© Cape Times Friday 17th May 2013 I’ve just come back from a fabulous week in Portugal sponsored by the biggest cork manufacturers in the country – Amorim. We ate far too much, drank far too much and, in the midst of our gastronomic orgies, we actually learnt a lot about cork. I have to say that given the choice... 

© Cape Times Friday 19th April 2013 When Miles completely rubbished Merlot in the movie ‘Sideways’, he opened the door to a whole host of bandwagon-jumpers who have so far failed to change their view that the grape is either blowsy and over-ripe or lean, green and under-ripe. Poor Merlot – it seems it just can‘t... 

© Cape Times Friday 15th March 2013 Have you ever thought how strange it is that we are all totally familiar with Italian food yet most of us know hardly anything at all about Italian wine? Last weekend everyone was a-buzz with carbo-loading for the Argus and ‘bolognaise’ ‘carbonara’ and ‘fettucine’ were... 

© Cape Times Friday 15th February 2013 When is champagne not champagne? When it’s an MCC of course. If you have no idea what I’m talking about – not to worry, it’s a subject that often confuses a lot of people. Champagne is a region in France and the term ‘Champagne’ can only be applied to wines made there.... 

Now into its 4th year, the Constantia Fresh walk-around tasting is one of the most luxurious around. Held at beautiful Buitenverwachting, it gives you the opportunity to taste amazing wines accompanied by canapés made by some of the top chefs in South Africa. And if that weren’t enough, then you also get to stick... 

Win a case of 6 wines PLUS 2 tickets to the Stellenbosch Wine Festival Wine Expo! The Stellenbosch Wine Festival has gone large this year – stretching itself to 10 full-on days of wine-filled activities and events. There are special menus at all the top restaurants (and remember that Stellenbosch is currently claiming...