Guests will be treated to a sparkling wine cocktail and special Nederburg gift on arrival, followed by freshly-baked mosbolletjies, bread rolls and korrelkonfyt made from Pinotage grapes. It’s then over to the Nederburg harvesting team as they show everyone the art of hand-picking the perfect grape. To complete the harvest experience, you’ll have the opportunity to taste freshly-pressed grape must and also some tank samples of wine.

After harvesting, South African instrumental supergroup Sterling EQ will be on stage treating guests to a concert on the sprawling lawns outside the Nederburg Manor House. A picnic dinner will be served along with a selection of fine Nederburg wines.

If you’d like to attend, the cost is R200 per person. This includes the picnic and also a bottle of Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve wine per couple. For kids under 12 years old, the cost is R65 each. Arrival time is 16h30 for 17h00 and bookings are essential. You can get in touch with Sunette Rust on 021 862 3104 / nedwines@distell.co.za to secure a booking.

Nederburg is a beautiful place to be on a summer’s evening and the food and wine are always good. Just remember to be responsible if you’re driving. You’ll find Nederburg Wine Estate on Sonstraal Road, about 10 minutes from the N1. Take care and enjoy!

The menu has a good selection of grills and steakhouse fare, with some seafood and lighter meals on offer as well. There is also selection of daily early bird specials which are popular with regulars. One of my favourite options from the Brad’s Grill menu is the lamb shank but it’s the steak which makes this restaurant stand out for me. The ‘Pepper Fillet’ is a highlight and it’s my personal favourite but I’m sure that you’d be satisfied with any of the meaty options on the menu, as they are all matured and cooked to perfection – with delicious sauces to match. Price-wise, you’re looking at around R100 to R150 for a steak, depending on the option that you go for.

Another thing that I like about Brad’s Grill, is that you get chips/baked potato and vegetables with your meal. You don’t have to order a side of veggies which seems to be the norm at many restaurants these days. It’s a definite plus in my book. The service is also friendly and efficient, adding to a fantastic dining experience.

You’ll find Brad’s Grill in 2nd Avenue, Harfield Village, Kenilworth. It’s best to book, so give them a call on 021 671 2527. Enjoy!

The Arts Café will serve well-priced meals for breakfast, lunch and supper. The menu includes everything from burgers, wraps, toasted sandwiches and salads, to pastas, schnitzels and fish and chips. You can also enjoy pre-show drinks, as the restaurant is fully licensed.

The new restaurant will be open on Mondays from 10h00 to 15h00, Tuesdays to Fridays from 09h00 to 20h00, Saturdays from 12h00 to 20h00 and Sundays from 12h00 to 19h00. For more information phone 021 410 9852 or check out www.artscape.co.za.

You’ll find the market in a warehouse at the South Palms retail site in Main Road, Tokai. That’s near Builders Warehouse but on the other side, just behind Bathroom Bizarre. The market is open on Saturdays from 09h00 to 14h00 and also during the week on Wednesdays from 15h00 to 20h00.

The Earth Fair Food Market has a fantastic array of stalls, selling food that you can enjoy at the venue or at home. There’s a section with tables and seating which I’m sure you’ll make use of when you see what’s on offer – they have everything from gourmet pies, rustic pizzas and paella, to schwarmas, crépes and cakes. I must give a special mention to the pies as they are delicious – the lamb and rosemary option in particular, is really good.

There’s a definite focus on food prepared with quality ingredients and also organic items at the market, as you’ll see when you browse around. You’ll find it difficult not to find something to take home with you. Choose from cheeses, fresh pastas, sustainable seafood, biltong (including tuna biltong), sausages, jams, olive oils, sweet things (try the fudge) and loads more. There are also some lusty micro-brewed beers worth tasting plus a selection of wines.

Overall, the market has a great festive vibe and I’m definitely looking forward to going back again. I see that there’s also an Earth Fair Food Market in St. Georges Mall – if the Tokai market is anything to go by, then that should be worth trying as well. For more information, visit http://www.earthfairmarket.co.za.

Here’s the full 2011 Eat Out Top 10 restaurants list:

1. The Greenhouse
   The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town
   Tel no: 021 794 2137
2. The Test Kitchen by Luke Dale-Roberts
   Unit 104A, Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert road, Woodstock, Cape Town
   Tel no: 021 021 447 2337
3. Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français
   Le Quartier Français, 16 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
   Tel no: 021 876 2151
4. The Roundhouse
   The Glen, Kloof Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
   Tel no: 021 438 4347
5. Overture
   Hidden Valley Wine Estate, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
   Tel no: 021 880 2721
6. Terroir
   Kleine Zalze Wine Estate, R44, Stellenbosch
   Tel no: 021 880 8167
7. DW Eleven-13
   Shop 11-13, Dunkeld West Shopping Centre, Cnr Jan Smuts & Bompas Streets, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg
   Tel no: 011 341 0663
8. Jordan Restaurant
   Jordan Winery, Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Stellenbosch
   Tel no: 021 881 3612
9. Nobu
   One&Only Cape Town, V&A Waterfront
   Tel no: 021 431 4511
10. La Colombe
    Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, Cape Town
    Tel no: 021 794 2390

FNB Top 10 Sauvignon Blancs:

• Lutzville Cool Climate 2010
  Cellar price: R26.99
• Overhex Soulo 2011
  Cellar price: R45
• Wade Bales Winemaker Selection Thys Louw 2011
  Wade Bales Wine Society price: R49
• Franschhoek Cellar Statue de Femme 2011
  Cellar price: R40
• Bergsig Woolworths 2011
  Woolworths price: R39.95

Best Value Wine Guide 2012, sponsored by Ultra Liquors:

• White wine blends:
  • Legacy Johannisburger NV – R23.91
  • Swartland D’Vine Chenin Blanc Sauvignon Blanc NV: – R22.00
  • Saint Morand Fruity White NV – R22.33
  • Arniston Bay The Shore NV – R23.00
  • Slanghoek Vinay Crispy White NV – R26.00
• Chardonnay:
  • BC Wines Chardonnay 2011 – R20.00
  • De Wet Cellar Chardonnay 2010 – R32.00
  • Goedverwacht Crane White Chardonnay 2010 – R25.00
  • Bovlei Cellar Chardonnay 2011 – R26.00
  • Orange River Cellars Chardonnay 2010 – R26.30
• Chenin Blanc:
  • Frisky Zebras Sultry Chenin Blanc NV – R30.00
  • Du Toitskloof Cellar Chenin Blanc 2011 – R27.00
  • Alvi’s Drift Chenin Blanc 2010 – R28.50
  • Kaapzicht Chenin Blanc 2011 – R32.00
  • Simonsvlei Premier Selection Chenin Blanc 2011 – R33.00
• Sauvignon Blanc:
  • Odd Bins Bin 210 Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – R29.99
  • Bon Courage Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – R41.00
  • Van Loveren Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – R32.00
  • Obikwa Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – R27.00
  • Silver Leaf Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – R26.00
• Other whites:
  • Orange River Cellars Colombard 2011 – R22.50
  • Aan de Doorns Semi-Sweet Colombar 2011 – R22.00
  • Van Loveren Neil’s Pick Colombar 2011 – R25.00
  • Alvi’s Drift Viognier 2010 – R34.20
  • Bovlei Winery Gewürztraminer 2010 – R26.00
• Rosé:
  • Hill & Dale Dry Merlot Rosé 2011 – R32.99
  • Two Cubs Rosé 2011 – R30.00
  • Kleine Rust Rosé 2011 – R29.00
  • Merwida Merlot Rosé 2011 – R30.00
  • Bergsig Shiraz Rosé 2011 – R35.00
  • Angels Tears Chenin Blanc Pinotage Rosé 2011 – R28.07
  • Bernheim Pinotage Rosé 2010 – R27.00
  • Aan de Doorns Blanc de Noir 2011 – R22.00
  • Tulbagh Winery Rosé 2011 – R21.50
  • Live a Little Rather Revealing Rosé – R21.00
• Sparkling:
  • CapeSecco Blanc – R27.00
  • CapeSecco Rosé – R27.00
  • Koelenhof Pinotage Rosé Vin Sec 2010 – R32.00
  • Merwida Cuvée Brut Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – R38.00
  • Jason’s Hill Brut Rosé 2010 – R34.00

Prices subject to change. Prices above are just a guideline.

There you go. Now you have no excuse not to be drinking wine this summer. Just remember to drink responsibly. What are your favourite white wine blends? Feel free to post a comment and let us know.

Posted by Andrew Mellish - Cape Town based winemaker and guest contributer to KeenOnCapeTown.com. Andrew has a number of projects on the go, including looking after his family vineyard and studying through the Cape Wine Academy. Future projects include doing some vintage work in Australia and France in 2012. If you’d like to ask Andrew any questions about wine, then please feel free to email him on welbeloond@gmail.com.

Visitors can look forward to a true beer experience at the festival, with beers from every corner of the globe on offer. Some of the breweries taking part include Camelthorn, Darling, Bavaria, Corona, Carling Black Label, Napier, Jack Black, Paulaner, Mitchells, Castle, Fosters, Erdinger, Liefmans, Oettinger, Cobra, Tiger, Singha, Duvel, Maredsous, Valentines and many more.

In addition to beer tastings and sales, the Cape Town Festival of Beer 2011 will also include food stalls, a braai competition, brewing demos and competitions, live entertainment, lucky draws and a kiddies entertainment area.

Tickets are on sale from WebTickets. Prices range from R60 for a day pass, R100 for a two day pass and R120 for a three day pass. There are also VIP tickets and corporate packages available, as well as the ‘Kings Table’ package, which includes entrance and a table for ten, plus an individual draught tap at the table, a 30L keg and personal fraulein service. For more information on these special packages, email info@capetownfestivalofbeer.co.za.

Remember to organise transport to get you and your friends home safely from the festival. Take care and enjoy!

The FNB Whisky Live Festival is now the largest event of its kind in the world. Visitors can enjoy the best whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, USA and South Africa. The Tasting Hall and Whisky Workshops are the most popular attractions at the festival, while the Volvo Connoisseur’s Experience and Volvo Whisky Lifestyle Lounge offer something more exclusive, if that’s what you’re looking for.

It’s interesting to note that according to the Scotch Whisky Association, South Africa is now the fifth largest Scotch whisky market by volume in the world. It’s no wonder the Whisky Live Festival is growing in popularity every year.

The FNB Whisky Live Festival runs daily from 18h00 to 22h00. Tasting Hall tickets cost R180 each and are available from WebTickets. The Tasting Hall ticket includes 12 whisky tasting vouchers, a whisky tasting glass, a copy of the SA Whisky Handbook 2012, a bottle of Valpre water and a R10 food voucher. Other ticket options are available from WebTickets as well and discounts are available for group bookings.

If you’re planning on enjoying the fine whiskies on offer at the festival, then please be sure to organise safe transport to get you and your friends home safely. A good option is the Dedicated Driver ticket, available from WebTickets for R90. With this ticket, your dedicated driver gets entry to the Tasting Hall at the festival, along with a R30 food voucher (redeemable at the Food Deli) and a bottle of Valpre water.

This year’s edition of the FNB Whisky Live Festival should be as popular as ever. Take care and enjoy.

A great thing about this wine route is that there are only eight farms, so it’s possible to visit all the farms in one outing. All the farms have excellent wines so you can’t really make a bad choice if you choose to only visit a few.

Generally speaking, when people go wine tasting they will only get through three to four farms. This is mostly due to people’s reluctance to spit out wine after tasting. I know why people feel uneasy about this, but remember wine tasting isn’t a pub-crawl. The more you drink, the duller your senses will become and by the third farm you would struggle to tell the difference between wine and gasoline. You are also more likely to start throwing money around and let me tell you a wine that tastes great at that stage of the game may not seem worth the money, when tasting it sober.

One downfall about Constantia is that all the wines are pretty expensive; however most of the wines are good enough to justify their price. Click the following link for maps and extra info on the farms – http://www.constantiavalley.com

I would advise you to find out when the tasting rooms are open as times vary from farm to farm. Don’t be shy about asking the tasting room staff questions about the wine and estate, it’s their job to educate you on these subjects. My personal recommendation is to visit Steenberg, Klein Constantia and Eagles Nest, but try to visit all eight farms over a couple of weekends. You won’t be disappointed.

Andrew’s picks:

• Iconic wines for very special occasions:
  Vin de Constance from Klein-Constantia
  Eagles Nest Shiraz 2009
  Steenberg Magna Carta 2009

• Excellent wines worth investigating:
  Steenberg Semillon 2010
  Steenberg Brut 1682 Chardonnay 2009
  2009 Gouverneurs Reserve White from Groot Constantia
  Constantia Glen – Three 2007
  Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2009 from Klein-Constantia

• Very good and affordable wines:
  Eagles’ Nest – Little Eagle 2008
  Buitenverwachting – Buiten Blanc

Happy tasting!

Andrew Mellish is a Cape Town based winemaker and guest contributer to KeenOnCapeTown.com. Andrew has a number of projects on the go, including looking after his family vineyard and studying through the Cape Wine Academy. Future projects include doing some vintage work in Australia and France in 2012. If you’d like to ask Andrew any questions about wine, then please feel free to email him on welbeloond@gmail.com.

With your Uncorked Access Card (included with your ticket), you’ll be able to go from farm to farm and enjoy free wine tastings. Along the way, you can stop and enjoy live music (including jazz, blues and French inspired music), cellar and vineyard tours, barrel tastings, food and wine pairings, art exhibitions, a fresh food market, as well as a micro-brewery tasting. There’ll also be a car exhibition featuring luxury brands like Aston Martin, Porsche, Maserati and Ferrari.

Wine farms participating in the 2011 Franschhoek Uncorked Festival include Noble Hill, Vrede en Lust, Plaisir de Merle, Allee Bleue, Solms-Delta, Anthonij Rupert Wines, Graham Beck Wines, Lynx, La Chataigne, La Motte, Rickety Bridge, Grande Provence, Franschhoek Cellar, Dieu Donne, Haute Cabriere, La Bri, Holden Manz and Boekenhoutskloof.

Tickets are available from WebTickets and there’s an early bird special running until the end of August 2011. It’ll only cost you R80 if you buy your ticket now, otherwise the normal price is R100. Tickets will also be available at participating wine farms on the days of the festival.

Holden Manz Wine Estate will host the official after party on Saturday 3 September from 17h00. There’ll be a live band and DJs to get the party going. You can pre-book tickets at WebTickets for R50 each or buy them on the night for R70 each.

If you’re planning on enjoying the fine wines on offer at the festival, then please be sure to organise some transport to take you back home safely. You can visit www.franschhoek.org.za for a list of shuttle services available. Another option is to make a weekend of it and stay over in Franschhoek.

We’re spoilt for choice with so many great food and wine festivals in the Cape. And the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival just happens to take place in one of the most beautiful regions in the Cape. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the arrival of spring. Enjoy!