“Say it louder. Take the shot. Kiss them first. Chase the wild idea. Break the rules. Scare yourself. Feel everything. Because one day its over, and nobody remembers the safe choices. Make it legendary. Burn Bright. Waste none of it.” - Anonymous

I don’t know who wrote that but i like it.

It suits my current mood.

There is an energy in the ether of restlessness and change and its sparking a sort of devil-may-care attitude that may lead us all into disgrace or dreamland - I like it - I think. I haven’t had enough time to spend in my happy space at Solid Gold writing and podcasting and making contact with the people and places I love to choose. Is it just me or is there a sudden acceleration towards the end of the year that has started earlier than usual? There are 70 or so days to Christmas! I was supposed to fit in a visit to Namaqualand this month (a bucket list item that i have had for the longest time). I didn’t get there, but Gavin did (he is the top potato at Solid Gold). So it will remain a bucket list item for another year for me and I will post one of his pictures of this spectacular phenomenon to whet your appetites.

Perhaps next year we arrange a flower and wine excursion for those subscribers who may like the idea and we try to make it happen? Timing is always a little difficult as they bloom in their own good time without too much warning and once on show, you have a small window of opportunity to get there - and it is far away from everywhere. The pics are gorgeous. Enjoy them

The wine industry hosted a very successful Cape Wine Exhibition this year. Every report I received was good. In addition, Tim Atkin arrived back in SA to deliver his South African Report. I was lucky enough to spend some time with him and chew over his findings (you can listen on Spotify or watch on YouTube).

The report is concise and hugely informative, get it here.

I also spent some time with Albie Koch who is the boss man at De Toren Wine Estate. We had a lovely hour or two together and Callum turned it all into a podcast for you to listen to. Find it here to catch up on all that is going on at this premium South African producer whose wines are internationally acclaimed - and with good reason.

Listen on Spotify

Watch on YouTube

I flew down to Cape Town inbetween to chair the Diners Club Winemaker of the year tasting. There were some 130 entries for Winemaker and another 50 odd for the Young Winemaker of the Year. We tasted at The Grand Roche hotel in Paarl as we usually do. it is such a lovely venue and the Diners girls make it all as easy as tasting almost 200 wines in two days can be. Some delicious wines in the line up and we found the top 6 in both. The results remain top secret until November when the winners will be announced. I will keep you in the loop.

I have tasted some absolutely delicious wines this year and i am going to put a list of favourite whites and reds together for my next communication to you all so that you can start making plans for squirrelling wine away for the Christmas holidays.

For now, I am in love with the Groot Phisantekraal Chenin Blanc. It absolutely stellar and i strongly recommend everybody has at least one case in their cellar or wine cupboard! Be in touch if you would like some. In the meantime, in the midst of potholes and massive water and power outages in Johannesburg, grab a glass and a bottle of your best and enjoy the beautiful spring that shows off to us every year at this time….

https://carriesconnoisseurs.co.za/