HOT BITES
FOREST FORAGING The first thing the Sperling family of well known Stellenbosch wine farm Delheim cautions is that their annual forest foraging expeditions are subject to the whims of nature. It’s impossible to forecast with total accuracy, particularly after long periods of drought, whether or when the mushrooms will appear. Although the Delheim events take place during the high season for wild mushrooms, the estate cannot guarantee the appearance of mushrooms on the day. If that doesn’t discourage anyone keen to join in their annual mushroom foraging expeditions which entail more than looking for the spongy fungi in pine forests on the slopes of the Simonsberg, read on! The exclusive mushroom forage pop-up series will enable members of the Delheim wine club to hunt and cook wild edible mushrooms at this fungi-fab experience. Membership is as easy as 1-2-3. Pick out 12 of your favourite Delheim wines, complete your order, and you’re in! Membership gives you access not only to the mushroom forage, but Delheim’s full gamut of events, competitions and special releases. Most people are hesitant about foraging for wild mushrooms because they don’t know which are safe to eat. This day-long masterclass
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will answer any questions anyone may have. “The arrival of the wild mushrooms is truly a special time because it’s something Mother Nature does by herself,” says Delheim matriarch and experienced mushroom forager Nora Sperling-Thiel. “That’s why we’re especially sensitive about preserving our wild ecosystems on the estate. We are careful about how we farm and also limit the number of participants on mushroom excursions.” Foragers will receive a short presentation on mushrooms to look out for and which to avoid, the opportunity to accompany an expert guide on a first-of-the-season forage, a mushroom cooking demonstration and a hearty, fungi-focused lunch with award-winning Delheim wine. This experience was awarded Highly Commended in the Best Wine Event category in the Drinks International Wine Tourism Challenge 2017, and Delheim is expecting bookings to be filled fast. All enquiries and bookings – including signing up as Wine Club Member – should be sent to wineclub@delheim.com.
SERENITY IN A GLASS Brandy is South Africa’s pride, having been made locally for more than 300 years – and gaining increasing recognition for its quality and excellence in international competitions. It is celebrated by innovative mixologist Kurt Schlechter who is also the owner of brandy-centric experiential cocktail kitchen, Cause Effect in Cape Town. Schlechter believes the spirit is ready for a renaissance and wants to play his part in putting the spirit firmly back in the spotlight. Barman Michael Mudzenda of Cause Effect is happy to share one of his recipes for CHEERS readers to try at home using Klipdrift Gold. His advice is to get shaking!
Klipdrift Gold Serenity 50ml orange juice 25ml vermouth Bianco 10ml lemon juice 15ml Triple Sec Orange liqueur (or similar) 25ml Klipdrift Gold 2 dashes Fynbos Bitters Place the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and mix vigorously before straining into your preferred glass.
“Claret is the liquor for boys; port for men; but he who aspires to be a hero must drink brandy.” – SA MU EL JACKSON
