Judy celebrates 35 Years of winemaking with Neil Ellis Wines
Neil Ellis started the wine brand in 1984, and at their celebrations held at their modern winery on the Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch, we were treated to a tasting through some of their older vintages, even the oldest wine bottled with the Neil Ellis label - a delicious 1984 Cabernet Sauvignon. The 1984 label is really lovely - and suggest that they bring it back! More playful than the current classic labels, but very recognisabe I think.
Judy gets dressed up for the Michelangelo International Wine Awards
The Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards program is as old as wine.co.za in fact - celebrating 23 years this year and clearly with over 2000 entries, it is a massive job to judge all the wines and spirits entered.
Cape Wine Academy celebrates 40 years of education
The Cape Wine Academy was founded by the very special Dave Hughes. Dave sensibly appointed Phyllis Hands to head up the educational institution and she was the principal from 1979 to 1995 - quite a feat. During this time, they educated thousands of eager wine lovers and professionals, and as Phyllis says, the British Masters of Wine were very impressed by their material.
Phyllis was a brave woman stepping into the man's wine world in 1979, but she is a force to be reckoned with, and it was a delight to see her at the 40th celebrations on Tuesday 1 Oct on the lawns in front of the Nederburg Manor House.
Wine and Food Conference 2019
The speakers were powerful and insightful with plenty of creative ideas: from high-tech from Dave Duarte, Judith Lewis, Miles Kubheka (Vuyo Wors) and Katlego Flocart Dithlokwe to low-tech with the very passionate restaurauteur Fortunato Mazzone from the famous Forti Restaurant in Gauteng, whose passionate message was very much about being hands-on, knowing your customer and giving them something special.
