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The best of the winelands sparkle at Summer Place
As the sun set over the Jacarandas, Joburg’s finest gathered to celebrate the best of Stellenbosch’s wine, food and art.
Amid Summer Place’s dazzling pools and gardens, celebrities and wine lovers had the chance to rub shoulders while tasting the country’s best food and wine, straight from Stellenbosch. Now in its seventh year, Stellenbosch at Summer Place is a premier lifestyle event that brings the beauty and culture of The City of Oaks right into the heart of The City of Gold, inviting guests to bask in the glow of the Cape winelands. With live music from sultry jazz singer Nomfundo Xaluva, the mood was set for what would be an evening of unmatched epicurean distinction. Wine lovers – from young enthusiasts to seasoned tasters – enjoyed the perfect opportunity to rediscover their favourite vintages, and fall completely in love with new ones. The high-powered guest list included musician Lira, performance artist Lebo Mashile and luminaries from the world of business, including Wendy Luhabe, Ludwick Marishane and Vuyiswa Mutshekwane – all dressed to the nines and delighted to luxuriate in the beauty of the surroundings.
At the heart of the evening, presented by Stellenbosch Wine Routes and Sanlam Private Wealth, were, of course, the superb wines. A carefully curated selection of more than 80 bottles was showcased and tasted under eight winemaking categories, with the accomplished winemakers themselves in attendance. Having the chance to taste wines while discussing them with their creators is a rare opportunity. By meeting the winemakers, the oenophiles in attendance got to experience the passion and craft that goes into each vintage. To complement each glass, sublime food creations were provided by the Stellenbosch Wine Route’s leading chefs – George Jardine of Jardines and Jordan, Nic van Wyk of Bistro 13, Gregory Czarnecki of The Restaurant at Waterkloof, Michael Broughton of Terroir and Michael Deg of Delaire Graff Restaurant. These five incredible chefs created a gastronomic collaboration that brought their restaurants right into the halls of Summer Place. From Czarnecki’s gourmet creations to Deg’s fresh and vibrant bistro-chic cuisine, the award-winning dishes reminded guests why Stellenbosch enjoys a global reputation as a top destination for food and wine cognoscenti.
As South Africa’s first and foremost wine route, Stellenbosch has long been regarded as a gem in the country’s cultural crown. Along with its world-class restaurants and iconic wine estates, the region’s entrancing landscapes and rich heritage make it an endlessly inspiring home for all kinds of creators. To celebrate the bountiful beauty of the area, Stellenbosch at Summer Place also played host to a selection of rare pieces from the Sanlam Art Collection. Displayed among the wine-testing booths and culinary counters, and against the backdrop of live jazz music, the artworks helped recreate the luxurious ambience of a grand Stellenbosch wine farm.
By making the delights of Stellenbosch available in the heart of Joburg, Stellenbosch Wine Routes and Sanlam Private Wealth were also able to contribute to a worthy cause. A silent auction took place throughout the evening, the proceeds of which were donated to the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Education Fund. Through this cause, Sanlam Private Wealth is able to support the entire process of winemaking in Stellenbosch, right from educating the children of farm workers in the region, through to nurturing the creativity of its winemakers.
With rare vintages available to taste and purchase, Stellenbosch at Summer Place is without a doubt the highlight of the year for wine connoisseurs. The Stellenbosch Wine Route continues to produce some of the very finest wines and culinary creations in the world, and we look forward to welcoming our guests back next year for an even more spectacular evening.
Written by: Lucy Sarah Heaney
We provide daily reporting of trades, monthly portfolio evaluations and annual tax reports to clients.
Riaan Gerber has spent 16 years in Investment Management.
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