HOT NEWS
WACKY IN WINTER It’s the fun wine festival which started off a host of copycat events: Robertson’s Wacky Wine Weekend which takes place over the weekend of May 31 to June 3. Most events are centred on the town of Robertson but with 35 wineries, estates and cellars participating, there is fun to be had in Ashton, McGregor and Bonnievale too – especially since 2018 marks the 15th anniversary of Wacky. The well-established festival has become a major celebration with families and groups of friends, keen wine enthusiasts or complete novices flocking to the area to make the most of the open cellar doors and active social programme. Everything the Robertson wine
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valley has to offer is on display during the course of the weekend. For the wine geeks there will be tasting masterclasses with award-winning wines while others will offer a more general, touristic experience for those folk more into enjoying the place, the people and the food. Entertainment and music has always formed a major part of the weekend’s attraction and concerts and live performances are planned for a number of venues through the valley. No one need go hungry with ample opportunity to sample hearty country cuisine. Children and the actively sporty are also accommodated with vineyard trail runs and mountain biking events also planned. Responsible consumption is a prime focus of the weekend and there are numerous transport options available, including exclusive minibus hire – with driver! Tickets are R200 a head and for more information about how to book and plan specific events and the various winery programmes, visit www.wackywineweekend. com for details or contact the Robertson Wine Valley office on 023 626 3167 or events@ robertsonwinevalley.com.
MASTER DISTILLER AND BLENDER Wellington’s James Sedgwick distillery is justifiably proud of the achievements of its head honcho Andy Watts who recently received a double honour: Watts was awarded the title of Icon of Whisky Master Distiller/Master Blender for 2018 – as well as having the product he developed, Bain’s Cape Mountain whisky, win the title of World’s Best Grain Whisky. Watts was overwhelmed by the news, receiving messages of congratulations from all over the world. He called it a great win for Distell, for the Bain’s brand and for South Africa. Competition to win the various categories judged by the UK’s Whisky Magazine is fierce with spirits from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, Sweden, America and elsewhere all in the mix. “By receiving these two World titles in one night it is the most humbling experience of my 34 year career in the whisky industry. We have overcome the odds against the perceived perception that only traditional whisky producing countries can be taken seriously,” Watts said. “Our industry in South Africa is only 40 years old and although we’ve had many hurdles along the way, we’ve become innovative in our approach to manage our unique warmer climate, found creative ways to use home-grown raw material to our best advantage and constantly striven to craft exceptional whiskies.” It took Andy 10 years to develop Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky – an all grain product from 100% South African maize – before it was released in 2009 and since then, this whisky has created a tidal wave of interest for its unique taste. The whisky was first named World’s Best Grain Whisky in 2013 and has received gold and double gold at all the major international whisky competitions. The James Sedgwick Distillery is open to the public for tastings and tours on select days. Booking essential by visiting www.webticket.co.za
