WINE & DINE—WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD AND DRINK

wine & dine | What’s New

New Wine Tastings and Tours

The award-winning boutique winery, De Toren PrivaTe Cellar, has recently opened up its newly renovated Manor House to the public. The Manor House now has a new tasting lounge, trendy wine bar and two terraces—one with an ocean-facing view, and another which looks out over a landscaped courtyard with a pool and fountain. With the launch of their new and improved Manor House, De Toren invites guests to enjoy a host of new wine tasting experiences and tours. These options allow for all tastes and interest levels, from aficionados to those who just want to enjoy a great glass of wine in a beautiful setting. Meet you there? www.de-toren.com

Wine & Dine

What’s New in Food and Wine

simonsig releases iTs 2018 CulTivar range

Everyone’s favourite, Simonsig has released their long-awaited 2018 vintage red wines with their CulTivar range. “The vineyards that produce these wines are selected and managed precisely because of their ability to express what Stellenbosch is all about,” says winemaker Michael Malan. Remarking on the three-year release window, Michael says the range was conceived with the intention to send them to market when they were ready to be enjoyed. “The wines are very accessible now. Though still at a young stage, they will continue to improve with time in bottle.” The wines released are Mr. Borio’s Shiraz 2018, Simonsig Pinotage 2018 and Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. www.simonsig.co.za

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Jozi’s new HoT sPoT

Located in the heart of Sandton, the new Catalyst Hotel has just opened up its eatery, the KasHew resTauranT. This summer guests can enjoy the beautiful deck overlooking the city—a great spot for sundowners and post-work cocktails. The restaurant also features a big bar, an all-day dining menu and a specialist breakfast and dinner menu. When asked about Kashew’s signature flavour, Chef Justin Jonah says, “The dishes are predominantly Mediterranean, influenced by my personal culinary journey over the past 30 years.” The best part? The restaurant doubles up as an exhibition area for South African artists, so diners are surrounded by local artworks that change each week. www.newmarkhotels.com

What’s New | WINE & DINE

Painted Wolves Return to Malawi

In July this year, 14 African wild dogs were successfully relocated from South Africa and Mozambique to Malawi. With only 6600 left in Africa, wild dogs are one of the world’s most endangered mammals. The wild dog used to be a common sight in Malawi but sadly have not been found there for over 70 years. PAINTED WOLF WINES was a major contributor to the Malawi relocation, both by funding preliminary relocations and purchasing crates, essential for transporting the animals safely. The winery’s regular donations to the Endangered Wildlife Trust mean they have donated a whopping R274,000 since October 2020. “Every bottle we sell raises a little more money for this cause,” says Jeremy Borg, owner and winemaker at Painted Wolf Wines. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our partners in this endeavour— our customers. You.” Success stories like this show people can really help make a difference in wild life conservation. Footnote: All 14 wild dogs are doing well and enjoying their new home. To make a donation, visit www.paintedwolfwines.com

AND THE ECO AWARD GOES TO… South African eco-retailer and online store, Faithful to Nature, recently announced the winners of its annual ECO-AWARDS. e awards aim to acknowledge those local brands and businesses that are committed to developing environmentally friendly products, reducing waste and promoting conscious consumption. Well done to these winners:

BEST ECO PRODUCT INNOVATION: Bamboo Baby—a KwaZulu-Natalbased online store that specialises in eco-conscious cloth nappies and baby accessories BEST ECO-CONSCIOUS HOSPITALITY:

MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL, WHO’S THE RAREST OF THEM ALL?

Following Eikendal’s fan-favourite 2017 Mon Désir Chardonnay, the Stellenbosch estate is now set to release its limited-edition MON DÉSIR CHARDONNAY 2018. “The 2017 was an incredible start … the 2018 just takes it that step further,” says winemaker Maryke Botha of the latest Eikendal Mon Désir Chardonnay. Only the second wine to be bottled under the Mon Désir label, you’ll fi nd aromas and fl avours fi nely balanced by judicious oaking and include fresh citrus and orange blossom notes. Around R320 per bottle.

Kindred Kitchen—a plant-based restaurant and smoothie bar situated in Port Elizabeth. BEST ACTIVE ECO-WARRIOR: Garth Tavares—a Capetonian vegan blogger dedicated to healthy eating. BEST PLASTIC-FREE BRAND: Back 2 Nature— a Cape Town-based producer of handmade natural skincare products. BEST GRASSROOTS ECO INITIATIVE: e Bee E ect— a group dedicated to addressing the decline of honeybees through urban bee farming and bee havens. BEST VEGAN PRODUCT: Antonia’s— a local producer of handcra ed vegan health foods.

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