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.

Its time for the Franschhoek Champagne Festival again!! 4 - 6th December

In Franschhoek we believe life is about experiences and the best experiences are the ones involving the ‘magic of bubbles’. It’s for this reason that wewill be hosting the third annual Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival. Where the finest South African Cap Classique and French Champagne flows for an entire weekend.

Spend the Champagne festival weekend popping corks, filling flutes, sipping vivacious bubbly and snacking on delicacies prepared by some of the valley’s gourmet masterminds.

FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER 18H00 - 22H00 - Join us for a cocktail event under the stars!

The imported bubbly brands represented at the Festival will be Billecart Salmon, Joseph Perrier, and Laurent Perrier, while local brands are Avondale, Bon Courage, Boschendal, Bramon, Cape Chamonix, Colmant, Dieu Donne, Du Preez, Genevieve Mcc, Graham Beck, Groote Post, JC le Roux, Krone, Hout Bay Vineyards, Kumkani, La Motte, L’Avenir, Morena, Morgenhof, Nitida, Pierre Jourdan, Seidelberg, Silverthorn, Simonsig, Steenberg, Topiary, Villiera, Weltevrede and Woolworths.

Not only will the visitors taste the best of bubbly, but they will also be able to taste delicacies of the Franschhoek restaurants, which include Cafe Allee Bleue, Dieu Donne, Haute Cabriere, La Petite Ferme, Le Franschhoek, L’Ermitage, Mange Toute, Monneaux, Grande Provence, and Salmon Bar.

Tickets cost R180 for a tasting glass and 10 tasting coupons, and can be booked at www.webtickets.co.za. The dress code for the Festival is ‘white with a touch of black’. The Festival runs from 18h00 - 22h00 on 4 December, and from 12h00 - 18h00 on 5 and 6 December.

Digital Guide to the Cape Winelands Available for your Mobile Phone

Turn Left at the Barrel is an interactive guide to the Cape Winelands for mobile phones. Use it to plan a trip to the winelands or find nearby wine estates. View details on each estate, along-side wines recommended and rated by local wine experts. A wide variety of tours, catering for all interests is recommended for exploration. Integration with the phone's GPS provide useful turn-by-turn directions and maps to all destinations.

This comprehensive guide comprises estate details, wine ratings by local experts and the best tour recommendations selected from over 600 cape estates. Integration of the mobile phone's GPS with Google Maps guide users to each way-point, with turn-by-turn directions and visual maps.

Even for a local, the winelands can be a confusing place for a day-trip - so much to choose from! Understanding the attractions of each estate, choosing which ones to visit, determining when they are open, and then getting there is difficult enough. Let alone deciding which foods and wines to try. Now imagine being a tourist in 2010, with limited knowledge of South African estates, wines and roadways.

The Barrel covers all 15 of South Africa's wine producing regions, from Darling, through the Overberg, right down to Cape A'ghulus, comprising over 600 wine estates, producing over 6 000 wines. However, the focus is not just on wines, with 19 recommended tours on interests ranging from Art, Chocolate, Family-friendly and even Green estate tours.

An expert-rated wine is listed along-side descriptions of each estate. Important contacts details like phone numbers, email- and web- addresses are readily available with estate opening times and embedded are clever features like click-to-call, click-to-email and click-to-browse.

For additional information on the release of Turn Left at the Barrel (or for a sample copy), contact Neill Adamson or visit http://thegiraffe.co.za. The Barrel is in beta testing on Nokia touch-enabled phones. Apple iPhone, Blackberry and Android version will be available in early 2010. Versions for additional countries will be published later in 2010.

The NEW Restaurant at Jordan - now open!

Highly acclaimed chef George Jardine and award winning winemakers Gary and Kathy Jordan have joined forces to open a new restaurant in the grounds of Jordan Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

The partnership brings together the Jordans, owners of one of the country's best known and respected wineries, with former South African Chef of the Year Jardine.

The new restaurant, which will be called The Restaurant at Jordan, will be located next to the estate's tasting room in a former tobacco curing house and seat up to 80 guests, either indoors or outside on the patio.

George Jardine's menu will focus on local and seasonal ingredients sourced from South Africa's best suppliers and producers using relationships he has built up over many years. These include The Magic Man, Buffalo Ridge Mozzerella, Kimililli Pigs and Wild Peacock. The restaurant will also house a selection of the finest seasonal South African cheeses in a walk-in cheese room.

Vintages from Jordan Wine Estate will form the cornerstone of the restaurant's wine list. The Restaurant at Jordan will also stock vertical vintages of Jordan Wine Estate's Cape Winemakers Guild offerings, along with choice wines from neighbouring wineries in Stellenbosch and those visible from the estate, such as Le Riche - they can see all the way to Constantia!!!! Gary and Kathy will also source a selection of leading Bordeaux and Burgundies from close contacts in the French winemaking community.

"George is quite rightly recognised as one of the finest chefs in South Africa, and we are delighted to be working with him and his wife Louise on such an exciting project.

Lunch: Opening Hours 12h00 - 15h00
Tuesday to Sunday from December to March
Wednesday to Sunday from April to November
Dinner: Thursday and Friday nights only