Food and wine lovers should head out to the Wine Tasting Centre, Neethlingshof wine estate, on Thursday 31 October, for an evening of food and wine pairing enjoyment with the inimitable Katinka van Niekerk – passionate foodie and esteemed consultant to chefs and winemakers.

Katinka’s interest in food and wine pairing began when as a diplomat’s wife, formal dinners often ended with chocolate mousse, the fashionable dessert of the day, accompanied by champagne. She found this combination jarring, as the sweetness of the dessert ruined every subtle nuance of the champagne. When challenging this pairing, she was gently told to follow convention. But she didn’t, her taste buds remained unconvinced, and this experience turned into a passion for discovering what works and what does not work when it comes to pairing food and wine!

From The Five Taste Sensation Platter paired with Neethlingshof Chenin blanc and Neethlingshof Shiraz, to a Game Casserole with Neethlingshof Caracal, rounded off with mini crème brûlée, baked berry cheesecake, dark chocolate ganache with Neethlingshof Maria Noble Late Harvest and Uitkyk 10 year old brandy, the seven course feast is sure to sate all food and wine appetites.

The exclusive and intimate evening will be both enjoyable and educational as Katinka will expand upon why certain wines pair well with certain foods (and why some don’t!) and winemaker, De Wet Viljoen, will be there to talk about the wines.

Seating is limited to 30pax. Cost R400p/p. Time: 18h30 for 19h00. Bookings essential: [email protected] or phone Katrin Cross 021-883 8988.