Here's a quick glance at the week that was.... Top stories in the news this week: Parliament is thirsty. Parliament gets a wine cellar. The opening of the cellar was attended by parliamentarians, media and the winemakers whose wines are proudly displayed on the shelves. A map of South Africa's wine regions hangs on one wall, while tasting sessions are held at tables fitted with spittoons should serious wine aficionados make an appearance at the cellar. Villiera, Vriesenhof, Boplaas, Neil Ellis, Boschendal and De Wetshof are some of the wineries whose products can be found in the cellar. At the opening, Danie de Wet, cellarmaster and owner of De Wetshof Estate in Robertson, remarked that the establishment of a Parliamentary wine cellar signified an important gesture. Only 27 and already he's got the best taste buds of SA. Xolani Mancotywa, 27, Sommelier at the Saxon Hotel, Johannesburg has won the title of 2013 Best Young Sommelier in South Africa. He will be flying to Washington, D.C., USA to compete for top honours in the worldwide contest. The contest will be held at the Washington, D. C. Fairmont Hotel in Georgetown on Friday, October 18 2013. These competitions are sponsored by the Chaîne de Rôtisseurs, the world’s oldest and largest gastronomic society, with 25,000 members in over 70 countries. We wish him all the best. Wine - new releases and lekker tastings: Overhex International, Balance Wines hosts a tasting at The Bay Hotel Camps Bay on Tuesday was heavenly and what better location for drinking summery wines. The Balance wine range was launched in 2004 and is presently enjoyed in 16 different countries, worldwide.Thanks to its international success, the range has been extended to now include Balance Best Blend, Balance Buddy, Balance Winemaker?s Selection and Balance Sparkling. They market themselves as providing fun and easy drinkable wines. You can buy their wines here La Motte have released their 2013 vintage for both Sauvignon Blancs. The most significant difference between La Motte’s two styles of Sauvignon Blanc is due to the origin of the grapes. The grapes for the 2013 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc comes from various growing areas in the Cape Winelands. This new vintage has already won a gold medal winner at the 2013 Mundus Vini Great International Wine Awards and offers well-integrated flavours of gooseberry, green apple, winter melon and lemon combined with a natural acidity and gentle, creamy palate. A more serious style of Sauvignon Blanc, the La Motte’s Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc is made from a single organically grown vineyard in the Walker Bay region. This limited production is acknowledged for its complexity, minerality, maturation potential and for being a food wine par excellence. The La Motte Sauvignon Blanc 2013 retails for R60 and the limited release Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2013 retails for R108. Both available from their tasting room. J.C. Le Roux and Pongracz welcome Christmas in early with sparkle. Sitting pretty in new packaging, these two bottles of MCC make perfect festive gifts so get your hands on them before they sell out! And here is what's to come.... Events: Season of Sauvignon in Durbanville is upon us. Like laid-back people? Like good food? Love Sauvignon Blanc? Then this is the festival for you. Known for exceptional wines, wonderfully witty winemakers and star-quality chefs, this is a festival that needs your attention. Eleven farms take part and you can spend as much or as little time at each as you like. You can even pick just one farm and set up camp but remember that each farm has it's own unique vibe and activities so don't miss out. For more information, click here For something a little further afield, start planning for the annual Wine on the River Festival Now in it’s eight year, the Robertson Wine on the River will take place 18 - 20 October 2013. This idyllic open-air wine festival takes place on the banks of the Breede River at the Goudmyn Farm between Robertson and Bonnievale. The Robertson Wine on the River takes place at the Goudmyn Farm on the banks of the Breede River. 45 wineries from Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson showcase more than 300 wines for you to taste in a central location. Wine is also sold both for on-site or off-site consumption at cellar price, making it the ideal time to stock up on some favourites. Although the focus is on the tasting of wine, you will also be able to sample olives, cheeses, olive oils and other regional produce. Book your tickets here