Judy has become a bit of a brandy fan, usually sipping it with ice! And so, she was intrigued to be invited to the opening of The Home of Klipdrift at Van Ryn's Distillery near Stellenbosch on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. Brandy has also become synonymous with cocktails these days, and there were some zingy and delicious options available to enjoy.
In the blink of an eye, wine.co.za has turned 30! On Friday, 28 September 2026, we had a lovely, relatively low-key birthday lunch at the temporary Firehorse restaurant at Vergelegen in Somerset West with our team.
As you may know, Cap Classique is made in the methode champenoise, following the 'Champagne' method, but South Africa coined the term Cap Classique to describe its very own category pioneered by Frans Malan, founder of Simonsig, who made the first Cap Classique (from Chenin Blanc) in South Africa in 1971. He called it Vonkel, which means 'sparkling' in Afrikaans.
The wine.co.za DTC Academy takes 18 of the 30 students through an 8-day Wine Service Essentials course, a combination of wine knowledge, service and sales. Neil Tabraham, our lead trainer, takes them through this journey, and part of the program is an immersion at a winery. We were honoured to visit Simonsig, the home of the first Cap Classique in South Africa, where they were taken on a tour and a tasting, hosted by a Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) alumni, Khanyiso Gcwabe.
The 20th edition of the FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 Awards was held on 14th Oct at the gorgeous Weltevreden Estate just outside Stellenbosch. It is a quiet haven in amongst the rather excessive development in the area near Welgevonden.
The Durbanville Hills venue and winery has 2 restaurants, with the newest being the revamp of the Olive Grove Terrace.
The relaunch was attended by many in the Durbanville Wine Valley as well as various influencers and Heineken management.
Glenelly, with its stunning glass museum, hosting a number of exquisite pieces loving gathered and curated by Mme May de Lencquesaing, is continuing its focus on art.
On a beautiful warm spring evening, Mme's grandson Maxime Bureau welcomed guests to the opening of their first art exhibition which will run to 30 April 2027.
The South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB), founded in 2023, hosted its first Affiliate breakfast, providing a valuable opportunity for those service providers offering training for the wine industry to connect.
