South Africa overtakes France with British Wine Drinkers!

For the first time, the British are drinking more South African wine than French, the latest figures show.

Sales of South African wine grew 20% by volume to 12.27m cases in the 12-month period ending 23 January this year, according to AC Nielsen.

This is compared to a 12% decline in French wine sales to 12.26m cases.

South Africa is now fourth in wine by volume sales in the UK, behind Australia, California and Italy.
'In 1994 our producers wouldn't have dreamt of selling more wine to the UK than France', said Jo Mason, UK market manager for Wines of South Africa.

'The wine landscape has changed completely and the quality of wine from South Africa is up there with the best in the world.'

In 2009, global exports of South African wine reached nearly 400m litres.

Source: decanter.com

Wine and chocolate fight cancer

Cabernet and chocolate are potent medicine for killing cancer, according to recent research from the USA.

Red grapes and dark chocolate join blueberries, garlic, soy, and teas as ingredients that starve cancer while feeding bodies, said Angiogenesis Foundation head William Li. "We are rating foods based on their cancer-fighting qualities," Li said.

The US foundation is identifying foods containing chemicals that evidently choke-off blood supplies to tumours, starving them to death. A Harvard Medical School study showed that men who ate cooked tomatoes several times weekly were 30% to 50% less likely to have prostate cancer.
Deprive tumours

About a dozen drugs are already in use to deprive tumours of blood supplies in a treatment tactic called "anti-angiogenesis".

The foundation pitted some foods against approved drugs and found that soy, parsley, red grapes, berries and other edibles were either as effective or more potent in battling cancer cells.

Eaten together, the foods were even more effective in fighting cancer.

"We discovered that Mother Nature laced a large number of foods and herbs with anti-angiogenesis features," Li said. "For many people around the world, dietary cancer treatment may be the only solution because not everyone can afford cancer drugs."

The foundation also discovered that anti-angiogenesis properties of foods melt away fat, which relies heavily on blood flow to sustain itself.

Tests showed that mice genetically prone to be chubby could be trimmed to average mouse size using the approach. "It got weight down to a set point for normal mice," Li said. "In other words, we can't create supermodel mice."

Read the article on news24.com

Dassie's Relation to Elephant Finally Makes Sense!

Dassies being the closest living relative to the African elephant is finally believable! And can I say that many many people do not believe us when we tell them this on a tour!

Dassies are the closest related relatives to Elephants, despite the enormous difference in size between the two, research has claimed the dassie is the African elephant’s closest living relative. A new discovery has revealed that the oldest ancestors of modern-day elephants were little bigger than a rabbit.

A 60 million-year-old skull dug up in Morocco has been identified as the earliest form of elephant species. This creature was trunk-less, measured less than 50 cm from tip to tail and weighed just 5kg. The mini-jumbo had front incisors which jutted out of its mouth to form the forerunner of the modern tusks.

Analysis of the teeth in the skull proved it was related, however distant, to the modern elephant. It is 10 million years older than other Elephant ancestor fossils discovered.

This is where the beloved dassie steps in. The close evolutionary relationship between the teeny-tiny Dassie and the ginormous African Elephant is deduced from similarities in the structure of their feet and teeth.

Dassies are heavily preyed upon by Eagles, Caracal and Leopard. Besides their treacherous incisors and a moveable membrane in the eye which shields the pupil and allows vision directly into the sun they don’t have much going for them when it comes to protecting themselves from predators.

We love them, but it looks like the Dassie got the short end of the genetic stick in this family tree.

Dassies have evolved into somewhat lazy creatures. Their favourite pastime is basking in the sun on large rocks, particularly during mornings and late afternoons – the rock dassie seems to be the small and lazy brother. Ah, bless 'em!

27 for Freedom Race - celebrating 20 years since the release of Nelson Mandela

Its been 20 years since Nelson Mandela finally walked free – out the doors of the Victor Verster Prison near Paarl in the Cape Winelands. The prison is commonly known as the Drakenstein Prison and many people do not know that this where Mandela spent the last 2 years of his imprisonment, under house arrest, following his move from Robben Island in 1982 and then his subsequent 6 years at Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town.

After 26 years in captivity, Nelson Mandela did not want to be set free straight away. Two days before his release, the world's most famous political prisoner was taken to see President FW de Klerk in his Cape Town office. The president got a surprise.

"I told him he would be flown to Johannesburg and released there on 11 February 1990. Mr Mandela's reaction was not at all as I had expected," said De Klerk. "He said: 'No, it is too soon, we need more time for preparation.' That is when I realised that long hours of negotiation lay ahead with this man."

Just after 4pm on the date appointed by De Klerk, Mandela, then 71, walked free, holding the hand of his wife, Winnie. The prisoner had lost his argument for a later release date but had persuaded De Klerk to allow him to leave directly from Victor Verster prison, in Paarl. Mandela held up his fist in an ANC salute. In an instant he switched from being a symbol of the oppressed to the global symbol of courage and freedom that he remains today.

Mandela's release did not signal the end of apartheid. In fact, the white-ruled pariah state was entering the most dangerous chapter in its history since the introduction of racial separateness in 1948.

Four hours after leaving prison, Mandela arrived in Cape Town to address thousands of people gathered outside city hall. The impatient crowd had clashed with police and bullets had been fired. But Mandela did not bring a message of appeasement. "The factors which necessitated armed struggle still exist today," he told the cheering onlookers.

Mandela called on the international community to maintain its sanctions. "I have carried the idea of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. I hope to live to see the achievement of that ideal. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die," he shouted.

ON Saturday, 13 February the “27 For Freedom” Race will take place at Drakenstein Correctional Services. Drakenstein Correctional Services, formerly known as the Victor Verster Prison before it was renamed in 1998, is the historic place where Madiba took his first steps to freedom after many years of incarceration.

The 27 For Freedom Race is an inaugural race which forms part of the festivities of the release of Madiba 20 years ago.

Athletes participating in this race will be taken along the same route that was taken by Madiba as he left prison, beacon by beacon, from the Madiba House, along the Long Walk to Freedom route, all the way to the Madiba Statue at the entrance of the prison.

Every participant will receive a medal which will be a collector’s piece. The first 500 entrants in the 27 For Freedom Race will also receive a 27 For Freedom branded T-shirt. Two shorter races will form part of the 27 For Freedom Race inaugural race to cater for the needs of the entire athletics family. Apart from the main 27 km run, athletes can also choose between a 10 km course or a 5 km, which they can either run of walk. Wheelchair athletes are also invited to participate in the 10 race.

The closing date for entries is 7 February. For more information, call 021 883 2413 or visit http://www.bolandathletics.co.za/.

SA Wine industry recognised abroad for ethical practices

As the South African wine industry continues to grow exports, it is also achieving increasing international recognition for its ethical approach to winemaking, says Wines of South Africa (WOSA) CEO Su Birch. Within the space of a few weeks SA was acknowledged by influential UK trade publication The Drinks Business, winning its Ethical Award for 2009 while also earning the lion's share of trophies and prizes in the Fairtrade Wine Committee's competition for best wines of the year, held in London.

The Ethical Award was presented to Project Laduma, WOSA's programme established to train 2,010 wine stewards ahead of the 2010 World Cup, funded mainly through the sale of Fundi Wines, created for the purpose. These wines are selling in a range of markets abroad, including the UK, North America and Japan. Candidates for training are drawn from both the hospitality industry and the ranks of the unemployed.

Birch said that Fairtrade, initiated to protect workers across a range of industries, had helped to focus international attention on the importance of fair labour practices in promoting socio-economic sustainability. Research conducted by Globescan earlier this year had found that 87% of UK consumers believed the issue of payment to farmers or their workers in developing countries was important.

The first Fairtrade certified wine to be launched in the UK was a South African product, Thandi Pinot Noir. There are now more than 250 Fairtrade-certified wines available in the UK, sourced from South Africa, Chile and Argentina.

South African producers won the 2009 trophies for Best Overall Fairtrade Wine, Best Fairtrade Red Wine and Best Fairtrade White Wine. The top prize and also the prize for best red went to Isabelo Pinotage 2008, while the prize for the best white went to Six Hats Sauvignon Blanc 2009. The title of Best Fairtrade Sparkling Wine was won by the Co-operative Fairtrade Cape Sparkling Rosé NV, produced by Du Toitskloof Cellars.

Decanter, a prominent British consumer magazine with an international readership, chose six South African wines for its top ten list of Fairtrade wines. These included wines from Isabelo, Hope's Garden, Thandi, Fairhills and two produced for the Co-operative Group.

Birch said that WIETA, the Agricultural Ethical Trading Initiative SA, founded in 2002, had also helped local producers to raise working conditions on wine farms. The organisation had established a code of good practice governing labour standards to encourage reform. It was also collaborating with major retailers abroad to build support for its objectives.

South Africa boasts the fastest growth rate of wine sales amongst its competitors in the UK with a volume share of the market at just over 10%.

Weekend Wine Tasting in Montagu in the Klein Karoo

To kick start the year, we thought we would head off to another part of the Winelands – Montagu & Robertson – to sample some of their wine estates and see what the region has to offer. We are lucky to have a friend with a self-catering apartment right in town, The Full Monty-gu. The weekend started of course with a braai and then we explored the surrounding area...

The Klein Karoo Wine Region in the Southern Cape is the easternmost wine producing region in the country and stretches from Montagu to Oudtshoorn. Robertson is renowned for the quality of its wines. Many believe it is the source of some of the Cape's finest red wines, particularly Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The distinctive fortified dessert wines for which it was originally famed continue to be produced.

Personally I am a white wine fan – especially in this heat! – but Lucas is more a fan of the reds.... but there was more than enough to keep us both very happy. That said I was the designated driver so I was not as “merry” as the other three!

We started the day at Arrabella where they have a large number of horses roaming the fields around and the first wine of the day was purchased! Then onto De Wetshof for a fantastic Sauvignon Blanc that was right up my street and more wine to buy – this time their De Wetshof Mine D Or – a Rhine Riesling. Such a stunning setting for a tasting room!

Next we dropped into Bon Courage, which was very busy but the tasting room staff seemed to be everywhere at once and always knew when our tasting glasses were in need of the next wine. We hoped to have lunch at Viljoensdrift on their riverboat cruise, but unfortunately many others had the same idea – book in advance or get there early! – so we settled for the tasting room and I explored their cute shop Ways.

Next up was my favourite – how now I wished I was not the driver! – Springfield. Here I had to battle Lucas’ urge to buy several bottles of all their wines! After all, we only live 90 minutes away, we can go again. Again, their white wines (especially the Special Cuvée, a sauvignon blanc) won me over, and Lucas added their Methode Ancienne – a cabernet sauvignon – and the Work of Time – a Bordeaux blend – to our collection!

Finally, we thought six estates was a good number, we stopped at Major’s Hill wine estate – yet another wonderful member of staff and the wine tasters were happy and we added a Port to our stash – thanks Riaan.

In the afternoon, we explored Montagu abit more, its a cute little town with some lovely old buildings and a nice atmosphere – enhanced by us stumbling across Montagu’s Premier Beer Festival at The Mystic Tin & Karoobrew[ery]. A stroll through the village will introduce you to its fascinating architecture and historic buildings - there are 14 National Monuments in Long Street alone. The Museum showcases local history and a medicinal herb garden, and there is a profusion of local flora and bird life in the Nature Garden. There are also many scenic walks, nature trails and mountain hikes in and around Montagu and for the more energetic, Montagu is a rock climber's paradise and offers some of the best rock climbing in South Africa.

Dinner was enjoyed at "Ye Olde Tavern on Church" – set in an old historical house on Church Street and described as a casual and friendly place, I think does not do it justice, once again the friendly staff and service was amazing and we had a great meal and fantastic value. But again, I would recommend booking in advance in season.

On Sunday, we woke to the most quiet Sunday morning I can remember! Tummys were rumbling again so off to Cafe Fresh for a scrummy omelette and a never-ending pot of tea, and then the dried fruit and nut farm stall to stock up on goodies. A great relaxed weekend away and lots of nice bits and bobs purchased to stock the cupboards and wine rack! If you want to chill, I can highly recommend Montagu as a great base and explore the area. Different again from Stellenbosch & Franschhoek for the sights, and the tasting rooms all offer something different again and in my experience, the service and friendliness of everyone we met was amazing!

Thank you Montagu and thank you Riaan and The Full Monty-gu for a great place to visit!

Moreson launches a new range of wine - Miss Molly

Moreson wine estate in Franschhoek has added a new range to their offering!

Miss Molly consists of two easy drinking white wines (a Chenin Blanc and a Sauvignon Blanc) and one red wine (a Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend).

Miss Molly, the Môreson Weimaraner, is such a huge presence in Moreson lives that they felt she deserved her own range of wines. Her larger than life personality, her unique quirks and her naughty nature ensure that she is a love magnet.

When food goes missing, from the kitchen, or the farm starts to look like it's being remodelled by a landscaper - with a love of meter-deep holes - you can be sure that Miss Molly is somehow involved.

All the Miss Molly wines have been designed to capture the fun, and good-natured naughtiness, that Moreson believe makes Miss Molly so incredibly easy to love.

Presently the Miss Molly range of wines consists of Hoity Toity Chenin Blanc, Kitchen Thief Sauvignon Blanc and In My Bed Cabernet Merlot.

* Miss Molly wines proudly supports the South African Guide-Dogs Association by donating a portion of each bottle sold to this association.