Winemag Next Generation Awards 2024: Benguela Cove’s 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Steals the Show
The FedEx Next Generation Awards have been announced! Results of the inaugural Next Generation Awards sponsored by shipping company FedEx Express and convened by Winemag.co.za are live. The aim of this new competition is to identify South Africa’s emerging winemaking talent. A condition of entry was that entrants should be under 35 years of age at the time of the awards ceremony on 11 June. 62 Wines from 37 entrants were received and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a panel consisting of Winemag.co.za editor Christian Eedes as chairman...
A slice of heaven in Hemel-en-Aarde valley
The pinot noir capital of South Africa lives up to its name in Hemel-en-Aarde Tucked between the seaside town of Hermanus, the Cape winelands and Elgin, the Hemel-en-Aarde valley is not as well-known as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. It has a more subdued sensibility, and feels more unexplored. But with striking visual appeal, rolling vineyards and fertile grounds, it’s said to be South Africa’s answer to Burgundy, France. To get around, we catch a ride with Wine Hoppers, the hop-on, hop-off safari-style local wine tour. It’s fun and easy, and a guide takes...
10 Family-Friendly Towns in South Africa for a Memorable Vacation
While other Southern African countries offer splendid family trip ideas, South Africa stands out as an essential destination for family vacations. Known for its beautiful scenery and warm-hearted people, it remains the most popular choice for memorable family holidays. In South Africa, accommodation options span from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses, catering to all budgets. The country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystems provide a multitude of experiences. From pristine beaches and majestic mountain ranges to a wide array of wildlife, South Africa offers both adventure and relaxation. Its well-maintained...
Grootbos gallery impresses
Situated in the Overberg between Stanford and Gansbaai, Grootbos Nature Reserve is known around the world for its 3 500 ha of pristine wilderness, 100 endangered plant species, 907 plant species, of which seven new to science were discovered here, three Milkwood forests over a 1 000 years old, the wonder of the marine big five and more than 23 mammal species found on the reserve. The best part of visiting the Grootbos Nature Reserve is to get up close and personal with the work its foundation does. At a Grootbos...
TWO South African markets ranked among Top 20 in the world
Just as food seems to taste better when being consumed outdoors, shopping feels more real when wandering around a market. South African markets – be they farmers, flea or street – are not only among the best on the African continent, but among the finest in the world. Two Gauteng-based markets have been ranked in the world’s Top 20, according to a recently released ranking by Merchant Machine. In addition, no fewer than 12 South African markets haven been ranked in Africa’s Top 20. The Victoria Yards market in Johannesburg and the Market @ The...
Harbour to welcome cruise liner
The Easter weekend is upon us, and it usually attracts thousands of visitors to Hermanus. On Saturday, Hermanus will receive another financial boost when the Silver Cloud, with 254 passengers on board, will drop anchor in Hermanus. This small cruise ship, operated by SilverSea, was the fleet’s first to take service in 1994. Since her maiden voyage there have been extensive upgrades, including the reconfiguration of an observation lounge. The ship primarily sails on expedition cruises, which include the polar regions. The Silver Cloud stands out as one of the highest crew to...
Hermanus Camino
Time to take a long, meaningful journey on foot. You’ve probably heard of the Camino de Santiago, the most famous pilgrimage route in the world. Once you start looking into this concept of “Walking Your Way”, you discover caminos all over the world (Australia has recently launched its own). South Africa has a dozen or so, mostly in the Western Cape – which opens the door to some remarkable routes and experiences. From the Winelands, West Coast and Cederberg to the Overberg, Karoo and Garden Route, these caminos truly do take “the...
Swap Stellenbosch for this underrated South African wine region
The Hemel-en-Aarde valley, 90 minutes from Cape Town, is one of the country’s most beautiful areas with fewer crowds and stays that are half the price of the more touristy wine routes “Quick, wind your window up,” my dad would call from the driver’s seat as a plume of red dust threatened to engulf our hire car as it trundled along the gravel road. Since the late Nineties this has been our annual ritual on the hot, sleepy drive from Cape Town to Caledon, a town in the Overberg region of...
South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde: A Chardonnay paradise
In just a few decades, this arrestingly beautiful part of South Africa’s south has risen to join the elite of regions reputed as top-quality sources of the world’s best-loved white grape. One of the most southerly wine-producing areas in the world, South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley has rapidly gained a reputation as the source of striking, high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Anthony Hamilton Russell, of Hamilton Russell Vineyards, is one of the region’s leading advocates. ‘I know I am biased,’ he tells me on a recent visit, ‘but, with few exceptions, Hemel-en-Aarde makes the finest Chardonnay...