wine Pairing at Creation Wines.

Events Calender

Hermanus

16 April, 9h00 – 13h00: Hermanus Country Market, Hermanus Cricket Club 

A small market with a lot of soul where good friends meet, hug and eat … You can look forward to an amazing array of fresh organic produce, homemade delicacies, artisan breads, probiotic yoghurts, handmade cheeses, home smoked fish, happy hen eggs, wheat-free bakes and local wines. For more information click here.

21 April, 18h00: Pik-‘n-Wyn Fun(d)raiser at Great White House, Gansbaai
This will be a delicious food and wine pairing affair in aid of the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS). The evening combines the talents of chef Shane Sauvage of La Pentola and Creation Wines. Shane’s most recent cookbook, Cape Fusion, will be on sale. Creation recently developed the African Penguin Reserve wine brand with a percentage of sales going to the APSS. It is hoped that more funds can be raised through a charity auction at the event. Tickets at R400 pp are available via [email protected]. Book before 18 April to avoid disappointment. For more information please call Brenda (076 061 3114) or Anwynn (060 971 0547).

Cape Town 

4 May, 19h00: Fine Wining presented by Creation Wines at HQ Restaurant, 100 Shortmarket St, Cape Town

With summer coming to an end, HQ presents a winter series of ‘Fine Wining’. Perfect for those colder Cape Town evenings. Booking is essential, call 021 424 6373 or email  to avoid disappointment.

Gauteng

14 April, 18h00 – 23h00: Conversations at Hyatt Regency, Johannesburg

We are delighted to invite you to the Other Foundation’s third Conversations Johannesburg event for 2016. It will be hosted by Hyatt Regency Johannesburg in Rosebank. To learn more about the Hyatt Regency visit their website and see this perfect place to enjoy some great company, food and wine. Tickets are R190 and available on here. Don’t forget to RSVP onFacebook to let others know you will be there.

15 April, 18h30: Arts on Acacia, 286 Acacia Road, Blackheath

Hope to see you at this exciting new hub for ART and MUSIC! Tickets at R150 pp are available by calling 082 562 5160 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

30 April – 1 May, 10h00: Die Oesfees/The Harvest Festival at Leriba Hotel and Spa, Centurion
Join us for a day of family fun! More than 60 top wine farms, gourmet food, interactive cooking demonstrations presented by Johan Badenhorst (Voetspore) and professional chefs and much more … Complimentary transfers from the Gautrain and secure parking close by. For more information call 012 660 3300 or email [email protected]. Tickets at R150 fromComputicket