SOUTH AFRICAN WINE BOOK SCORES GOAL FOR 2010 INTERNATIONAL AWARD

With all eyes on South Africa as the host for the 2010 Wold Cup Soccer, the stars also shine brightly off the field. A vibrant nation, South Africans are known for their rich culture, linking gastronomic appreciation and a love of travel.

The Essential Guide to South African Wines: terroir & travel was honoured at the Gourmand World Awards as the best Wine Tourism / Wine Atlas title, and offers local and international visitors an exciting journey through the Winelands.

“Gourmand” originated in 13th century Celtic and today the Gourmand World Awards is heralded as the highest accolade in food and wine publication. For French epicurean Edouard Cointreau, CEO and Chairman, Gourmand captures the appreciation of gastronomy which enhances the quality of life as well as excellence in the art of writing.

Wine connoisseur and publisher, Elmari Swart, shares Cointreau’s vision and the unique partnership with more than 120 of South Africa’s premier wineries; industry specialists such as the Garagiste Winemakers, Brandy Foundation and Wine & Biodiversity Initiative and world renowned researchers, made this a truly remarkable effort.

Released on 12 November 2009, the Guide’s timing is perfect to ensure that the many soccer visitors in 2010 will be able to balance the on-field action, with off-field exploration of picturesque South Africa. The spotlight will focus on this publication again in February 2010, when the regional winners compete in Paris, France for the coveted title of “The World’s Best”.

The South African media and wineries agree with the Gourmand judges:

“Colleagues in the (Canadian) wine industry have commented on what a fantastic tool they are for marketing the wine industry of South Africa. Congratulations & thank you so much for making my job so much easier!” Jacqui Taylor, Meerlust Wine Estate

“Congratulations on an excellent publication. It is refreshing to see a new approach to wine producers” Danie Truter, owner Onderkloof Vines & Wines

“Definitive guide to SA’s best wines” Saturday Star

“I'm happy to recommend it, …. for the knowledgeable introductions to 36 ‘winemaking units’, or ‘pockets’… ” Tim James, wine critic

What makes a good wine writer?

We look at three principles that make for good wine journalism, expresses certain reservations regarding Robert Parker, and ask whether many oversees wine writer's are out of touch with South African wines?

A recent article on elitism in South African wine writing got me thinking. Does elitism in wine journalism constitute a fault? And what makes for good wine writing? On the subject of elitism, British wine icons Hugh Johnson and Michael Broadbent have built their reputations on tasting many of the world's greatest wines. But no-one can accuse them of elitism. They are simply doing their job. Hugh Johnson's bestselling Pocket Wine Book must by necessity review the most valued wines but it does include many budget ranges when applicable.

Read the full article: http://www.wine.co.za/News/news.aspx?NEWSID=15043&Source=News

Nedbank CapeTalk Small Business Awards 2009

November 2009 saw the second 567 CapeTalk / Nedbank Small Business Awards hosted in Cape Town. This award seeks to recognise outstanding customer service, that personal touch synonymous with a passionate entrepreneur who is actively involved in his or her own business.
In a widely advertised radio campaign, happy customers were asked to nominate their favourite small business, motivating their choice with a letter. Several hundred nominations were received and 28 finalists were selected.

Cheviot Publishing was nominated by Prof Piet Goussard and, both he and publisher Elmari Swart interviewed on the Jon Maytham Show on 9 November 2009. In an emotive letter, Prof Goussard testified to the meticulous attention and “virtually unsurpassable professionalism and skill” of the Cheviot team, who produced and published his books Grape Cultivars for Wine production in South Africa and Druifkultivars vir wynbereiding in Suid-Afrika. Thank you Prof!!

The winner of the 2009 567 CapeTalk Small Business Award with Nedbank’s Small Business Credit Card was announced at a Gala Dinner on Wednesday, 18 November 2009 at Hanover Street, GrandWest Casino.
The Cheviot Publishing team would like to congratulate the winner, The Lot clothing, on their sterling performance! We are very honoured to have been a finalist and have already received several new clients.
Thanks to Cape Talk, Nedbank and GrandWest for a valuable learning experience and a lovely gala event to boot!

Essential Guide 2009 is launched

On 12 November 2009 we experienced one of those magical moments in publishing: the launch of a new title.

More than 16o distinguished guests from the wine industry, the media and the publishing world assembled at Exclusive Books, V&A Waterfront to be a part of this glittering event. Guests enjoyed an extensive selection of SA's terroir wines, alongside mouth-watering canapés and decadent Lindt chocolate.
MC Jaap Scholten had the crowd in stitches with his witty comments, while publisher Elmari Swart awed guests with a summary of the many hours spent editing, proofing and designing. (Research: 19 months, writing: 7 months, editing: 3 weeks, proofreading: 4.5 weeks, design and layout: 2 months, pre-press and print ready: 2 months.) Little wonder that the production team needed a glass (or 2) of great local wines!!

The highlight of the event was a lucky draw with prizes including terroir wines, a Riedel decanter, meal vouchers and the big prize: a weekend-stay in Tulbagh with meals, accommodation and wine tasting all included. In order to keep the auditors happy, we asked little Mia Johns (aged 4) to do the draw.
Our winners were: Grant Duncan-Smith; Elizabeth Bryan; Thulani Mbana; Marlene Rose; Nteboheng Tenene; Annemarie Lombard; Mark Barrett; Gideon Strydom; Mr A. Lombard; Shania Ellis-Lee; Alain Darrot; W. Lombard; Karin Johns; E. Walsh; JD de Villiers; Lynn Ford; David Curle; Jaco Louw; Anthony Davison; Sharon Ball; Salvatore Puglia; Debbie Simons; Leana Louw and Wendy Bonthuys.
Congratulations again to all the winners, we trust that you will enjoy your prizes during the lovely summer holiday, and discover new Wine Pockets and terroir wines along the way.

Cheviot Publishing would like to thank the following people who made this event a huge success: Our media team for arranging the launch; Exclusive Books V&A management, and Shirley Jacobs in particular, for the venue and the stunning book arrangements; Jenny and the team of Catering Thyme for the delicious canapés; Lindt for the chocolate; HipHop and Lancome for dressing Elmari for the evening and our long list of wine producers and lucky draw sponsors.

Wineries: Altydgedacht; Arumdale; Bartinney; Bellevue; Blaauwklippen; Bouchard Finlayson; Cape Legends; Constantia Uitsig; Creation; De Trafford Wines; Diemersdal; Dornier; Dustone Wines; Elgin Vintners; Gabrielskloof; Haskell Vineyards; Iona; Jordan; Kanu; La Petite Ferme; Meerendal; Meerlust; Morgenhof; Mulderbosch; Nabygelegen; Onderkloof Wines; Overgaauw; Raka; Shannon Vineyards; Strandveld; Sumaridge; Veenwouden; Villiera; Waterford Estate; Zevewacht.
Prize sponsors: Aquarium VA waterfront; Butterfly world; Cango Wildlife Ranch; Hillcrest Berries Orchards; Orchard farmstall; Oude Wellington restaurant; Port Wine House; Readers restaurant and Tulbagh Tourist office; Red stone Hills Reserve, Riedel/Aroma Liquors Constantia.

Wine writer Andrew Jefford said “Wine forms part of our memory..”. Our wish is that the new edition of the Essential Guide will be your trusted travelling partner on your journey of collecting beautiful wine memories.