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Simonsig enters an exciting new phase with third-generation winemaker Michael Malan taking the reins as cellarmaster.

Michael Malan follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, Frans, and father Johan, who not only established Simonsig as one of South Africa's most innovative wineries, but also one of the most consistently awarded.

Michael takes on his new role ahead of this year's grape harvest with Simonsig also having made two key appointments – Danna de Jongh and Frank Slabbert.

"Danna and Frank joined us towards the end of last year, which has given us good time to prepare ahead of harvest," says Michael. "And, I'm very excited about the prospects.

Platter’s by Diners Club Wine Guide has revealed the recipients of its sought-after and esteemed pinnacle awards – the Wineries of the Year, Wines of the Year and Five Star Wines – for the latest 2023 edition. Meridian is delighted to include 34 of the prestigious Platter's 5-Star wines in our portfolio, including 6 wines of the year as well as the well-respected Winery of the Year. This 43rd edition of South Africa’s favourite wine guide features well over 900 producers, merchants and brands, including 37 new ones, and over 8,000 locally produced wines, as well as brandies, husk spirits and sherry-style wines.

Location location location. You know how the classic saying goes, and this is evident with Cederberg Cellar being in a crucial position in the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor.

For David Nieuwoudt, it is important to establish “green areas from the West Coast all the way to the South Coast”. Being in the middle of Cape Nature, it is essential to provide these Biodiversity Corridors throughout this region.

Cederberg Wines has contributed towards 5.5ha of unspoilt land as it is important for them to protect and nurture the natural habitats. As David says, “Bigger is not always better, but rather use what you have to your advantage.”

South African wine grape producers expect a good, but somewhat smaller 2023 wine grape crop following a healthy, yet dry season. This is according to the first of four crop estimates issued by viticulturists and producer cellars.

“At this very early stage the net decrease in the estimate is mainly attributed to all our growing regions that have experienced a drier season, except for the Northern Cape which has had its own difficult environmental conditions during and after the harvest,” says Conrad Schutte, manager of Vinpro’s team of viticulturists who issue the crop estimates with the industry body SAWIS. “Poor flowering and set in various areas, together with the uprooting of vineyards, also contributed to the decrease in our estimate for the 2023 harvest.”

La Motte invites you to JAN Franschhoek, an exceptional food and wine experience presented from a charming historic cottage, the Veepos, right in the middle of the Franschhoek Valley’s most picturesque lavender fields. Based on the popular TV series, JAN RSVP, this seasonal culinary encounter shares a nostalgic story with food as told by South Africa’s first Michelin-starred chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen.

JAN Franschhoek’s team includes a culinary collective led by JAN Group Executive Chef Antro Davel and Head Chef Anzette Klynhans operating under Jan Hendrik as Culinary Director.

The Veritas Vertex Award, named after wine industry legend Duimpie Bayly, crowns the overall winner at Veritas, the country’s longest running and most prestigious wine competition.

The Tokara Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 was the sixth receiver of the Duimpie Bayly Vertex Award since its inception in 2017. It makes the score even for red and white wine winners, namely three each, that have won the highly sought-after hand-grafted glass trophy.

The creator of this ‘pinnacle product’, Tokara winemaker Stuart Botha, explains that the winery’s focus is on two of the great grape varieties in the world, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

I’m sitting with Ken Forrester outside his tasting room on a sunny November afternoon, looking across one of his vineyards (this one planted to Chenin in 1974), looking across to the Helbderberg. All is well with the world. We begin to talk about how he got to where he is today.

Ken, commonly referred to as Mr Chenin, began his career in hotels, after training in hotel management. But then he was drafted for the military and was sent to war in Angola, 1976-1978. What did he do there? ‘I tried to stay alive,’ he says. ‘I had three guys in my platoon shot, but all three survived. We had five tours in two years. It was the best times and the worst times.’

Dr Paul Clüver, the founder of Paul Clüver Family Wines, is a winner of this year’s WWF's Living Planet Award.

WWF’s Living Planet Award is made annually to exceptional South Africans who, through their catalytic contribution, inspire people to live in harmony with nature.

The winners were named at WWF South Africa's annual general meeting on 11 November at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Dr Paul Clüver, of Paul Clüver Family Wines, was recognised as a pioneer, innovator, and leader in the field of regenerative agriculture and for improving the lives of others and the natural world they depend on.

World’s Best Vineyards has revealed this year’s top wine destinations for 2022 at an event held in Argentina’s wine capital, Mendoza.

The annual list which highlights the world’s finest and most diverse vineyards across the globe announced the Top 50 with Klein Constantia & Tokara taking 2 of the 3 spots for South African producers ranking 39th and 47th respectfully as well as Champagne Billecart-Salmon taking the 12th spot on the prestigious list.

The 2022 list includes more countries than ever before with 20 from all six continents being featured. It also includes exciting first-time entrants from India, Bulgaria and Greece highlighting the recent growth in the industry.