PeeBee’s Wine Column

Continuing my wine travels of France: Châteauneuf-du-Pape – II of IV

I started tasting wine in 1975 when Beejay Lankwarden, then manager of the Wilderness Holiday Inn, held monthly meetings. It was here that I met Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and it became a secret wish to visit the town on the route from Marseilles through the Rhône and on to Burgundy.
Friends George Parkes of Knysna and Dr Alan Wolfson of Wilderness, and myself were spoilt by Olivier Mousset of Clos St Michel on the outskirts of the village. We tasted from the barrels, as well as the current releases, and we were spoilt in tasting some 10-year-olds. Owner Guy Mousset has retired, leaving the farm to the labour of Olivier and his brother, Frank.
He is one of a group of 23 modern-thinking producers out to establish styles and get their own message through to 21st Century consumers - not by replacing the styles that go back 500 years, but by sublimating tho...

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Author: Peter Bishop

So you want to know more about Slow Food?

ONE of most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is: 'Why is it called Slow Food?' This is as a reference to living an unhurried life, beginning at the table and in contrast with fast food values.
FAQ: Why the snail as symbol?
The snail moves slowly and calmly eats its way through life.
FAQ: Why was Slow Food born in Bra, Italy?
Home of founder Carlo Petrini, Bra is located in an area famous for its wines, white truffles, cheese and beef. Food has traditionally been an integral part of socialising on the Italian peninsula and this town provided the perfect incubator for the Slow Food movement.
FAQ: Does Slow Food mean organic?
Slow Food is in favour of the principles behind organic agriculture, like promoting agriculture that has a low impact on the environment and reducing pesticide use around the world. Yet Slow Food maintains that organic agriculture, when practised on a massive and extensive scale, is very similar to conventional  monoculture cropp...

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Local food celebrated at Timberlake this month

TIMBERLAKE - on the N2, halfway between Sedgefield and Wilderness - is celebrating the new season with a Spring Fair on September 25. Apart from food offerings to die for, the event presents a chance to clear out the clutter in your life and make time for social pursuits, such as tea time and getting to know your local food producers.
Apart from a variety of stalls, like oysters by Hynn, and music throughout the day, a diverse programme of interesting activities, talks, demos and competitions promises fun for young and old:
• 8am - Bring & Buy Car Boot Sale to raise funds for Outeniqua High School, cost per participating car is R20, free entrance
• 9am to 12:30pm - Raw Food Course in the Barn by Pam de Jager and Sarah Kalell, cost R195 (R185 Slow Food members)
• 12 noon - Pie Competition presented by Sedgefield Lions Club, with prizes for best savoury, sweet, and most outrageous pies
• 12:30pm - Maypole for the kids (if your littlie...

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