Happy Guy Fawkes (and birthdays!)

Best wishes to everyone sharing this special day !!

Wine Capitals "Wine Tourism Awards"

The winners of the Best Of Wine Tourism awards were announced in Christchurch, New Zealand today at a gala event attended by high-level members of the wine tourism industry from South Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America and New Zealand.

They winners from South Africa are:
Steenberg Vineyards: International winner for Wine tourism services

National Winners
 Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa: Accommodation
 Grande Provence: Art and culture
 Waverley Hills: Sustainable wine tourism practices
 Warwick Estate: Innovative wine tourism experiences
 Rust en Vrede: Wine tourism restaurants
 Steenberg Vineyards: Architecture, parks and gardens


Congratulations to you and your teams for making us proud;
from The Cheviot Publishing team

What's on in Cape Town - Sept 2010

TABLE MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY WINTER SPECIAL
1 May - 31 October
Two children under 18 years travel free with every adult return ticket for R 170. The special is valid everyday including weekends and public holidays.Tel: 021 424 8181 www.tablemountain.net

ART: AFRICAN LIGHT
30 May - 30 September
An exhibition of local and international art which explores the inherent reflective qualities of art glass as they mirror a palette of African colours, shades and textures. Venue: EDGE Glass Gallery, 29 Vredenburg Lane, off top of Long St Time: Tues - Fri @ 10am - 5pm, Mon & Sat by appointment only Cost: FreeTel: 021 423 3371 Email: nbritz@iafrica.com website www.capeglassstudio.com

WHEEL OF EXCELLENCE
8 June - 15 January
A 50m observation wheel (similar to UK's London Eye) with 36 fully-enclosed cabins offering visitors a 20 minute round trip with panoramic views of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the surrounds. VIP cabins, including champagne and canapés, available on request. Venue: Canal Site, opposite the Caltex garage, V&A Waterfront Time: Sun - Thurs @ 11am - 8pm, Fri & Sun @ 11am - 10pm Cost: R 80 Tel: 021 408 7600 Email: info@waterfront.co.za website 2010.waterfront.co.za

EXHIBITION: 1910 - 2010: FROM PIERNEEF TO GUGULECTIVE
7 July - 3 October
A showcase of South African art across the last 100 years. Exhibited artists include Gerard Sekoto, Irma Stern, George Pemba, Maggie Laubser, Gerard Bhengu, JH Pierneef, Durant Sihlali and Dumile Feni. Venue: South African National Gallery, Company Gardens [see map] Time: Tues - Sun @ 10am - 5pm Cost: R 15Tel: 021 467 4663 Email: sadams@iziko.org.za website www.iziko.org.za

EXHIBITION: MANDELA
7 July - 31 December
An exploration of the extraordinary life of South Africa's most celebrated icon. Venue: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley & Wale Sts Time: Mon - Sat @ 10am - 5pm (closed on Christmas Day) Cost: R 15Tel. 021 461 3375 Email: wvandelen@iziko.org.za website www.iziko.org.za

ART: WINTER GALA
29 July - 30 September
Paarl's first commercial art gallery exhibits a variety of paintings, ceramics and sculptures by established and new artists. Venue: Hout Street Gallery, 270 Main St, Paarl Time: Mon - Sat @ 8.30am - 5pm, Sun @ 10am - 5pm Cost: Free Tel: 021 872 5030 Email: zetler@icon.co.za website www.houtstreetgallery.co.za

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
30 August - 19 September
The annual festival now in its second decade features a line-up of great comedians from all over the world. Venue: Baxter Concert Hall [see map] Time: Tues - Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 6pm, 10 & 11 Sept @ 10.30pm Cost: R 120 - R 150 Tel: 021 685 7880 website www.baxter.co.za

WILDFLOWER GAME DRIVE
3 September - 15 October
A game drive through the Burgherspost Nature Reserve offers the opportunity to view swathes of wildflowers including some on the critically endangered list. Minimum two people per drive. Venue: Cloof Wine Estate, Darling Time: Various, Mon - Sat Cost: R 150 (2hr drive)Tel: 022 492 2839 Email: info@cloof.co.za website www.cloof.co.za

KIRSTENBOSCH BIENNALE 2010
5 September - 24 September
An exhibition of botanical fine art with this year's main focus being on rare, endangered and narrow endemic species indigenous to Southern Africa. There will also be guided walkabouts of the exhibition conducted by well-known artists and critics. Venue: Old Mutual Conference Centre, Kirstenbosch Time: 9am - 5pm Cost: Free Tel: 021 671 7384 website www.sanbi.org

GOURMET DINNER AND WINE TASTING
10 September
An opportunity to sample a selection of Simonsig Wines followed by a four course gourmet dinner paired with wine. Venue: The Square Restaurant, Vineyard Hotel & Spa, Colinton Rd (off Protea Rd), Newlands Time: 7pm Cost: R 250Tel: 021 657 4500 Email: eat@vineyard.co.za

MUSIC: VASSILY PRIMAKOV
10 September
The popular Russian pianist who studied at Julliard in New York, performs a programme of works by Chopin. Venue: Endler Hall, University of Stellenbosch, cnr Victoria & Neethling Sts, Stellenbosch Time: 8pm Cost: R 85Tel: 021 808 2345 Email: music@sun.ac.zawww.sun.ac.za/music

LOOK AND FEEL GOOD EXPO
10 September - 12 September
A lifestyle expo with a focus on health, wellness, longevity, positivity, vitality, environmental awareness and sustainability. Venue: CTICC [see map] Time: 10 Sept @ 11am, 11 & 12 Sept @ 9am Cost: Free - R 60www.lookandfeelgoodexpo.co.zawww.webtickets.co.za

CALEDON WILD FLOWER SHOW
10 September - 13 September
Indigenous flower show - mainly proteas and ericas. Venue: Victoria Hall, Caledon Time: Thurs - Sun @ 9am - 5pm, Mon @ 9am - 1pm Cost: tbcTel: 028 214 1016 E-mail: adriaanhanekom@telkomsa.net

GOURMET DINNER AND WINE
15 September
A five-course tasting menu paired with Warwick wines is hosted by the editor of Wine magazine, Cathryn Henderson. Venue: The Taj Hotel, Wale St Time: 7pm for 7.30pm Cost: R 450 (incl. wine and gratuity)Tel: 021 530 3308 / 0860 100 205 Email: janee@ramsaymedia.co.za

CONCERT: DAVID HELFGOTT
17 September
A classical performance by the legendary Australian pianist is followed by a food and wine pairing with Waterford Wines. Venue: Ellerman House, 180 Kloof Rd, Bantry Bay Time: 6pm Cost: 6 200 - R 7 400pp (incl. accommodation)Tel: 021 430 3200 Email: info@ellerman.co.za www.ellerman.co.za

THE CRAZY STORE TABLE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE
18 September
This 36km trail run around Cape Town’s world-famous mountain is one of South Africa’s premier off-road running events. Competitors run through indigenous forest, cross mountain streams and pass through the pristine Orange Kloof area. Venue: Start @ Kloof Nek Start Time: 7am Tel: 021 424 4760 Email: info@abseilafrica.co.za www.trailrunning.co.za

FREE ENTRY: IZIKO MUSEUMS
20 September - 26 September
In commemoration of Heritage Day the Iziko Museums will be free to the public (the Planetarium and the Castle of Good Hope only offer free entry on 24 Sept).www.iziko.org.za

Africa Aerospace & Defence Airshow 2010
21 September - 25 September
The largest aerospace, defence, and security exhibition in Africa is held against the backdrop of Table Mountain. Venue: Ysterplaat Air Force Base Time: 8am - 5pm Cost: R 40 (pre-paid) R 50 (gate)Tel: 021 508 6414 Email: aad2008@ysterplaat.org.zawww.aadexpo.co.za

FULL MOON
23 September Moonrise: 7pm Moonset: 6.12am Full Moon: 11.18am

FULL MOON HIKE
23 September
An uphill 10km vineyard trail with spectacular views over the winelands and across to Table Mountain, making the most of the sunset and the moonrise. Vehicles available to transport to the halfway point. Bring snacks and drinks (or buy at the centre), torch, jacket, hiking boots. Venue: Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, Stellenbosch Time: start hike @ 5.45pm, sunset @ 6.43pm / Moonrise @ 7pm Cost: R 50 (R 20 < href="mailto:theteam@dirtopia.co.za">theteam@dirtopia.co.zawww.dirtopia.co.za

GOURMET DINNER AND WINE TASTING
24 September
An opportunity to sample a selection of Creation Wines and Luddite Wines followed by a four course gourmet dinner paired with wine. Venue: The Square Restaurant, Vineyard Hotel & Spa, Colinton Rd (off Protea Rd), Newlands Time: 7pm Cost: R 250Tel: 021 657 4500 Email: eat@vineyard.co.za www.vineyard.co.za/pages/the_square.htm

HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL
24 September - 28 September
Celebrate the peak of the whale-watching season in a town with the best land-based whale-watching in the world. Venue: Hermanus Time: Various Cost: VariousTel: 028 313 0927 www.whalefestival.co.za

CAPE TOWN MARATHON
26 September
The annual marathon which links the historic city centre with the wide variety of cultures and communities that make up the Mother City. There are 4.2km and 10km options as well as the main 42km route. Start Venue: Adderley Street Time: 42km @ 6.30am, 4.2km & 10km @ 7.45am Cost: R 20 - R 100 Tel: 021 699 0624 Email: wpathletics@iafrica.comwww.capetownmarathon.org.za

HERMANUS FLOWER AND ECO FAIR
30 September - 3 October
A display of floral exhibits including some by Chelsea award winner David Davidson. Venue: Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Hermanus Time: Thurs - Sat @ 9am - 5pm, Sun @ 9am - 4pm Cost: R 30Tel: 028 313 9819 Email: hermanusbotsoc@telkomsa.net fernkloof.com/festival.mv


Source: www.whatsonincapetown.com

Eat Out interviews Elmari Swart

Elmari Swart is the co-founder of Cheviot Publishing, a boutique-publishing house. Before she dabbled in the printed word, Elmari made wine in France, Australia and South Africa. She now indulges her passion by producing 1 200 bottles of fine wine annually in her garagiste winery. Elmari has recently published The Essential Guide to South African Wines: Terroir & Travel. And, one lucky Eat Out reader can win a copy, plus some wine.

Where do you like to eat out?
I spend a lot of time out in the winelands researching and hosting clients at wineries during the day, so at night I prefer to frequent restaurants closer to town. Some favourites are Giovanni’s, The Cod Father, Five Flies, HQ, La Petite Fermé and Le Quartier Français.

Do you choose a restaurant for its wine list?
I choose restaurants based on the overall experience. If a restaurant offers an exceptional wine list, I am certainly tempted to visit. But when I am entertaining guests and need to present specific wines to them, I select a venue based on the food offering and arrange wines with the sommelier before our visit. I find most restaurants very accommodating to these requests, and in return I always make sure that the winemaker or tour guide meets the owner or maître d’ so that they can exchange details.

How will this book help diners in the winelands?
For me, quality of life is all about accessibility, simplicity and enjoyment. The guide provides diners with these essential food, wine and travel connections. The guide also helps you to select a wine ‘pocket’, jump in the car, and do a day-trip to visit some of the unique wineries in that area. Detailed relief maps provide GPS co-ordinates and are backed up by downloadable waypoints and routes on our website.
Every pocket takes you on a journey, where you discover the terroir, viticulture, wine-making techniques and flagship wines of some of the country’s premium producers. The pocket also provides selected restaurants, accommodation, local delicacies and festivals.

By Malu Lambert, (Eat Out magazine, 18 Aug 2010 )

Win a copy of The Essential Guide to South African Wines: Terroir & Travel and three wines from selected wine pockets.

Cape Town Book Fair 2010

This year the CTBF is in its 5th edition; and moving fast towards the digital age. A selected group of highly succesful European ePubs, in conjunction with Frankfurter Buchmesse, presented seminars and workshops, assisting local publishers in exploring this fast-paced genre. From iPad and smartphone downloads to interactive books and personalized content, we discussed it all.

With the support of the Goethe Institut South Africa , CTBF invited more than 15 publishers from other African countries to attend the fair and showcase the best African Books. This year also saw the inaugural CTBF Professional Day, with a professional programme for all exhibitors and trade visitors. Matchmaking sessions, rights-and business-lounges provided exhibitors, buyers and the trade with hours of concentrated book-talk.

A highlight at the show was a discussion and wine tasting, presented by Elmari Swart. We looked at the influence of terroir on Sauvignon Blanc. Cheviot would like to thank Onderkloof and Gabriëlskloof for sponsoring the wines, and the CTICC and CTBF for inviting us to present the tasting.

Read more about the CTBF: http://www.capetownbookfair.com/

iPhones

While we await the arrival of our new iPhone 4, we indulge in some comic relief..

Le Cordon Bleu Awards 2010

The Le Cordon Bleu Awards provides global recognition to the very best in the international food and drink publishing and broadcasting industries.

The foodie equivalent of the movie Oscars, the 2010 Le Cordon Bleu Awards acknowledges the work of food and drink professionals. Entries were received from all over the globe, including USA, New Zealand, France, Australia, Spain, Cambodia, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and South Africa. The more than 700 entries received were judged by an international panel of 60 jurors.

South Africa performed exceptionally well, with Cheviot Publishing’s Essential Guide to SA Wines – terroir & travel short-listed for the Best Drinks Book. Publisher Elmari Swart commented: “I am overjoyed with the short-listing of our title. It is an honour for us to be in the company of esteemed international authors, photographers and chefs. And we send our heartfelt congratulations to Andrew Jefford, who won the Ladle for "Best Drinks Book”.

In addition to Le Cordon Bleu Gold ladles, two distinguished food and drink industry individuals were honoured for their outstanding achievements. British chef, restaurateur, TV presenter and writer Jamie Oliver was inducted into the International Hall of Fame, while Australia’s Maggie Beer was the national inductee.

Ian Parmenter, Jury Chairman, said “the standard of entries in this year’s competition was extraordinarily high and the international judges were faced with an enormous task. However, they were consistent in their agreement on the winners.” Mr. Andre Cointreau, President, Le Cordon Bleu said: “I am very proud to once again be involved in the Awards and its association with winners of such high calibre and international standing. Bravo and congratulations to all of the very deserving award recipients”.

We agree!!!

World Cup 2010 - feel it, it is here!!!

It is the eve of the Fifa World Cup Soccer 2010, South Africa.
We are waving our flags, blowing our vuvuzelas and all that's left to say is:















Go Bafana Bafana!!!

Financial Mail: Young Achiever 2009/2010

The second annual FM Wine Business Awards revealed astonishing depth in the wider South African wine industry. The award celebrates exceptional performance in terms of best business practice, innovation and leadership.

The Young Achiever award went to Elmari Swart for her work in Cheviot Publishing! The judges found that not only are the wine related books published by Cheviot based on in-depth research, but also provides unique insights into the subject matter. The judges noted the tangible impact on consumers’ understanding of terroir. In addition, the branching into custom-publishing and multi-media clinched the award for Cheviot. Described by the judges as “the perfect candidate for the award, Elmari is indeed the rising star with ambition, drive and demonstrable achievements under her belt that this category embodies”.

Awards convenors John Woodward (Frogitt & Vonkel Private Wine Merchants & founder Jo’burg Wine Show) and Delarey Brugman (entrepreneur, wine industry investor & owner Alluvia Wine Estate) were unanimous about achieving their goal. “The rationale behind the awards was to shift the industry’s focus to the contributions of the role players throughout the value chain” mentions Woodward. Supported by South Africa's leading business publication, the Financial Mail, participants and award-winners will enjoy the recognition of a Financial Mail Special Report supplement on the Awards.

Paris Food and Wine Book Fair

The city of Paris recently played host to inaugural Paris Food and Wine Book Fair 2010, from 12 – 15 February 2010 at new cultural exhibition centre of Le Cent Quarte.

Considered a culinary headquarters, Paris proved the perfect venue to bring together the best in the food and wine publishing industry.

More than 100 exhibitors showed their various titles, with about 55% of French origin and 45% foreign exhibitors. Most of the large French culinary publishers were present (Marabout, Hachette Pratique, Le Chêne, Larousse, First, Flammarion, Alain Ducasse Publishing to mention a few) alongside several big international publishers, distributors and printers. It was four very busy days with more than 3100 trade visitors and hundreds of interested members of the public attending the event.

Fortunately it was not all work! The long hours of serious business negotiations on distribution and international rights were balanced by loads of entertainment. Celebrity chefs presented more than 50 cooking demonstrations in a French and an International kitchen, giving visitors an interactive cooking experience with a “taste of their culture”.

The wine and spirit tasting centre was tremendously popular, hosting more than 40 tastings over the 4 days. Products from a range of diverse countries were presented: France, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, USA, Canada and China. Ninety per cent of the tastings promoted a corresponding book, with the author and/or publisher discussing the title; while the balance of tastings focussed on regional products.

Cheviot Publishing is very excited about the new business connections made at the fair. It was truly a very elegant and joyful event, and indeed great for business. We look forward to reporting on our new sales partners!

SOUTH AFRICA WINS IN PARIS!

SOUTH AFRICA WINS IN PARIS!

On Thursday 11th February 2010, the theatre of Le Cent Quarte, Paris was transformed to a glittering celebration in honour of Food and Wine books. The international publishing industry, authors, photographers and members of the media from around the world joined the Cointreau family in Paris to pay tribute of this year’s guests of honour: The finalists of the 2009 Gourmand competition.

Publisher Elmari Swart joined the winning ranks again this year with Cheviot Publishing’s latest title, The Essential Guide to South African Wines (by E Swart & I Smit). The title was voted as one of the two WORLD's BEST BOOKS in the category “Wine Atlas or Tourism Guide in the World”. Said Swart: “It is a huge honour to be counted amongst the best wine books in the world! I am delighted to fly the flag for South Africa at the Gourmand World Gala.” Elmari also presented a wine tasting to the visitors of the Paris Book Fair to highlight key components of South African terroir.

The gala was a highlight on the culinary calendar with visitors travelling from far and wide to attend. While the European countries along with the Americas dominated the entry numbers (60%+), the East as well as Africa saw a significant increase in finalist numbers. The winning titles and a wide selection of culinary and wine books will be exhibited this year at the Cape Town Book Fair (30 July – 3 August 2010), in a special exhibition of food and wine books from South Africa, and other countries of the African Continent.

Cheviot Publishing would like to thank the organisers for a magnificent Gala event and congratulate all the other winners!!!