South Africa’s biggest wine competition, the Veritas Wine Awards, will be even bigger this year with brandy being included in the judging for the first time.
Brandy producers have until August 17 to submit entries for the competition. Entries can be submitted in various classes, such as standard, vintage and pot-still brandies and the judging panel will be convened by international wine and spirit authority Dave Hughes.
According to Duimpie Bayly, chairman of the SA National Wine Show Association, which runs Veritas, the board’s decision to include a brandy section was unanimous. “The South African wine and brandy industries share a proud history built up over more than 350 years. That brandy, a noble product of the grape, now forms part of Veritas is a natural extension of this link.”
South African brandy is highly regarded internationally for its high quality and it is produced under the most stringent regulations in the world.
Judging will take place at the Nederburg auction complex in Paarl from September 13 to 20 and the results will be announced at a banquet in the Cape Town International Convention Centre on October 8.
For details and entry forms contact Veritas manager Elsabe Ferreira on tel (021) 807 3104, or by fax on (021) 863 2079 or e-mail elsabe@veritas.co.za.
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The annual Hermanus Wine and Food Festival is regarded by many as one of the highlights of the South African wine year.
This year’s event takes place from August 6 to 8 and promises to be bigger than ever, with more than 50 wine cellars from Elgin to Elim taking part.
The programme features a special children’s area, food stalls offering everything from sushi to local cheeses and olive products, live music and live radio broadcasts from the festival marquee.
The Hermanus Festival is the only Wine and Food Fair in South Africa where you can purchase the wines you’ve tasted and either take them home immediately or have them shipped home anywhere in the world.
The price of tickets remains the same as last year, R95 a day and R150 for a weekend pass.
Opening hours are: Friday 17:00 - 21:00; Saturday 11:00 - 19:00 and Sunday 11:00 - 17:00
For more details visit the website www.hermanuswineandfood.co.za or contact them on 028 316 3988.
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Serious foodies might like to consider a four-day cooking experience at the luxurious Robertson Small Hotel, under the guidance of celebrity chef Reuben Riffel.
The hotel, with its Reuben’s restaurant has become known as one of the top gourmet venues in the country.
The four-day Reuben’s Gourmet Experience will take place from August 23 to 27, with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided each day, and a programme of food pairings, cookery demonstrations, pastry-making hints, exciting recipes and some of Reuben’s culinary secrets.
Guests will stay at the elegant hotel and each participant will be given a signed copy of Reuben’s book, an embroidered chef’s jacket and apron to take home.
The all-in price for the course, including accommodation, is R8500 and bookings can be made by contacting Maryke at reservations@reubens.co.za or by phoning 021 876 3772 .
Photograph courtesy of Veritas
