One Day in Darling
It was 40°C in the shade that day as we drove away from South Africa’s west coast, inland deep into the Swartland wine district. Besides my obvious thirst, I was eager with anticipation for a wine tasting that would no doubt ensue.
Our destination was Cloof, a wine estate offering not only decent wines, but good food too. We sat down to a scrumptious lunch in the coolness of the historic tasting room cum dining room. We moved through an enjoyable series of tastings where wines such as the Very Sexy Shiraz 2007, The Cloof Cellar Blend 2008 and the Dark Side Cabernet/Shiraz 2007 came out tops for me.
However, the highly rated Cloof Lynchpin 2005 failed to impress me… perhaps I was discouraged by the high percentage of Merlot at 71%, since I generally find Merlot a tad ‘uninteresting’. Each to his own 
On the whole I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Cloof, and look forward to future releases from the Darling gem!
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
How Do YOU Rate Wine?
Here’s a quick reminder to take part in the My Wine Cellar poll, investigating public perception of common wine rating systems used in categorising wine.
To have your say, and cast your own vote click the link below:
http://www.brandonmarc.com/the-wine-rating-debate
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
Pendock for the People
In preparation of the 2010 edition of ‘The Peoples Guide’, Neil Pendock and colleagues taste over 600 red wines for possible inclusion in the anticipated guide. See the video below, and listen as Neil describes the motivation behind the unique wine guide…
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
That Date…
Ok, so the candles are lit and the subtle smell of sandalwood incense drifts throughout the room. In the background plays your sensual mood music of choice… you know, that album. Some say Kenny G… I say definitely not Kenny G. I digress. The stage is set for what is to be the defining date of any new relationship… you know, that date 
But something is missing… is it your over-worn power shirt perhaps? No. Your leopard print lingerie? Perhaps, but no. The last, but all important factor is of course the wine! Now there are many theories as to which style of wine is best suited for such a date, and this is precisely what I intend to find out… from YOU. Some say you can’t go wrong with a Pinot Gregio, others opt for a spicy Shiraz, and then there’re the people who swear by Rosé.
So, subjectively speaking, if you had to select a style of wine for your defining date which would it be? You know… that wine.
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
My Wine Cellar Comic Relief
As we launch ourselves into 2010, I thought what better way then to kick-off with some light-hearted comic relief. Watch below as Jamie Kennedy holds a wine tasting with a difference…
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
Time to Pop that Bubbly!
From myself, Brandon Marc, and the rest of the team at My Wine Cellar we wish you a happy New Year, and I look forward to seeing you again in My Wine Cellar next year! Take it easy on the bubbly, and stay safe over the festive season!
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
Compliments of the Season!
I can hardly believe that another year has gone by… but as another year passes the My Wine Cellar family continues to grow. My Wine Cellar wishes you all a wonderful festive season, spent with family, friends… and fine wine!
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
SA Dabbles in GM Vineyards
After a 2006 application from the Institute of Wine Biotechnology (IWB) to conduct field trials of genetically modified (GM) Sultana and Chardonnay grapevine varieties was denied, South African authorities have now given the go-ahead for open-air field trials of grapevines genetically modified to resist fungal disease. This, despite failed fungal resistant GM grapevines in German trials several years ago.
The 2006 application was objected on the grounds that the risk of contamination of adjacent fields was very high, posing a risk to South Africa’s lucrative export market.
‘Contamination is a real threat as seed can be transported by birds or rain and could put our export market at risk for a technology that has already proven ineffective.’ – The African Centre for Biosaftey’s Haidee Swanby.
The obvious argument supporting GM grapevines is the ability of GM crops to resist targeted pests, hence reducing the need for increasingly toxic chemicals which are not only a health risk but also threaten farmer incomes.
Could GM vineyards be the way forward, or are we dabbling in dangerous territory…?
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
Kloovenburg Summer Market Day
This Saturday provides the opportunity to taste, sample and buy locally produced products fresh from the Riebeek Valley. A highlight in the Riebeek gourmet calendar, the Kloovenburg Summer Market Day offers visitors local wines, olive products, homemade breads, Lemoncello, cheeses, droewors, biltong, fresh fruit and vegetables. A not-to-be missed food festival for all!
Date: Saturday 12th December 2009
Time: 08h30 – 17h00
Location: Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate
For more information, contact Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate on (022) 448 1635; email info@kloovenburg.com; or visit www.kloovenburg.com
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
Guess the Wine Farm – No. 4
This time I’ve gone a bit easy on you for this edition of ’Guess the Wine Farm’
Today’s wine estate, known for its signature Sauvignon’s and Semillons, is tucked away against the mountainside and boasts a luxury hotel and 18-hole golf course.
Can you guess the wine farm?
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
