Swirl and Spice, Cape Town (2026)

21/06/2026

𝗗𝘂 𝗕𝗼𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘆𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 | 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗵 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀

Some wine experiences go beyond the glass, and Du Bois Vineyards is one of them. Set on Sonop Farm in the Koelenhof area of Stellenbosch, the Du Bois family has been farming here since 1931, shaping a legacy deeply rooted in place and patience.

At the release of The Sonop Chenin Blanc 2025, we were taken high up the farm, about 290 metres above sea level, for a comparative tasting of the 2024 and 2025 vintages. Surrounded by sweeping views of vineyards, mountains and valleys, the experience highlighted how closely the wines are tied to their environment.

The release of The Sonop Chenin Blanc 2025 is a reminder that great wines are inseparable from where they are grown. At Du Bois Vineyards, old vines, family heritage and a striking Stellenbosch landscape come together in every bottle. Adding to the occasion was an outstanding lunch prepared by Hygge Hygge in Stellenbosch.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲: https://www.swirlandspice.wine/2026/06/21/du-bois-vineyards-where-old-vine-chenin-blanc-meet-stellenbosch-views/

Posy Hazell

16/06/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘆𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Winter is the perfect time to slow down, unwind and discover some of the Cape’s most spectacular destinations. Set above Noordhoek’s coastline, Cape Point Vineyards offers the ultimate winter experience, where award-winning wines, exceptional dining and unforgettable views come together.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲: https://www.swirlandspice.wine/2026/06/16/cape-point-vineyards-winter-experience-destination/

Klick Kulture

16/06/2026

𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗴 | 𝗭𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗶𝗯𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘇

Wildeberg Wines continues to challenge convention and celebrate modern wine culture with their Zebra Striping 0.5%, a playful and refreshing de-alcoholised wine created for consumers who want all the enjoyment of wine while embracing a more balanced, health-conscious lifestyle.

Wildeberg Zebra Striping 0.5% answers the call for a sophisticated wine experience that fits effortlessly into contemporary living, whether that means lighter occasions, mindful drinking moments, or simply mixing things up.

It’s about mixing the stripes pf life in unexpected ways and finding joy in the in-between. It captures the Sauvignon Blanc and vibrant expression while showcasing the balance that underpins de-alcoholised winemaking.

Wildeberg is unveiling the Wild Stripe Sauvignon Blanc Mocktail, created in collaboration with Two In A Bush Rooibos Cordial.

This refreshing drink combines Zebra Striping 0.5% Sauvignon Blanc with the botanical intrigue and natural sweetness of rooibos cordial for a vibrant mocktail.

Mix the stripes. Keep it wild.

15/06/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗵𝗮𝘀

Caroline Rillema’s Celestina Agulhas White 2024 has received an impressive 94+/100 from acclaimed wine critic and Master of Wine Greg Sherwood, who describes it as a standout expression of the Cape Agulhas coastline.

This elegant blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon captures the freshness, minerality and maritime character of the region, with notes of white peach, citrus and subtle toasted nut complexity.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲: https://www.swirlandspice.wine/2026/06/14/caroline-rillema-is-making-waves-in-cape-agulhas/

Caroline's Fine Wine Cellar, Sea Point | Posy Hazell

14/06/2026

𝗔 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗢𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀

Rainy days and a glass of Cape Vintage from De Krans Wines are a match made in heaven. Picture yourself curled up on the couch with a good book, your favourite magazine, or a movie you have been meaning to watch, while enjoying one of South Africa’s most underrated wine styles.

Many wine lovers don’t realise that Cape Port-style wines are made quite differently from traditional table wines. What makes them unique is their combination of rich sweetness and higher alcohol levels. During fermentation, grape sugar is normally converted into alcohol, but for Port-style wines the process is stopped early by adding grape spirit. This preserves the natural sweetness of the grapes while boosting the alcohol content, creating a beautifully balanced fortified wine.

An interesting piece of wine history is that South African producers can’t use the word “Port” on their labels. Since 2011, only wines produced in Portugal’s Douro Valley may carry the Port name. That’s why you will find terms such as Cape Ruby, Cape Tawny and Cape Vintage on local bottles, even though they are created using the same traditional grape varieties and winemaking methods.

Cape Vintage is often considered the jewel of the category. Produced from exceptional vintages, it offers layers of dried fruit, dark berries, cocoa and warm spice, supported by ripe tannins and balanced acidity. Typically made from Portuguese varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Amarela, it spends 12 to 18 months maturing in older oak barrels before release.

When it comes to food, Cape Vintage shines alongside chocolate fondant, crème brûlée, rich desserts and even a scoop of vanilla ice cream with the wine drizzled over the top.

So pour yourself a glass of Cape Vintage. You may just discover your new favourite winter companion!

Pippa Pringle

14/06/2026

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝘀 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹

Wine Concepts SA hosted their 6th annual Grape Escape Wine Festival at the MOYO Restaurant, situated in the lush, scenic surroundings of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

It was a delightful evening featuring an impressive array of wines from both rare and well-loved varieties and blends. We explored the intriguing flavours of Roussanne, Viura to Tempranillo, Nebbiolo and Vermentino.

We had the privilege of tasting the finest offerings from 40 of our country’s top wine producers. Throughout the evening, an array of delicious canapés was served, thoughtfully paired to enhance the tasting experience and highlight the unique characteristics of each wine.

Posy Hazell

13/06/2026

Think Chenin Blanc is only for sipping from a wine glass? Think again.

One of the reasons South Africans love Chenin Blanc is its incredible versatility. From crisp and refreshing to rich and complex, there is a style for every palate and every occasion.

To celebrate Chenin Blanc Day, renowned mixologist Julian Short has taken this much-loved varietal in a fresh new direction with the Last Night cocktail, featuring Groot Phesantekraal Wines and Restaurant Chenin Blanc. Bright, balanced and effortlessly refreshing, it showcases just how beautifully Chenin Blanc can shine beyond the bottle.

Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a creative cocktail, Chenin Blanc continues to prove why it remains one of South Africa’s most exciting and adaptable wines.

Chenin Blanc Association

12/06/2026

𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗵𝗼𝗲𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘆𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀

There is something special about discovering a wine estate that feels both authentic and welcoming. Situated in the breathtaking Franschhoek Valley, Stony Brook Vineyards offers exactly that. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and rolling vineyards, it is a Franschhoek-focused destination that invites you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of great wine and good company.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲: https://www.swirlandspice.wine/2026/06/12/a-taste-of-franschhoek-at-stony-brook-vineyards/

Franschhoek Wine Valley

09/06/2026

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗦𝘆𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

Winter has arrived, bringing with it the perfect excuse to embrace cosy evenings, crackling fires and a great glass of red wine.

The Perdeberg Cellar Dry Land Collection Tenacious Syrah 2024 is a wonderful companion for the season. Produced from dry-farmed vineyards, this wine reflects the character and resilience of the unique terroir where the grapes are grown.

This 100% Syrah from the Coastal Region spend 18 months maturing in French oak barrels, with a combination of new and seasoned oak adding depth and complexity.

Enticing aromas of spice, red berries and violets lead the wat, while the palate delivers layers of juicy berries, subtle herbs and delicate tannins that linger beautifully. Rich yet approachable, it is the kind of wine that feels right at home on a cold winter’s evening.

Whether you are curled up on the couch with a blanket, sharing a meal with friends or simply enjoying a quiet moment at the end of the day, this is a bottle that makes winter feel that little bit warmer.

Pippa Pringle Visit Paarl

06/06/2026

𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘇𝗲 | 𝗔𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Looking for something different to do on a Thursday evening?

Set beneath the olive trees at Durbanville Hills Wine, guests are welcomed with a glass of wine and three paired bites before enjoying an evening of wine discovery, great conversation, delicious pizza, and laid-back house music. It’s a chance to connect with the winemaking team, hear the stories behind the wines, and experience the creative side of winemaking in a relaxed setting.

Held every Thursday evening, tickets are R150 per person and are available exclusively via Dineplan.

Durbanville Wine Valley

Swirl and Spice

21/06/2026

16/06/2026

16/06/2026

15/06/2026

14/06/2026

14/06/2026

13/06/2026

12/06/2026

09/06/2026

06/06/2026

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