Wine Blogs in English

Wine Storage and the ‘I Drink Alone’ Dilemma

Source: Good Grape

Categories: Wine Blogs in English

Inniskillin 2006 Discovery Series Pinotage

Source: The Pinotage Club

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

<B>Wine</B> - <B>Italian</B> Reds

...lwdphoto has added a photo to the pool:

Source: Italian Wine on Bloglines

Categories: Wine Blogs in English

Annual Austrian Wine Tasting

[FoodWineTravel] Moreover, from within the wine trade itself, I think it has become one of the favourites, as the dynamic enthusiasm and eagerness to taste the latest offerings and to keep up with all the exciting innovations from the passionate Austrian winemakers is extremely infectious.

Source: Gourmets of Wine

Categories: Wine & Beverage News, Wine Blogs in English

What's up at WLIW21 » Archive » Celebrate Austria Wine & Food ...

[What's up at WLIW21] Chef Kurt Gutenbrunner, owner of KG-NY Restaurant Group (New York City’s Wallsé, Café Sabarsky, and Blaue Gans), will share sample size portions of traditional Austrian dishes, including smoked trout crepe (Palatschinken), and Austrian desserts to give a taste of what an Austrian dinner and Viennese hour are like. Supporters will also get to taste some of Austria’s best cheeses from producers Berglandmilch and Rupp, all while sipping on Austrian wines including Blaufraenkisch, Gemischter Satz, and the most famous of all, Gruener Veltliner.

Source: Gourmets of Wine

Categories: Wine & Beverage News, Wine Blogs in English

Gordon’s Wine Bar in London

Last week I urged my good friend The Wine Thief to visit Gordon’s Wine Bar while he was in London. Gordon’s Wine Bar - the oldest wine bar in London Established 1890 I checked up on him late last week to find out if he had made it there - to which he said no. I gave him [...]

Source: The Cru

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

Spoil mum with a well-deserved, delightful gift

Spoil mum with a well-deserved, delightful gift | TodaySophia Loren once said, "When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." Mother's have been recognised in special ways for thousands of years. Mother's Day is celebrated in over 40 countries around the world, the exact date and the way this event is celebrated, however, varies from country to country since Ancient Greece. In South Africa, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in the month of May (this year it falls on Sunday 8 May). Let's make sure we all tell our mom's how special they are to us. Start from the very moment she wakes up. Ask anyone what the most important day of the year is to them and you will get answers ranging from their birthday to Christmas. How many will say Mothers Day? Unfortunately, very few, for some reason Mothers Day gets overlooked or down played a bit. Yes, there are commercials all over reminding you to send flowers or do something special but where is the real sentiment? Your mom deserves a great reward for taking on the most rewarding yet thankless jobs on earth. Allow her to put her feet up for a change and spoil her with the crisp taste of the Arniston Bay Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009 vintage with its lifted cut grass and green pea aromas. It's a treat for your palate with crisp acidity and is delicious with a variety of green salads, asparagus and any shell-fish dish. In fact why not cook her a great meal and serve her, the very best in premium wine. The Arniston Bay Reserve range is available at most retailers, and ranges from R 43.00 - R 50.00

Source: mivinem

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

Swartland Wine Cellars and the ultimate Olive Experience

Swartland Wine Cellars and the ultimate Olive Experience | TodayWith the Cape's Mediterranean climate it's not surprising that we are home to wonderful winelands, olive groves and wheatfields. The perfect partners, if you think of long lazy lunches sipping wine, munching on farm baked bread drizzled with olive oil and dishes of plump luscious olives waiting to be devoured!! Drooling already? Then head off to Swartland Wine Cellars, just outside Malmesbury or the Olive Boutique in Riebeeck Kasteel for the ultimate olive experience in an area that boasts grapes, olives and wheat in abundance! The gateway to the Swartland Wine Route, Swartland Wine Cellars is recognised for its proud history of more than 60 years and has a reputation for consistent quality products. With its committed staff and a passion for their business. CEO of The Riebeeck Olive Boutique, Juliana Meredith, recognised that their philosophy matched her own marketing ideals and the innovative result is a joint venture where visitors to the area can now enjoy the ultimate wine and olive experience. "We are pairing our award winning products with those of the Swartland Wine Cellar, and will jointly market them, both at our premises and at various trade shows and exhibitions." says Juliana Meredith. "The concept of pairing olive products and wines is unique to the Olive Boutique and is accomplished by using a panel consisting of the wine maker, the olive oil maker, and a Food & Wine expert. This enables us to offer the client a more complete offering that allows them to enjoy both the olive products and the wines to a greater degree." Marketing Manager of Swartland Wine Cellars, Robert Riedel is delighted with the match: "We have been looking for partnerships in the Valley to offer visitors more of the unique experience this area offers. The combination of these award winning products is a certain draw-card for tourists and residents alike and shows the innovation that is the heart of the region" Think of a gorgeous summer day, hot sun and bright blue sky and enjoy some of these delicious combinations. For the person who has not yet acquired the olive taste then this pairing will set you on the road: Kalamata Olives in blueberry dressing - the tart sweetness is delicious with Swartland Pinotage bringing the sweeter notes of the wine to the fore. Kalamata rosemary and garlic olives are a delicious match to the Swartland Shiraz/Malbec - the spiciness of the wine being tempered by the crisp fragrant olives. Or taste the Indalo Shiraz with roasted Kalamata olives with lavender and white truffle oil for a peppery, spicy tang. White wines are a wonderful match and Indalo Chenin Blanc perfectly complements the crispness of the green olives in lime dressing. The over ripe guava taste of Indalo Sauvignon Blanc brings out the Greek Isle tastes of the Tsakistes (cracked green olives in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and coriander) whilst sweeter wines like Swartland Bukketraube are a delicious match with Tapenade (olive paste) and the humble Hanepoot is simply divine with a slice of simply decadent Olive Chocolate Salami! If this has whetted your appetite then make your plans to enjoy a tasting session at either one of the venues. From March 26 to 28 the Med Fest in the Riebeeck Valley will see wine and olive pairings conducted both at the Cellars and the Olive Boutique.Make a date for the annual Olive Festival (30 April, 1 & 2 May) when Swartland Wine Cellars joins forces once again with the Olive Boutique to present some special treats in celebration of the Festivals tenth anniversary.Visitors to both venues can enjoy a selection of each others products throughout the year. Wine and olive pairings will take place at both venues on request however for parties of more than five pre-booking is essential. Swartland Wine Cellars: 022 482 1134 The Olive Boutique: 022 448 1368

Source: mivinem

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

Taste of Cape Town - Sexier and more delicious than ever!

Taste of Cape Town - Sexier and more delicious than ever! | TodayAmazing festival promises to be the culinary event of the year Having tantalised tastebuds in Cape Town for the past two years, the Taste of Cape Town festival is back from the 24 - 28 March at Rhodes High School, Montreal Avenue, Mowbray (follow signs from Liesbeek Parkway into Durban Road). This stylish event will once again bring together the city's most acclaimed restaurants and carefully selected exhibitors to attract Cape Town's most dedicated and sophisticated foodies. Celebrated chefs from 19 of the Cape's most renowned and awarded restaurants will join together to serve their fabulous, trend-setting signature dishes to an audience with a taste for unbelievable food. Taste of Cape Town is a fantastic opportunity to try new destinations, explore different cuisines and plan a whole year of dining out! Justine Drake, Taste Festival Director, comments: "Taste of Cape Town is a much awaited highlight on the city's social calendar. It's a one-stop shop for the best food, wine and gourmet goodies the Cape has to offer." With nine new restaurants, top chefs and exciting features, the reputation of Taste of Cape Town has grown into the most celebrated food festival the Mother City has ever experienced. "Each Taste festival is better than the last and this year will be no exception," she says. This years show has so much for you to taste and experience including: The Pick 'n Pay Fresh Living Chef's Theatre Fun, fabulous and informative, this is an opportunity to see the Cape's top chefs showcased and in action on stage, featuring demos, culinary challenges, entertaining tutorials and enlightening Q&A sessions. The Checkers Wine Route Back by popular demand, this year's Checkers Wine Route Taste Experience is set to rock Cape Town. Clive Torr, along with some of South Africa's leading wine makers, will be hosting a selection of wines from more than 80 top wine estates in South Africa. The Checkers Wine Route will feature a daily programme of wine tastings, tutorials and advice on wine and food pairing. The Grolsch Beer Academy Featuring Beer Masterclasses by a renowned brew master followed by a quenching of the 'thirst buds' in the comfortable and stylish surrounds of the outdoor Grolsch Beer Experience area. Fresh Producers Market This new feature will showcase some of Cape Town's local food heroes. From delicious, hand-made cheeses, biltong, sweets to exotic ingredients, herbs and chocolates - to name just a few - the Fresh Producers Market at the Taste of Cape Town is guaranteed to inspire and tantalise with real, wholesome, fresh foods and produce. Johnnie Walker Whisky Theatre This year at the Festival, The House of Johnnie Walker invites you on a journey to explore the flavours of the worlds greatest whisky house. Taste the bold, vibrant, Red Lable, the deep and smoky Black Label, the flagship House of Johnnie Walker blend, and the enigmatic natural flavours of Green Label blended malt whisky. Taste and Buy Experiential Exhibitors You'll discover a mouthwatering array of gourmet food suppliers at Taste of Cape Town. Browse the stalls and try delicious speciality food and ingredients to buy and enjoy at home. Kidz Zone We haven't forgotten about kids at this year's Festival. Clamber Club will ensure that the young ones are entertained with a host of activities for all ages. With professional entertainers keeping kiddies busy and happy, parents can relax and enjoy the festivities that Taste of Cape Town has to offer. Make a date with Taste of Cape Town - a world-class event where visitors who are passionate about food and drinks can indulge in their passion in the company of like-minded individuals. There are a limited number of tickets available and bookings are advised. Book through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or www.computicket.com. Entrance is free for children under 12. R80 Standard ticket - Entrance and free access to P'nP Fresh Living Chef's Theatre, Checkers Wine Route wine and cheese tastings, Grolsch Beer Academy and various other features at the Festival.R170 Premium ticket - Including the above plus R 100.00 worth of Taste of Cape Town CROWNS. For more information, visit www.tasteofcapetown.com.

Source: mivinem

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

Barrels of fun at Allesverloren during Riebeek Valley Olive Festival

Barrels of fun at Allesverloren during Riebeek Valley Olive Festival | TodayAllesverloren - the oldest wine estate in the Swartland famous for its Shiraz and Port - promises barrels of fun on the estate during the annual Riebeek Valley Olive Festival from Friday, 30 April to Sunday, 2 May. With remarkable wines, mouthwatering foods, diverse country stalls and live music from local artists Waldo Lotz, Hugo Nieuwoudt, Nadia Louw and many more, a visit to Allesverloren is a must during the Olive Festival. The famous Italian family from La Masseria will serve up their Italian country food while treating food lovers to informative cheese, pasta and bread making demonstrations throughout the weekend. Stalls will also sell irresistable delicacies ranging from olives, fresh vegetables, home-made bread, jams and biltong. Wine lovers can look forward to wine tastings presented by the winemakers from Allesverloren, Tukulu, Theuniskraal, Le Bonheur and Org de Rac while there will be plenty of action for the kids. Allesverloren will provide ample safe parking to visitors as well as shuttles that will transport festivalgoers between the estate and Riebeek Kasteel at no cost. Festivalgoers can visit the farm on Friday and Saturday between 09:00 - 19:00, and on Sunday between 09:00 - 16:00. Entrance is free of charge. Allesverloren Estate is situated between the quaint towns of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West. For more information, contact Allesverloren on Tel: (022) - 461 2320.

Source: mivinem

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

Statement with Regards to Prospecting and Mining within the South African Winelands

Statement with Regards to Prospecting and Mining within the South African Winelands | TodayThe Cape Winemakers Guild vehemently opposes all prospecting and mining in the Cape winelands. Not only will the proposed mining activities destroy the UNESCO registered Bottelary Renosterbos Conservancy and the vineyards that attract large numbers of tourists to South Africa every year; it will also result in the loss of employment and income for a great many families working on the wine farms in these areas. It is unacceptable that a Government owned mining company can get permission from a Government department to prospect in highly sensitive and endangered plant biosphere. This is exactly what the wine industry is striving to protect. Pristine and unique terroir coupled with great winemaking skills are the usual credentials for great wines and mining in the winelands will damage the reputation of South African wines in the international market. The long term benefits of protecting the natural beauty of the winelands will far outweigh the short term advantages of mining. This action by a Government agency may cause damage to the reputation of well established international brands that have been built up over many years by top winemakers. Such wanton destruction of South African brand assets will expose the Government to substantial legal claims for damages. Johan Malan Chairman, Cape Winemakers Guild

Source: mivinem

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

the company of wine people welcomes Cape Winemaker Protege

the company of wine people welcomes Cape Winemaker Protege | TodayJohannesburg, 4th March 2010 - the company of wine people welcomes Tamsyn Jeftha, a Cape Winemaker Guild protege to their company. Jeftha joins the company of wine peopleTM this year and embarks on her winemaking career under the mentorship of winemaker and Cape Winemakers Guild member Nicky Versveld. At the beginning of the year Jeftha was chosen by the Cape Winemakers Guild as one of the two proteges to embark on a great opportunity to work side by side of some of the countrys leading winemakers. Commenting on her appointment, winemaker at the company of wine people, Nicky Versveld says, "As a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild we have been selected to host Tamsyn Jeftha, a Protege Program Intern for a period of six months. Tamsyn graduated with a BSc Degree in Viticulture and Oenology at the end of 2009 and was selected to do a three year internship With Guild Winemakers, having access to certain Guild functions, mentoring and coaching during the internship." "We welcome Tamsyn to the company of wine peopleTM and wish her all the success at the start of her career." Commenting on her appointment, Jeftha says, "Being a protege is very exciting. Not only do you get to meet well established winemakers, but you also have the opportunity to learn from them, which for any young winemaker is a great first stepping stone."

Source: mivinem

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

Waterkloof welcomes a new 'green machine' to their bio-dynamic wine estate

Waterkloof welcomes a new ‘green machine‘ to their bio-dynamic wine estate | TodayWaterkloof, a newcomer to the cluster of exceptional cellars on the idyllic outskirts of the Helderberg Winelands, has welcomed a newborn to its bio-dynamic family, Bessie, a Dexter mini-cow who is all too eager to start grazing in the name of classic, European-style wines. Home to 120 hectares of fynbos and vines on the slopes of the Schapenberg outside Somerset West, Waterkloof is a strong follower of organic and sustainable farming. The estate uses the manure of its own Dexter cows in the vineyards to put back the natural organisms, bacteria and fungi in the soil which strengthen the immunity of the vineyards by feeding it with natural compost as opposed to using harsh phosphatic fertilisers. "The entire estate is treated as a holistic entity and Waterkloof steers clear of conventional pesticides and fertilisers. By using the manure we create new life in soil which was once treated by weed-killers and compacted by heavy tractors," explains Waterkloof farm manager Christiaan Loots. Young Bessie is the first calf born from Waterkloof's growing herd of four fertile cows. True to the bio-dynamic paradigm Waterkloof prefers the manure of fertile cows as their milk is a good indicator of the quality of the animals manure. "So theres a lot of milking going on at Waterkloof," adds Christiaan. In addition to cow manure, Waterkloof uses the straw from their horse stables; the grape skins and stems from their cellar; eggshells and natural scraps/leftovers from their restaurant, and the weeds among the fynbos to create their own compost. Waterkloof also utilises pure horse power in its vineyards to improve the structure and quality of the soil, with preparation and cultivation ranging from ridging and tilling to ploughing and sowing, all in a day's work for the estate's Percheron mare, Lady G. With Lady G in its stable, Waterkloof not only minimises the wear and tear of farming equipment, but also reduces its carbon footprint by relying on fewer heavy machinery and tractors in and around the vineyards. "The quality and elegance of our wines speak for themselves. Bio-dynamic will never appear on our wine labels as we dont adhere to these practices to sell more wine, we do it because it makes better wine," shares Waterkloof winemaker Werner Engelbrecht. Waterkloof rises up to 300 metres above sea level with the Hottentots-Holland and Helderberg Mountains as backdrop and descends to a mere four kilometres from the False Bay coast. This varying altitude differentiates the site-specific vineyard blocks from one another, each embracing its own particular set of circumstances that shape the wines with the only the best quality and a unique sense of origin manifest in each bottle. For more information on Waterkloof Estate contact Tel: 021 858 1292 or visit www.waterkloofwines.co.za

Source: mivinem

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

Experience the Routes during Stellenbosch Wine Festival 2010

Experience the Routes during Stellenbosch Wine Festival 2010 | TodayThe 9th annual Stellenbosch Wine Festival, one of the oldest wine festivals in the Cape, takes on an exciting new format this year and will be held a month earlier to give soccer fans the opportunity to visit the myriad of cellars that make up the Stellenbosch Winelands. From 1 - 5 July visitors will experience the Winelands in all their glory through an extensive network of shuttles between the farms participating in the Festival this year. Park your car at any of the allocated Park-and-Ride areas, or visit the Info Centre at Doornbosch, to purchase your festival pass and catch a shuttle to the wine farms of your choice. Participating farms are offering visitors wine tastings and untold activities including the opportunity to rub shoulders with your favourite winemakers. With more than 140 wine farms in Stellenbosch and various Park-and-Ride areas, visitors will have a hard time deciding which cellar to visit next! Enthusiastic soccer fans can also join in the wine extravaganza as transport to and from the Festival has been arranged from Cape Town. Visitors will also be able to travel to the wine farms using their own transport. With a host of wine experiences, entertainment, participating restaurants and exclusive winemaker encounters galore, book your Stellenbosch Festival pass now! Tickets for the Stellenbosch Wine Festival are available on-line at R 150.00 per person per day, and R 500.00 for the Golden Pass for the entire duration of the festival. Kids under the age of 18 go free! For more information on the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, contact 021 886 4310 or visit www.wineroute.co.za

Source: mivinem

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

Rave international reviews in 2010 for Hartenberg The Stork

Rave international reviews in 2010 for Hartenberg The Stork | TodayThe Stork, the expressive, richly layered single vineyard Shiraz produced by Hartenberg Wine Estate, regarded as one of South Africa's leading and oldest producers of this grape variety, has received exceptional reviews in two consecutive months from authoritative British and American wine publications. In the January issue of the UK's Decanter Magazine Tim Atkin singles out the 2005 vintage as the only Shiraz to be included in his line up of the 25 wines that "best fly the flag for South Africa." In the USA, James Molesworth awards the wine 92 points in the February issue of Wine Spectator Insider. Atkin describes the wine as a New World style and "one of a handful of thrilling Syrahs made in the Cape", whilst Molesworth loves the mouthfeel and "delicious core of damson plum, fig and boysenberry fruit laced with tangy iron and spice hints." "The Stork vineyard site imparts immediacy, 'jump out of the glass' flavours, richness and a broad palate to finish," is how Hartenberg winemaker Carl Schultz, describes this celebrated singe vineyard wine. With a track record spanning nearly 40 years, Hartenberg's Shiraz regularly takes centre stage at local and international awards enjoying an unmatched reputation for high-end quality and above all, consistency. The Stork is the youngest member of Hartenberg's Shiraz trio, the others being the Gravel Hill, South Africas first single vineyard Shiraz, and the original Estate Shiraz, currently in its 36th vintage. Hartenberg The Stork 2005 sells at the cellar door for R 410.00 a bottle and is available at boutique wine stores and elected fine dining restaurants. Hartenberg Estate is situated on the Bottelary Road off the R304 to Stellenbosch. Open 7 days a week for tastings, picnic lunches and wetland walks, but cellar tours are by appointment only. Contact Tel: (+27) 021 865 2541 Email: info@hartenbergestate.com or visit www.hartenbergestate.com

Source: mivinem

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

Good news for <B>wine</B> lovers and French viticulteurs ! from the NYT

One small problem: medical science refuses to limit the benefits to FRENCH wine! Chilean, Californian and even, sigh, Italian grapes might also...

Source: Italian Wine on Bloglines

Categories: Wine Blogs in English

SANTA BARBARA Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2008 $12 (<B>Wine</B>...

A full-bodied, delicious young Italian white...

Source: Italian Wine on Bloglines

Categories: Wine Blogs in English

Warwick 'Professor Black' gets sexy! Great body, lovely legs -gotta love this!

Mike Ratcliffe
Warwick Estate & Vilafonte
P.O.Box 2 Elsenburg, 7607, South Africa

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER www.twitter.com/mikeratcliffe

Source: Cult South African Wine

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

Warwick 'Professor Black' gets sexy! Great body, lovely legs -gotta love this!

Mike Ratcliffe
Warwick Estate & Vilafonte
P.O.Box 2 Elsenburg, 7607, South Africa

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER www.twitter.com/mikeratcliffe

Source: The Rootstock Blog

Categories: Wine Blogs from South Africa, Wine Blogs in English

Going Gluten Free

...made the same salad dressing for 20 years: Kraft Italian All Natural Salad Dressing Recipe Mix with Regina Red Wine Vinegar and virgin olive...

Source: Italian Wine on Bloglines

Categories: Wine Blogs in English