The results of the 2019 Rosé Rocks wine competition have been announced. The Rosé Rocks 2019 results include a stunning line up of winners and award the best of the best in this competitive field. 

A record 33 still wines and 6 MCC’s have been awarded the highest accolade of Double Gold winners. This competition is in it’s 5th year and is the original and only rosé wine competition in South Africa which judges still and MCC rosé wines.

“The standard keeps getting better and better each year”,commented Panel Chair,Allan Mullins.“In line with international trends, South African consumers are increasingly choosing drier, paler styles of rosé, and this is reflected in the winning wines.Without a doubt, South Africa is producing world class rosé wine now.”

The tasting panel was delighted to note that the entries this year compare favourably with the best Provencal style rosé wines to be found in Europe. The judging panel was comprised of wine experts from across the industry and featured: Tatiana Marcetteau, sommelier at The Cape Grace Hotel; Shirley Muswema, sommelier at Chefs Warehouse; Praisy Dlamini, winemaker at Bosman’s Wines; Kelly-Marie Jacobs, white winemaker at Zonnebloem Wines; Munashe Kwarambe, sommelier at Le Coin Francais, Franschhoek and the Panel Chair and wine industry maven, Allan Mullins.Rian Moore,

Multi-Color Corporation’s president for Africa and presenting sponsor said “MCC is proud to be involved with the Rosé Rocks 2019 competition. Our association with this prestigious competition underscores our commitment to the South African wine industry which we serve so closely.”

Full results can be found on www.roserocks.co.za 

Twitter: @RoseRocksSA Facebook: @roserockssa Instagram: @roserockssa

For further information please contact:Eamon McLoughlin on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 072 689 7202

Spier’s Wine Tasting Room has extended its opening hours to 7pm until 6 January 2019!

Guest can enjoy summer sunset sundowners daily. There will also be a special on cheese and charcuterie platters paired with a bottle of Spier wine. 

Platter options:

Cheese platter, including a bottle of Spier Signature wine: R110 

Cheese and Charcuterie platter, including a bottle of Spier Signature wine: R180

Valid from: 5 December 2018 - 6 January 2019

Where: On the deck at Spier's Wine Tasting RoomTime: 17h00 - 19h00 

A variety of tasting options are available, even something for the little ones: Spier Tasting:

Choose three wines from our Signature range and one from each of the two premium wine ranges, 21 Gables and Creative Block.

Chocolate and Wine Tasting: A handcrafted chocolate and wine pairing of Spier’s Methodé Cap Classique and the Creative Block range.

Winemaker Selection: Taste our two premium wine ranges plus Spier’s flagship organic wine, First Stone.

Festive Tasting: Sample three Signature wines, one Creative Block wine and one 21 Gables wine – all especially pre-selected for the day by our sommelier. 

Subject to availability until 31 January. 

Children’s Grape Juice Tasting: For the kids – a tasting of three different grape juices, plus an educational colour-in sheet and wine gums 

The Tasting Room’s Gift Shop has a carefully edited selection of wine-related products, books, homeware and gifts to take home. 

For more information or to make a booking contact Wine Tasting on: 021 809 1143 | www.spier.co.za

South Africa’s oldest wine event, the renowned Mercury Wine Week, which takes place this year from Wednesday 29 to Friday 31 August 2018, is celebrating 40 years of migrating the country’s premier wine estates from the Cape to Durban every winter.

To commemorate the milestone, the event which is a highlight on Durban’s winter social calendar, taking place over three evenings offering Durban’s wine- lovers a sampling smorgasbord of over 70 wine estates each showcasing their finest wines, will for the first time take place at Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom.

The Mercury Wine Week affords Durban’s wine-enthusiasts with the opportunity to meet and mingle with some of the country’s leading wine-makers from the Cape winelands’ finest red, white, rosé and sparkling wine estates, to sample the country’s finest blends.

To further celebrate the event’s 40th anniversary, a distinctive Bubbly area will feature the large and growing number of SA’s Méthode Cap Classique estates and their wide variety of sparkling wines.

To ensure the safety of visitors, Mercury Wine Week has partnered with internationally renowned transportation network company Taxify, to offer discounted rates to and from the event.

Be sure to be a part of Durban’s premier winter wine event by booking your tickets online from iTickets at R120 or at the door at R140. The price includes a tasting glass and unlimited wine tasting.

For further information visit www.mercurywineweek.co.za.

Towards the end of Mo'vember – when the moustaches will be in full flourish – join us for a charity fun run/walk through the Stellenbosch vineyards at Remhoogte Wine Estate as we give one final hurrah to the impressive 'Taches of the month. In aid of Operation Smile SA and The Lunchbox Fund, Signature of Hope Trust will be launching the inaugural Cashes for 'Taches 5km fun run. Your 'Tache need not be real; all mouth brows, face-grown or otherwise, are welcome. After a quick morning jaunt (or stroll) through the beautiful countryside, you can enjoy your first half-pint of Wild Beast craft beer on us in your custom Cashes for 'Taches beer glass (which is yours to keep!).

The day of family fun starts with the off-road 5km fun run/walk and continues with lounging on the lawn with your celebratory beer in hand. There will also be food stalls, a cash bar and a jumping castle for the kids. Everyone under 16 years of age can participate for free. Spot prizes will be awarded for the best Bro-merangs of the day!We encourage you to make a day of it by bringing blankets and chairs to picnic on the lawn but, please note, no food or drink (other than water, energy drinks and snacks for the race) will be permitted. There will be food and drinks (soft drinks, coffee and alcoholic) available for purchase on the day.

A first aider/paramedic will be on site for the duration of the race. Please follow the instructions of the marshals along the route at all times. In an attempt to reduce litter, there will be no water stations or bins along the route, so please bring your own water bottle or camel pack and keep your trash secure until the end of the race where bins will be provided. Secure parking will be available on the day. Facilities will be open during the event. Please arrive early to avoid the rush. The race starts at 9 am sharp, but try to arrive from 8 am to secure your parking space at the front (and perhaps grab a coffee from our on-site vendor). Dogs are unfortunately not allowed.

Disclaimer: All participants entering and participating do so at their own risk. Signature of Hope Trust and Remhoogte Wine Estate shall not be liable for any claims /s or damage arising or suffered either directly or indirectly from personal injury or harm whatsoever, including death, or any damage whether direct or indirect to personal or other property whatsoever, and howsoever caused. Furthermore shall, by doing so, be deemed to indemnify the above mentioned parties and their employees against any liability for damages, howsoever caused.

The Ex Animo Address returns in 2016  

On the evening of Monday the 22nd August 2016, the second annual Ex Animo Address will be held at Joostenberg Bistro in Stellenbosch.  

The aim of the evening is to provide an environment for key wine-industry personnel to talk uninterrupted on a subject that they are passionate about regarding the future of the South African wine industry. The audience is given time to ask questions of each speaker following their presentation. The event is run by David and Jeannette Clarke of Ex Animo Wine Company. David will host the evening.  

All profits from ticket sales are donated to charitable or not-for-profit causes of the speakers' choice. Last year the inaugural Ex Animo Address raised R8500 and the Clarkes are hoping to increase that number substantially in 2016 with the support of the wine industry.  

With ever-increasing competitive local and international markets, both SAWIS and VinPro giving emphasis to volume production, and WOSA mandated to solely focus on exports, it seemed to Ex Animo Wine Company co-founder David Clarke that there was a lack of open and organised discussion within South Africa regarding the making and marketing of high quality, terroir-driven wines.  

“The Ex Animo Address gives attendees the opportunity to listen to, and interact with leaders in the wine industry – to discuss key ideas and issues that affect us all [in the industry]. It also gives speakers an opportunity to fully express and share their experience and knowledge from their journey in wine with a vision to the future,” explains Mr. Clarke.  

This will be the second Ex Animo Address held. The 2015 speakers were: Chris Alheit (Alheit Vineyards), Neil Grant (Burrata, Bocca, Open Door, South African Sommeliers Association) and David Cope (Publik).  

The entry fee includes a delicious bowl of warming vegetable soup made by Joostenberg. Drinks are available to purchase on the night.

Details:

When - Monday 22nd August

Arrival at 18h00 for soup.

Where - Joostenberg Bistro R304 Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch, 7607

Price - R200 per person  

The Speakers 2016 (in alphabetical order):  

Rosa Kruger The current Vineyard Manager for Capensis, Mullineux & Leeu, Rupert & Rothschild, Twee Jong Gesellen and Reyneke. A former lawyer, she has been practicing viticulture since 1996, Rosa has worked at Uva Mira, Cape Point Vineyards, L'Ormarins and has also had a lot to do with the rise of close friend Eben Sadie. Based in the Swartland, fanatical about vineyards, especially those with old vines, she is the driving force behind the Old Vineyard Project.

Subject: "Viticulture in South Africa: the past, the present and the future"

Charity: I am old (www.iamold.co.za)

David Clarke on Rosa Kruger: “In my opinion Rosa is the most celebrated viticulturalist currently working in South Africa. In my 17 years in the industry, I have never met a person more passionate about vineyards”  

Adam Mason The winemaker for Mulderbosch Vineyards in the Polkadraai since 2012 and has overseen a move towards a more commercial style. Adam also produces wine under his own labels Marvelous, Yardstick and Raised by Wolves. Adam has travelled widely, gaining experience in Spain and France after graduating from Stellenbosch University in 1997. He was the winemaker for Klein Constantia from 2003-2011.

Subject: “Climate change, urbanisation and profitablity in Stellenbosch”

Charity: Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch

David Clarke on Adam Mason “Adam has a unique perspective on the industry being a key player in both commercial (Mulderbosch) and boutique (Yardstick etc.) production. One of the most erudite and considered winemakers currently operating in South Africa.”  

JP Rossouw Jean-Pierre Rossouw is Publisher of Platter's SA Wine Guide and Rossouw's Restaurants. He's been a food and wine writer for over two decades, contributing to local and international titles, including writing the weekly Cape Times wine column for over 10 years. His wine book, Tasting the Cape, was published by Penguin Book in 2010.

Subject: “Why do you make wine? Selling Wine in Darwin's World”

Charity: Pebbles Project

David Clarke on JP Rossouw: “JP’s expertise and influence in the domestic dining scene has set him apart for years, and now as publisher for the most important wine guide in the country, Platter’s South African Wine Guide, he is set to have a lasting impact on the wines of this nation also.”  

About Ex Animo Wine Co.   Ex Animo Wine Company was founded in Cape Town by Australian husband and South African wife David and Jeannette Clarke in 2014 with a view to represent small, quality-focused producers in the trade. Both are certified sommeliers with the Court of Master Sommeliers and have extensive experience in wine retail and restaurants in the UK, Australia and South Africa.  

To purchase tickets, please visit www.quicket.co.za/events/12640-ex-animo-address-2016-at-joostenberg/#/ Or search “Ex Animo” at www.quicket.co.za  

David Clarke can be contacted on 081 011 8505 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.