Have you joined us on our 6-month journey around the globe? We started with a charming April in Amsterdam, soaked up some sun in Maputo during May, made the most of a highveld winter with June in Joburg, celebrated our French heritage with July in Dijon and had an epic Eastern experience in Kyoto during August. What a whirlwind! Our last destination on the current itinerary brings us back home as we couldn't miss Heritage Month and Braai Day!
Can you guess our ultimate destination for September? If you are passionate about our natural heritage and can't resist lighting a fire for a braai, we think Skukuza, the Kruger National Park's largest rest camp, is just the place. The alliteration with September doesn't hurt either, of course...
So, you are invited to join us for September in Skukuza!
Spotting cats
We love the diversity of South African flora and fauna, but of course, we are very passionate about leopards! With the Cape Leopard Trust turning 20 this year, we have been celebrating the leopards of the Cape and the dedication of conservationists and you can read more about them HERE.
But how does the leopards in and around Skukuza differ from those in the Cape Winelands? The Cape Leopard Trust explains that the leopards of the Cape (all leopards in the Western, Northern and Eastern Cape) are the same sub-species as the ones found elsewhere in Africa – they’re all Panthera pardus. Although, geographically, leopards in the Cape mountains are fairly restricted from other populations in SA and have some unique morphological, ecological, and genetic characteristics, it is not enough to classify them as a sub-species. To avoid confusion, we therefore rather refer to this population as "leopards of the Cape" or "leopards of the fynbos".
Sizzle away
Can you even imagine spending a night in Skukuza without lighting a fire to braai? What would be on your menu? Are you the traditional braaier who goes for chops, sausage, sosaties, braaibroodjies and perhaps a little side salad? Perhaps you enjoy a staanribbetjie, spatchcock chicken or even some trout with a squeeze of lemon? While all of these sound delicious, we've decided that our ultimate braai is one where you don't really need a table or cutlery, all you need is a plankie! (and a glass of course...)
If you really want to have a casual get-together around the fire, but would prefer some more excitement to the meal than the average worsie or plankie steak, we have a wonderful repertoire of recipes for bite-sized morsels from the fire! Chef Christiaan has reimagined the plankie steak and came up with recipes for meaty treats and fun vegetables like you have never tasted before!
Click HERE for the recipes.
Choose your leopard
The beauty of a plankie braai is also that wine pairing is not at all a serious business when there is such a delightful selection of nibbles on offer. All you have to do is to choose your favourite Leopard's Leap variety from the versatile collection of food-loving wines and make sure you keep your glass filled!
As we are celebrating heritage, however, we have a few suggestions. The Leopard's Leap Family Collection Heritage Blend has the right name and is a Shiraz-blend made for the braai. It is that all-rounder you need when a plankie is making its rounds. South Africa's own cultivar, Pinotage, is not only on theme for heritage month, it is another versatile partner for the braai – have you tried it with curry sosaties?! And of course, who can resist South African Chenin Blanc? Made for sunshine sipping, it is the ultimate local white wine.
To make the most of our September in Skukuza or, of course, Heritage Month and Braai Day celebrations regardless of where you might find yourself this September, we offer 10% off on any combination of 6 bottles listed below from our Tasting Room or leopardsleap.co.za (Remember, if you buy 18 bottles, you qualify for free nationwide delivery!)
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