When a much-loved national whisky festival got underway again recently after a three-year pandemic-related absence, it was Boplaas that shared the stage to present a Masterclass with South African whisky icon Andy Watts.

South Africa is predominantly known as a rainbow nation because it is made up of so many diverse cultures and religions.

As loadshedding brings darkness over South Africa, we could all do with a little more sunset celebrations, and what better way to do that than with a sundowner in hand?

The just-released De Wetshof Limestone Hill, one of South Africa’s most popular unwooded Chardonnays, emphasises the reputation 2022 is garnering for being a top vintage for white wines in the Cape, especially Chardonnay.

Iconic Stellenbosch estate Neethlingshof has released the second vintage in its range of top-tier wines under the 1802 Collection label, named after the year in which this historic property’s first cellar was completed. Neethlingshof 1802 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 follows last year’s maiden launch of the 2017 vintage, which saw this new addition to the Neethlingshof range garnering further acclaim for one of Stellenbosch’s oldest and most respected wine brands.

Franschhoek is renowned as a fine food and wine destination. The ‘Gourmet Capital’ of the Cape winelands is the place to visit for tasting experiences that consist of more than just wine. These Franschhoek wineries are all offering small plates and tiny bites to accompany and show the versatility of their wines.

A fresh and enticing Pinot Noir rosé reflects the quality of wines expected from the 2022 vintage on Chamonix Estate situated on the slopes of the Franschhoek mountains. This rosé, which has been just released to the market, is exclusively made from Pinot Noir grapes grown on the estate, which has built up a formidable reputation for the quality of Pinot Noir.

Top image: RJ Botha, left, cellarmaster of Kleine Zalze, with Jerome Passmore, Western Cape regional head of Investec.

Stellenbosch producer Kleine Zalze underscored its place among the top echelons of Chenin Blanc wineries by winning the Trophy for Best Museum Class Chenin Blanc at this year’s Trophy Wine Show. The awarded wine, Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Old Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2013, was made from grapes grown in old vineyards situated in Stellenbosch’s Faure region, the same vineyards responsible for Kleine Zalze’s current range of acclaimed Chenin Blanc wines.

Top image: Winemaker Andries Burger

Pioneering Elgin producer Paul Clüver Family Wines confirmed its reputation as one of South Africa’s leading Chardonnay producers by winning two trophies at this year’s prestigious Trophy Wine Show with the Paul Clüver Estate Chardonnay 2020. The wine not only took the Trophy for Best Chardonnay, but also for Best White Wine on this year’s Trophy Show, as decided by the esteemed panel of local and international judges.

The Awards function for The Trophy Wine Show was hosted at Investec Cape Town on 6 July 2022. The change in venue heralded a new era in the history of the show. This year, Investec became the headline sponsor of the wine industry’s most prestigious wine competition – The Trophy Wine Show. The new partnership unites Investec’s “Out of the Ordinary” approach to client service with the competition’s commitment to identifying South Africa’s best wines.