Tops at Spar Wine Show 2019

Wine lovers rejoice! As the most anticipated Wine event on the calendar is just a few weeks away. Yes, the Tops at Spar Wine Show returns to Durban's famed Golden mile from the 9 to 11 May, bringing a thirst-quenching three day ensemble of wine-created activities to an all new venue, The Globe at Suncoast. This massive, experiential venue arrived at the Tsogo Sun property near the end of last year, offering a dynamic indoor space, ideally suited to the size and scale of the wine extravaganza.

This years show is built around a fresh and flirty burlesque theme, with the show comprising a tannic troupe of full-bodied features with earthy undertones of fun. It will showcase a perfectly paired menu of attractions and exhibitors with something to whet the appetite of every level of wine fan. For those with a well trained nose and palette for wine, there are wine theaters offering interactive presentations on wine in all its glory as well the ever exciting South African Wine Tasting Championships where the 'Search for a Superstar' will be taking place where anyone can contend. Also at the show, is the esteemed Wine Label Design Awards which is presented by Rotobel. The show will give wine enthusiasts time to mingle with other wine fudi's who will share some of their valuable oenphile-knowledge about what makes a wine great. 

For those that aren't seasoned veterans on the subject, not to worry because the show also has something for you! A highlight is the show will be the #SAWineShowcase theatre experience which will feature entertaining and informative sessions by the one and only Jon Meinking, brining you up to speed on the "(A)roma, (B)rut and (C)haptalizations" of the wine world. Learning how to make educated wine decisions, and the importance of the wine glass to drinking experience, are just some of the potential takeaways from this refined educational experience. 

Another great addition to the show is the "Sip & Ship" service that allows visitors to immediately purchase wine they've tasted, at cellar prices, with free and reliable delivery straight to your door.

Durban Show Information:

Dates:

• Thursday, 9th May: 17:00-21:00
• Friday, 10th May: 17:00-21:00
• Saturday. 11th May: 15:00-21:00

Venue: The Globe, at Suncoast

Ticket Prices:

• General Access: R185 per person (includes a tasting glass, show guide, access to wine theatres and unlimited tastings)
• Couples Combo: R385 per couple (includes two GA tickets, two tasting glasses, a show guide, access to the wine theatres, unlimited tastings and a six pack of Libbey wine glasses)
• VIP Lounge: R495 per person (includes a glass of premium MCC and amuse bouche on arrival, four elegant wine and food pairings, limited bar, including boutique wine selection, a glass of Noble Late Harvest dessert wine and dessert pairing, a corporate gift and a complimentary Platters Guide, plus all GA tickets benefits)

Tickets are available now, from the website: www.wineshow.co.za

Tops at Spar Wine Show 2018

It's one of South Africa's much loved wine events and its back at Suncoast and will be offering the best of South Africa's most loved wines and bubbly. This years theme being WINEderland, will leave visitors spellbound in the magical world of wine where they get the chance to engage directly with their favourite pourformers, be edutaned in the Independent on Saturday Wine Theatre, or sip into something more comfortable in the VIP Lounge. 

This year see's a change from the norm with new premium ticket options offered, WINEderland truly offers something to satisfy every palate, including a limited Private Premium Tasting option for experience wine enthusiasts, a double ticket option which includes a set of six Libby wine glasses from Core Catering or the showstopper, an all access option that includes canapes, limited complimentary wine bar, 2018 Platters Guide, access to the VIP lounge as well as a Private Premium Tasting. 

To add to that, this year will see the inclusion of a second wine theatre, the #SAwinshowcase theatre presented by Hashtag Radio personality, Jon Meinking. Considered the equivalent of wine speed dating, this intimate experience is perfect for all those wanted to expand their wine horizons and will be presented as a blind tasting, so as to eliminate any bias towards verital, region, farm and price as possible. Much like his radio programme, Jon will endeavour to enlighten to mindset of the traditional wine consumer and hopes they'll be more receptive towards other wine varieties, wine regions and diverse expressions of their usual favourites. 

The show offers a lot of interaction this year, giving the visitor a unique experience into the world of wine, where by they can chat to the exhibitors on the various wines on offer, what to pair them with and how to drink them. It's perfect for anyone, whether you're a novice, experience or like me, have no clue at all about wine.

Details for the show are as follows:

Dates: From Thursday 3rd May - Saturday 5th May 2018

Times: 5pm-9pm (Thursday & Friday)

            3pm-9pm (Saturday)

Venue: Suncoast, Durban

Tickets are on sale at R140 or R160 at the door. All ticket options include a tasting glass, all tastings, access to the Independent on Saturday and #SAwineshow theatres, as well as a map to help navigate the show. To book your tickets for the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show visit, suncoastcasino.co.za

Bucket Scene: Lupa Osteria - Ballito

Ballito, once a small coastal town which predominately was cane fields once upon a time, is now one of the fastest growing towns in KwaZulu Natal. With the growth brings about new opportunities for business and while this town already has some gem of eateries, it's ready to welcome another and we went down to try it out. Lupa Osteria, is no stranger to the Durban restaurant scene, having already established stores in Hillcrest, Westville and Durban North, it was time the Dolphin Coast got a taste of what they're cooking. The name coming from Italian origins with Lupa being the immortal Roman wolf goddess who helped establish the city of Rome and Osteria originally meaning a place that serves wine and simple food, it has now been taken up a notch with a bit more that is catered. The masterminds behind the brand are Chef and Owner Chris Black and Owner/ Entrepreneur Guy Clever, they've built the restaurants name up in a tricky Durban market and has become a popular destination for families and friends to gather around for some good food, as they offer a great variety to suit even the fussiest of eater and have a great range of beverages. 

Lupa Ballito opened its doors to the public last Friday and last night I was invited to come dine at the new venue. Located in Ballito Lifestyle center, one of the original go-to malls up the coast has undergone a drastic revamp and a much needed one. The strip mall is now more lifestyle orientated has a great new food market and restaurant layout, Lupa Osteria is located at the key front side location and features an outdoor deck area as well as an outdoor bar area which is all soon to be open. The interior is decorated superbly, with a rustic Italian feel and the pasta making area concealed in glass at the entrance of the shop. The bar is magnificent with green marble tops, and a wide selection of wines, spirits, beers and craft beers. 

On entering we were warmly greeted by the host and seated promptly, our waiter was soon at our table telling us their range of drinks, I opted for the house brew on tap, called Wolf Lager, appropriately named for the restaurant, it is brewed by Cape Brewing Company exclusively for Lupa Osteria. This golden lager is crisp, refreshing, easy on the palate and fruity notes, perfect for a summers day and perfect for a meal. Having frequented the other Lupa's before, I wanted to try something different for a starter, something that I haven't already tried so I opted for the Italian Nachos. Now while we're all used to getting crispy tortilla chips drenched in cheese, avo and sour cream, these ones were a bit different. On the plate laid crispy fried ravioli, filled with 3 cheeses with a fiery arrabbiata dipping sauce to accompany it. Normally ravioli is a bit dry but these was the total opposite, the filling was moist and flavorful, the panko coating was crisp to perfection and the frying didn't take away the moisture of the pasta. Overall, it was superb and a great starter to have on your own or to share. 

Being an Italian restaurant, I wanted to keep the theme going, deciding whether to go for a pizza or a pasta was my hardest decision but being seated close to the pasta prep area, I couldn't help but want to try out their freshly made pasta. I went for the Fettuccine Con Pollo, which on the menu is described as "Chicken and a mix of mushrooms, light cream, garlic, white wine and toasted pine nuts". I'm a sucker for fries and one of the sides were parmesan fries, even though we were having pasta, I needed to try these! After having a shot of the house made lemoncello, it was the perfect palate cleaner to prepare us for the mains, I was keen to try the house made pasta, I haven't had freshly made pasta before and really was looking forward to it. Lupa say that their pasta is extruded through a die cutter made from bronze creating a rougher texture on the surface, thus allowing the pasta to grip more of the sauce. This was evident from every bit of my main. The pasta was cooked al dente, it was light but captured all the flavours on the plate. The meal was light but filling at the same time, the toasted pine nuts added great texture to the dish, normally I am a fan of added extra chili and garlic to my pasta dishes but for this it was not needed. 

Having devoured the entire mains, little space remained for dessert but having a look at the menu, Lupa has a good few options for those with a sweet tooth, one that sticks our for me is the chocolate and caramel fondant which is served with ice-cream but I settled for a scoop of gelato. With five flavours to choose from, I went with the caramel, served in either a bowl or a cone, the scoop is a rather generous portion but with every spoonful leaving your mouth wanting more, it wasn't an effort to finish. The bowl option comes with a sugar cone slice in it, so you sort of get the best of both worlds if you want a cone purely to eat but don't want to deal with the rest of it. The gelato itself is light and creamy, the flavour not too overpowering and definitely a favourite for all ages. 

Overall, I can only see Lupa Osteria in Ballito being as successful as the other branches, apart from offering a wide variety of cuisine, the laid back atmosphere, attentive staff and great location will make it a popular spot for most locals and holiday makers. I'll definitely be returning to try out more things on that menu soon and to see the rest of the restaurant take shape when the deck and outdoor bar is open and running. 

SA on Tap 2016

In what is becoming my favourite beer festival to attend, SA on Tap is back in Durbs at the end of the month and personally I cannot wait! Nothing beats a day out with friends or family, basking in the lovely Durban Winter (although it could warm up of late), enjoying some of the best craft beer that the country offers, listening to the sounds of great local talent and eating some gourmet grub. If last years event is anything to go by then you not going to want to miss this years as it features even more variety, more bands and more food!

It is South Africa's biggest Craft Brew festival and it's all going down at Peoples Park in Durban on the 30th of July 2016. Tickets are on sale from their website and people attending are in for a treat. Over a 180 brews, ciders, craft spirits and wines will be available, so if beer aint your thing, there's always alternatives. When booking online you will get a choice of glass, there are three to choose from, the Trumpet, the Bavarian and the Prime. All unique and collectors items. 

All craft beverages are price regulated and are R25.00 for 400ml. Some of the brewers that you can find there are Copperlake, Jack Black, Nottingham Road, Basset, Dragon, Robsons, That Brewing Co, Devils Peak, Standeaven, Devil's Peak. Some of the wine producers are, Anthonij Rupert, The Ground and Brampton. What's drinking without some quality food? you can look forward to some of the best gourmet food stalls at SA on Tap this year, with Sumting Fresh, Vetkoek Cafe, Maddison Bakery, Wicked Waffles, Roti & Chai and many others at the festival this year, 

This is the best that South African brewers have to offer, so whether you are a home brewer keen to learn from experience brewers or just appreciate truly South African brews, this is the place you need to be. There will be plenty of seating and cover all weather, live Super Rugby on screens throughout the festival area and dedicated child minding areas within the festival. Some of the live entertainment includes, Bad Peter, Jaryd Smith, Majozi and Gangs of Ballet. 

Tickets as said before are available online for R125 and you get the option to choose your glass, tickets depending on availability will be sold at the door for R150. Gates open at 10am and the festival ends at 6pm. Tickets include entry to the festival, limited edition unique festival glass, access to the live music, the brew appreciation course tickets are sold seperately. 

Those important bits again:

Date: 30 July 2016

Time: 10:00 till 18:00

Venue: Peoples Park, Durban

Price: R125 for booking online, R150 at the gate
Website: www.saontap.co.za
Twitter: @SAonTAP
Facebook: SAonTAP

COMPETITION: The Greatest Show Unearthed

I'm not the greatest lover of wine, that many can attest to but thankfully majority don't share the same sentiments and taste as me. Being a South African, we have some of the best wine farms in the world which produce some of the finest wines on the planet, from award Merlot to Malbec, Pinoit Noir to Pinotage, we have it all and what better way to celebrate such than with a wine show with a difference?

Taking place at Sibaya Casino from the 2nd till 4th of June, The Tops Wine Show 2016 returns and said to be bold, dramatic and entertaining as it brings with it a new exciting theme; The Greatest Show Unearthed. The show channels a vintage burlesque experience while expertly blending hundreds of fine wine exhibitors, edu-training activities, food and festivity. 

Things not to be missed at the show are East Coast Radio's Wine Theater which presents a series of interactive tasting talks hosted by industry experts, personalities and wine makers. Also at the show, visitors can vote for their favourite wine producer in the "People's Choice Awards" and voting enters you into a chance to win a mixed case of wine and olive oil from Morgenster.

Tickets for this Wine extravaganza can be purchased pre-show for R120 from www.itickets.co,za or at the door for R140. Price includes a tasting glass, all tastings, access to the East Coast Radio Wine Theatre and a map to help navigate the show. 

Show Details:

Date: Thursday June 2nd, - Saturday June 4th 2016

Time: 17h00 - 21h00 (Thursday & Friday), 12h00-21h00 (Saturday)

Venue: Sibaya, Durban

COMPETITION TIME! Stand a chance to WIN with #theBucket and The Greatest Show Unearthed! There are two methods of entering, via Twitter or Facebook. 

Twitter: All you have to do to stand a chance to win is follow @TheWineShowZA and @AMG133 on twitter and tweet "I want to win with the Bucket and @TheWineShowZA #winetime2016"

Facebook:  LIKE The Wine Show and The Bucket Facebook Page and  comment below this post on Facebook "I want to win with the Bucket and  #winetime2016"

Entries close at 3pm on Wednesday, 1st June

       

SA On Tap, Craft Beer Festival 2015 - Durban

With over a 120 of South Africa's finest craft brews, ciders, whiskeys and wines on offer at the 11th instalment of SA on Tap, this years event is sure to be one not to miss! Taking place on the 1st of August along Durban's famed Golden Mile, visitors can look forward to a wide range of all their favourites as well as tantalise their taste buds and palettes to new flavours and experiences. This is one of 3 events that will be hosted around the country and no doubt with Durban's perfect winter weather, it is bound to be a hit and is already proving so with over 85% of the tickets being sold already!

Craft beer has been on the steady rise in recent months in Durban as more and more people are welcoming and noticing the efforts of the microbrewers. SA on Tap offers drinkers the unique experience to sample new variants of the craft and possibly make one find their niche. Apart from the drinks, there will be plenty entertainment lined up for the day, so while you're sipping on your favourite brew, you can enjoy the sounds of some of SA's top bands, with the likes of Gangs of Ballet, Rubber Duc, Justin Serrao and Catlike Thieves.

What is drink without food? They practically go hand in hand, but fear not, your stomach cravings will be taken cared off as the organises have carefully selected a number of gourmet food stalls to pair up the flavours with the variety of brews on offer. You can ask brewers at the various stalls on pairing advice, or be daring and find perfect pairs on your own.

Festival goers will be please to note that included in your tickets is a glass to help you pick up on the over 150 delectable flavours of craft beer on offer. When booking your ticket online, you are able to choose from one of 3 glasses available. Tickets are available from www.saontap.co.za and are limited, online booking is essential for this sell out event, avoid disappointment and be sure to book early. See you there...