Raise a glass to three exciting wine events and new releases

Moët et Chandon’s ‘Spirit of 1743’ take to the skies

Those with a view of the Sandton sky on Thursday evening would’ve witnessed the ascension of the famed Champagne house’s “Spirit of 1743” hot air balloon.

Since its maiden voyage in 1990, the balloon has been fired-up around the globe, rising into the skies of the world’s great capitals and iconic landmarks including the Great Wall of China, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. Having traversed 21 countries in its lifetime including Japan, Australia and the US, it has now arrived in Johannesburg for the first time, launching the Moët & Chandon Golden Glow experience.

The “Spirit of 1743”, an ambassador of Moët & Chandon’s heritage and an iconic emblem of the house, offered invited guests an ideal perspective from which to view one of the City of Gold’s magnificent sunsets. This weekend, the cork-shaped balloon will be taking to the skies at Midrand’s Riboville Boutique Hotel, where VIP ticket holders will be treated to the Golden Glow experience.

The “Spirit of 1743’ will take flight April 1-3. To find out more and enquire about availability visit Riboville’s Chaise Lounge.

Radford Dale new range releases

The acclaimed Radford Dale Wines have relaunched and expanded the selection of their Vinum wine range.

This new direction prides itself on value, authenticity and elegance, while retaining and building on the range’s original historic focus of the Cape’s heritage grapes – the initial range comprising pinotage and chenin blanc.

The team have added a selection of other varieties that combine a focus on what they believe the Cape has the potential to excel in as well as grapes for which they have a particular affinity. The range now boasts a chardonnay, grenache, pinot noir and gamay noir.

“The three things we believe are the basis of fine wine expression: variety, terroir, and vintage and we aim to showcase this with the new Vinum wines too.” commented Jacques de Klerk, head of winemaking and viticulture.

The wines, which are sourced and made similarly to those of the premium Terroir range from Radford Dale, punch far above their modest price point. While perhaps not as serious as their prestige counterparts, Vinum being lighter in style and generally lower on alcohol, the result is a superb, thoroughly enjoyable selection of vino, ready- to-drink right now.

Go here to buy Radford Dale’s Vinum range.

The Ex Animo Indaba Johannesburg

Fifteen of the country’s most exciting, interesting and celebrated winemakers will be making their way to Joburg for a first-of-its-kind Ex Animo Indaba, taking place on April 9 at Workshop 17 in Rosebank.

Hosted by Ex Animo Wine Co, the distributor of these winemakers fine wines, the full-day affair will offer seasoned winos and budding enthusiasts alike the opportunity to take part in a full day of wine exploration and enjoyment with the winemakers themselves.

Split into three seminar-style themed master classes — each moderated by an appointed  expert — the day will cover topics from “Double Trouble with Chardonnay & Pinot Noir” and “Chenin Unchained” to “Never Say ‘No’ To Syrah” before culminating in a casual dinner at Proud Mary with the winemakers, who will be pulling out some older and rarer vintages for the occasion.

Look forward to sampling new and current releases from the likes of Restless River, Pieter Ferreira MCC, Hogan, Thorne & Daughters, Luddite and plenty more. The day promises to be an unparalleled and inquiring wine convention, inviting all to an immersive experience into the world of Ex Animo Wine Co.

The day is fully catered to include a continental breakfast, light lunch and casual sit-down dinner around the seminars.

To buy tickets visit here.