News from the South African winelands

OUR LATEST NEWS

Wednesday, 9 October, 2024

Inter Hotel Challenge: Igniting careers in hospitality and tourism

The Inter Hotel Challenge is more than a competition. It's an important stepping stone for South Africa’s next generation of culinary and hospitality leaders.

Showcook

Wednesday, 10 July, 2024

Inter Hotel Challenge, South Africa 2024

32 Hotels are participating in this year's Inter-Hotel Challenge, competing across various categories: concierges, wine stewards, mixologists, chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, and baristas.

Showcook

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 30 November, 2023

Winners of 2023 Inter Hotel Challenge announced

The winners of the 2023 Inter Hotel Challenge, sponsored by HEINEKEN Beverages, have been announced this week.

HEINEKEN Beverages

Monday, 20 November, 2023

Game on! Who will be the Inter Hotel Challenge winners?

Suspense is mounting ahead of the announcement of the national finalists of the 2023 Inter Hotel Challenge, sponsored by HEINEKEN Beverages.

HEINEKEN Beverages

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 5 October, 2023

Inter Hotel Challenge focused on mentoring hospitality talent

While South Africa’s tourist numbers are powering ahead in anticipation of summer, 23 wine stewards have been undergoing intensive training.

HEINEKEN Beverages

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 24 August, 2023

Get those skills going to support tourism upswing, says Heineken Beverages 

SA’s post-pandemic bounce-back in tourism makes upskilling in hospitality and tourism critical, says HEINEKEN Beverages against the background of the 2023 Inter Hotel Challenge launch.

HEINEKEN Beverages

Thursday, 24 August, 2023

This is what Sharon Keith, marketing director at Heineken Beverages South Africa, has to say about leadership

Sharon, who joined Heineken Beverages in January 2022, leads the company’s portfolio of well-loved brands, including Heineken®, Savanna and Amarula.

HEINEKEN Beverages

FEATURED ARTICLE

Tuesday, 6 December, 2022

2022 Distell Inter Hotel Challenge winners announced

The 3 headline winners in the 2022 Distell Inter Hotel Challenge will soon fly to Ireland, France, and the US to take up the international mentorship part of their extensive prizes. A life-changing experience!

Distell

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 4 August, 2022

Distell Inter Hotel Challenge sees huge growth in 2022 entries

This year 39% more establishments are competing in the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge than last year.

Distell

Friday, 29 July, 2022

Breaking the barrier of no

To all those naysayers who claim you can’t, there’s growing proof you can.

Distell

FEATURED ARTICLE

Monday, 14 March, 2022

Distell Inter Hotel Challenge - Where is Ndaba Dube now?

“Such initiatives help us stay resilient,” says the winner of the Most Promising Wine Steward award at the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge 2013.

Showcook

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 3 March, 2022

Distell Inter Hotel Challenge - Where is Tinashe Nyamudoka now?

Checking in with Tinashe Nyamudoka, 2013 Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge Wine Steward of the Year. He gives us an update of his life as a renowned wine marketer and consultant.

Showcook

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 24 February, 2022

Distell Inter Hotel Challenge - Where is Chef Siyathokoza Molefe now?

Catching up with Siyathokoza Molefe, 2018 Distell Inter Hotel Challenge Chef of the Year. Today he is working as a chef at a high-end restaurant in Dubai, working as hard as ever and loving every minute of it.

Showcook

FEATURED ARTICLE

Monday, 21 February, 2022

Distell Inter Hotel Challenge - Where is Chef Amoré Bezuidenhout now?

In this installment of the "Where are they now" feature, we catch up with Amoré Bezuidenhout, 2020 Ultimate Lancewood Pastry Chef of the Year. These days she is living the dream, working as a pastry chef at a luxury safari lodge.

Showcook

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 16 December, 2021

Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge results are evidence of a Hospitality skills boost

The results of the 2021 Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge show just how much more diverse the skilled sector of the hospitality industry is becoming, opening the way for far greater inclusion, according to Distell’s HR and Corporate Affairs Director, André Opperman.

Distell Group Limited

FEATURED ARTICLE

Monday, 13 December, 2021

Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge 2021 - All the winners!

The winners of the 9th Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge Awards were announced last week at an intimate awards ceremony held at the glorious Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town.

Distell Group Limited

FEATURED ARTICLE

Friday, 22 October, 2021

Skills development key to hospitality industry’s future

The recovery of the hospitality industry will largely depend on how well the sector realigns itself to the “new normal” and addresses shifts in consumer behaviour and spending patterns.

Showcook

Friday, 5 March, 2021

Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge honours SA’s up-and-coming hospitality talent

The winners of the 2020 Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge were announced at an awards ceremony at Taj Cape Town, and broadcast digitally.

Distell Group Limited

Monday, 29 June, 2020

Introducing some of our future top wine stewards

Distell showed great vision when they took up the challenge in 2013 to assist aspiring wine stewards around South Africa, a decision that was fully justified by the young candidate’s eagerness to understand and absorb the finer nuances in the culture of the grape.

Showcook

Tuesday, 23 June, 2020

Distell set on building hospitality talent

The Distell Inter Hotel Challenge is turning to distance learning in its goal to train and hone the skills of tomorrow’s hospitality talent.

Distell Group

Monday, 25 May, 2020

Meet & Greet – Distell Inter Hotel Challenge 2020

Continuing to bring you some of the cream of our youth in the hospitality industry, introducing…

Showcook

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 30 April, 2020

Orientation of the 2020 Distell Inter Hotel Challenge with the Cape Hotels

The Orientation went off splendidly with Cape Hotels albeit in a limited fashion at Southern Sun The Cullinan, but the teams are as keen as mustard and putting their best foot forward.

Showcook

FEATURED ARTICLE

Monday, 27 April, 2020

Orientation & Launch in Gauteng for the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge 2020

The Rosa at The Palazzo was the exceptionally enchanting scene for a most spectacular evening, the Launch of the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge in Gauteng 50 guests seated at the long slender table, masses of lush red roses ran the length of this unique space, walls of stone with climbing ivy and ferns, overlooking the exquisite gardens of The Palazzo, Montecasino.

Showcook

Monday, 27 April, 2020

Sharing of skills, camaraderie and a platform for you!

During this time when it is difficult to travel, the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge has become an online presence offering encouragement and direction. Sandy Harper, well known international wine judge points the way forward…

Showcook

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 23 April, 2020

Launch of the 2020 Distell Inter Hotel Challenge in the friendly city of Durban

For the 8th consecutive year, the search is on for tomorrow’s chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, baristas, wine stewards and concierges as the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge four regional launches are underway!

Showcook

FEATURED ARTICLE

Sunday, 4 August, 2019

Announcing ALL the winners of the 2019 Distell Inter Hotel Challenge!

Southern Sun Cape Sun was the glittering venue for the ‘Hotel Oscars’. The luminous tables reflected the rich heritage of our Winelands, the exquisite shades of a grape. From chardonnay to pinotage, the tables were a triumph of creativity.

Showcook

Wednesday, 17 July, 2019

Distell Inter Hotel Challenge - Orientations

One of South Africa’s most knowledgeable Food & Wine Judges, Chris de Klerk (Cape Wine Master, Wine Ambassador Distell) shared insights into the art of food and wine pairing. Introducing the fine wines of Distell and choice spirits, and of course the magnificent prize…

Showcook

FEATURED ARTICLE

Monday, 8 July, 2019

Out and About with wine.co.za: Chenin Congress | Distell Inter Hotel Cookoff | De Wetshof Chardonnay Experience | Old Mutual Trophy Tasting

In this week's Out and About our roving reporter witnessed the first Chenin International Congress, we tasted the finest foods at the Distell Inter Hotel Cookoff, enjoyed the De Wetshof Chardonnay Experience and sipped excellence at the Old Mutual Trophy Tasting.

wine.co.za

Friday, 19 April, 2019

All about the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge

“When you get into a hotel room, you lock the door, and you know there is a secrecy, there is a luxury, there is fantasy. There is comfort. There is reassurance.” These words by Belgian fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg, who rose to fame and became Princess Diane of Fürstenberg when she married Prince Egon von Fürstenberg, are often used to describe the unique allure of hotels.

Showcook

Thursday, 21 March, 2019

Bradley Solomons, Concierge at The Table Bay is on his way to the “Hotel Oscars”, The Distell Inter Hotel Challenge 2019…

Bradley Solomons, Concierge at The Table Bay joins the team of enthusiastic food and wine enthusiasts, Jonathon Wakefield (Sommelier candidate), Dalise Stynfaard (Bakery candidate) and Kurt de Wet (Chef candidate) representing the hotel in the prestigious Distell Inter Hotel Challenge 2019.

Michael Olivier Communications

FEATURED ARTICLE

Monday, 18 March, 2019

7th Annual Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge has been launched

The seventh annual inter-hotel challenge has been launched. The challenge has become a huge event for the South African tourism and hospitality industry. Its primary objective is to partner with the industry in order to create and sustain a strong national base of top quality chefs, bakers and wine stewards in South Africa's tourism industry.

Showcook

FEATURED ARTICLE

Saturday, 2 March, 2019

Why is April #wineforgood month?

This year we celebrate 25 years of democracy in South Africa and wine.co.za would like to recognise the significant changes and all the good work that is being done in the Cape winelands

wine.co.za, Judy Brower

Wednesday, 6 February, 2019

#CanonChallenge2019 causing quite a stir

Causing quite a stir and in many cases quite sublime entries are competing in this preliminary round on Instagram #CanonChallenge2019 part of the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge.

Showcook.com

Friday, 25 January, 2019

"Most Promising Bio-Wheat Baker", Allessandria Jordan heads to Cape Town

Looking forward to welcoming Allessandria Jordan to Cape Town as winner of the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge 2018 "Most Promising Bio-Wheat Baker".

Showcook.com

Wednesday, 29 August, 2018

SASA Newsletter: August 2018

Tasting Notice | Cape Wine Chenin Blanc Party | SASA Winter Olympics | Congratulations

South African Sommelier Association

Tuesday, 14 August, 2018

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel celebrates a sterling performance at the ultimate food and wine pairing challenge

Scooping titles such as best main dish and placed third overall in the 2018 Distell Inter Hotel Challenge, Tsogo Sun KZN is proving to be at the forefront of the hospitality industry showcasing outstanding young talent.

Subashni Govender

FEATURED ARTICLE

Monday, 6 August, 2018

The 2018 Distell Inter Hotel Challenge Winners announced at Gala Dinner

After six months of hard work, lectures, product workshops, intense menu planning and ultimately the stress of the regional cook-offs, the national winners of the 6th annual Distell Inter Hotel Challenge were announced at a glittering gala awards event at the Belmond Mount Nelson in Cape Town.

Showcook.com

FEATURED ARTICLE

Wednesday, 28 March, 2018

Distell Inter Hotel Challenge launching for 2018

For the 6th consecutive year, the search is on for tomorrow’s chefs, bakers and wine stewards as the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge was launched in a series of regional training workshops and glittering gala dinners this month. The challenge has become a red-letter event for the hospitality industry, drawing in big name sponsors, food and wine suppliers and the South African tourism industry.

Chania Morritt-Smith

FEATURED ARTICLE

Sunday, 6 August, 2017

Winners of the 'Oscars' of the Hotel industry announced - #interhotelchallenge

The Distell Inter Hotel Challenge has become a red-letter annual event on the hotel industry calendar. 2017 marks the fifth anniversary of this initiative, a first in South Africa and a first internationally.

Showcook.com

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 1 June, 2017

Very sad news of Wonga

We are very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Wonga Nongqotho.

Judy Brower - wine.co.za

Tuesday, 23 May, 2017

Cape Legends & Artisan Spirits Inter Hotel Challenge 2017

2013 saw the first inter hotel challenge with ten top Cape hotels. 2016 has seen the growth in this initiative extending to Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal with a total of 25 hotels on board and in the process evolving into the CAPE LEGENDS & ARTISAN SPIRITS INTER HOTEL CHALLENGE.

Cape Legends & Artisan Spirits Inter Hotel Challen

Thursday, 23 March, 2017

Cape Legends & Artisan Spirits Inter Hotel Challenge

2017 Is the fifth year of the Inter Hotel Challenge, sponsored by Cape Legends fine wines and choice Distell artisan spirits, celebrated in the industry as the ‘Hotel Oscars’!

Chania Morritt-Smith

Wednesday, 23 November, 2016

The wine whisperer: Winner of the 2016 Wine Service Award

Tinashe Nyamudoka, winner of the Eat Out Wine Service Award, wins hearts at The Test Kitchen with his knowledge and charm.

EatOut, Nikita Buxton

Saturday, 30 July, 2016

2016 Cape Legends Interhotel Awards

The fourth annual Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge, sponsored by Cape Legends fine wines and choice Distell artisan spirits, culminated in a scintillating celebration at the Belmond Mount Nelson, Friday 29th July 2016.

Chania Morritt-Smith - Showcook.com

Monday, 18 April, 2016

Grape to Glass for Inter Hotel Challenge

The 2016 Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge is on... and the 23 participating hotels have nominated their candidates & have been matched with some of Distell's top wine and spirit brands. Find out more about the plans...

Showcook.com

Wednesday, 13 April, 2016

Launching 2016 Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge

This is the 4th year of the Inter Hotel Challenge, run by showcook.com

Showcook.com

Monday, 17 August, 2015

Cape Legends Interhotel Challenge Awards 2015

The third annual Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge, sponsored by Cape Legends fine wines, culminated in a glittering awards celebration at the Southern Sun Cape Sun, Friday 14th August 2015.

Chania Morritt-Smith

Friday, 14 August, 2015

Meet the 2015 Inter Hotel Cape Legends Finalists: Mercy Mwai

2015 sees the announcement of the annual Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge now in its third year with 25 hotels from the Cape, Port Elizabeth and KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng on board. Meet this year's extraordinary Wine Steward Finalists:

Chania Morritt-Smith

Tuesday, 11 August, 2015

Meet the 2015 Inter Hotel Cape Legends Finalists: Anita Thomson

Inter Hotel Cape Legends

Friday, 7 August, 2015

Meet the 2015 Inter Hotel Cape Legends Finalists: Robin Whitehead

Inter Hotel Cape Legends

Tuesday, 4 August, 2015

Meet the 2015 Inter Hotel Cape Legends Finalists: Mduduzi Shabangu

Inter Hotel Cape Legends

Thursday, 23 July, 2015

Meet the 2015 Inter Hotel Cape Legends Finalists: Mpho Masiu

Inter Hotel Cape Legends

Wednesday, 22 July, 2015

Meet the 2015 Inter Hotel Cape Legends Finalists: Bennet Msweli

Inter Hotel Cape Legends

Thursday, 9 July, 2015

Interhotel Challenge with Cape Legends....finals coming up

The first rounds of the Cape Legends Interhotel Challenge are over and the finals are awaited nervously!

Chania Morritt-Smith

Thursday, 14 May, 2015

Hands-on mentorship builds passionate chefs

Qualified mentorship, focused staff development, and career path mapping have become an imperative for retaining good culinary talent in South Africa’s competitive hospitality sector, which like most sectors faces a skills shortage.

Cape Legends

Tuesday, 31 March, 2015

Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge 2015

2015 sees the announcement of the annual Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge now in its third year with 25 hotels from the Cape, Port Elizabeth and KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng on board.

Cape Legends

Tuesday, 18 March, 2014

The Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge 2014 extends from Cape to JHB and Durban

The second annual Inter Hotel Challenge, the hospitality industry’s ultimate showdown of food and wine pairing, is to be sponsored by Cape Legends Fine Wines and the Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge 2014will, for the first time, include Johannesburg and Durban.

Cape Legends Fine Wines

Friday, 31 May, 2013

Cape Legends backs hospitality project to build skills

Cape Legends, Distell’s fine wine division whose portfolio of award-winning wines from the Cape stretches from Tulbagh to the Southern Cape, is backing the début Inter Hotel Challenge aimed at promoting mentorship and advancing the transfer of skills within the Western Cape hotel and tourism industries.

Cape Legends

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