All the latest releases, news, events and special offers from the team at Ernie Els Wines.
1. Ernie Els Wines a perfect partner for The Butcher Shop & Grill
The synergy between fine wine and premium quality produce was demonstrated beautifully on 29 June 2016 when Ernie Els Wines had the pleasure of hosting a wine dinner at the famous Butcher Shop & Grill in Cape Town. The lamb noisette, sweet potato, pea puree, sautéed exotic mushrooms and parma ham crumble, paired with the Ernie Els Proprietor’s Blend was a particular highlight of the evening! Pictured above is Dani Pick, a member of the family that has owned this iconic establishment for over three generations, alongside Nadia Hefer (left) and L’Re Burger (right) from the Ernie Els Wines team.
For over 20 years the Butcher Shop & Grill has made history in the South African culinary scene. Synonymous with quality meat, fine food and an extensive wine selection, this family business has been handed down over three generations. Butchery is, you might say, in owner Alan Pick’s blood. He had been trained in meat industry from age five by his parents who were both butchers. Alan’s first step in the restaurant industry was as a junior partner in Stellenbosch’s Arizona Spur. He then went on to open Mi Vami, Late Nite Al’s, Al’s Grillhouse and eventually The Butcher Shop & Grill in Sandton in 1994.
The family tradition continues with Alan’s son, Dani, who was schooled in global hospitality standards and marketing in Switzerland. Dani brings youthful energy to the South African team of over 400 people, a remarkable 80 per cent of whom have worked for the family for over 20 years!
From outstanding dining experiences to a separate butchery and deli, The Butcher Shop & Grill exceeds expectations! For more information, visit http://www.thebutchershop.co.za/
2. Strydom’s Scottish pilgrimage further increases Ernie Els Wines’ global reach
It was with great excitement that Louw Strydom, Marketing Manager at Ernie Els Wines, hosted wine dinners in Scotland this month. As many of you would know, this time of year is particularly special to golf lovers from all parts of the globe with The Scottish Open and The Open Championship taking place on back-to-back weeks.
There is certainly no better time to travel to this stunning country and engage the market with a purpose to promote and sell our wines. It was with this goal in mind that Louw played host to wine dinners at iconic venues such as Trump International Golf Links, just north of Aberdeen, and then a few days later at the superb Champany Inn, the famous steakhouse in Linlithgow on the western outskirts of Edinburgh. Both evenings were successful, with phenomenal food pairings showcasing our wines in the most creative ways. The standout star, on both nights, was the Proprietor’s Cabernet Sauvignon.
Apart from the wine dinners, Louw also worked the local market and successfully expanded our reach into both the North East and North West territories of Scotland. “It is such a special and unique market,” commented Louw, “and we will continue to build on the solid foundation as laid down by our importing and distribution partners here, namely Seckford Agencies and Corney&Barrow.”
3. Bellgables restaurant hosts a night of fine wines and great food
On Friday 24 June Chef Patron Errol Gobey, alongside Ernie Els winemaker Louis Strydom, presented a wonderful food and wine evening at Bellgables, one of the country’s finest restaurants. The welcome drink of Big Easy Chenin Blanc, which is cold-fermented and created in a complex, tropical style, was well-received on the not-so-cold winter sunset that guests enjoyed that evening.
The Bellgables lived up to its award-winning reputation by producing a sublime starter of light, creamy prawn and curry soup served with garlic croutons and paired with the Big Easy Rosé. This exuberant, Mediterranean-inspired Rosé is made from Shiraz and displays both freshness and accessibility; it paired perfectly with this divine Creole soup.
While the log fires were adding another dimension to the evening, the second starter was served with the new addition to the Ernie Els Wines portfolio, the Big Easy Cabernet Sauvignon. The marinated chicken skewer served with a sweet and sour sauce synchronised beautifully with the wine and very much accentuated the value of its full flavour, leaving a gentle approach on the palate.
Later, a cabaret singer welcomed in the Ernie Els Wines Big Easy Red, which itself epitomises the chef and winemaker’s manners, as both big in stature and gentle in character! The full bodied yet accessible Mediterranean-style blend embraced the cubes of fillet, olives, Danish feta and assorted herbs wrapped in a crepe, topped with a spicy Ranchero sauce and grilled cheese. And last but not least, the evening came to an end with a pear poached in the Big Easy Red blend with vanilla sticks, cloves and vanilla ice cream. The Big Easy ‘Sweet Spot’ added to the sweet ending of a great evening.
4. Enjoy something ‘deliciously holy’ on our new Winter Menu
Writer, academic and all-round wise soul, Louise Fresco, once said: “Food, in the end, in our own tradition, is something holy. It’s not about nutrients and calories. It’s about sharing. It’s about honesty. It’s about identity.” So come and enjoy something deliciously holy on our new Winter Menu, where you’ll find exceptional wine and incredible food brought together in perfect harmony.
Indeed, the remarkable relationship between food and wine is the absolute raison d’être behind Ernie Els Wines’ magnificent new winter 2016 menu and there is something to suit the taste of everyone who comes to visit our beautiful vineyard and bistro kitchen. Lunch is served between 12pm and 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday. We look forward to welcoming you to Stellenbosch, the heart of South African wine country, and dishing out the full Ernie Els Wines experience.
5. Run & Ride for charity on the beautiful Ernie Els Wines estate
Registration is now open for our ‘One Heart’ family trail and MTB race due to take place within the beautiful surroundings of the Ernie Els Wines estate on Saturday 27 August. It promises to be a lot of fun and, of course, everyone who takes part will be raising money for a worthy cause, with proceeds used to purchase internationally-renowned, CAPS-aligned KeyLinks curriculum for special needs schools.
For entries please visit the website: https://oneheartaugust2016.myactive.co.za/CaptureDetails/Registration.aspx
Important Information:
- Online payments must be processed within 24 hours to consolidate your booking.
- If your credit or debit card is not 3D secure you may encounter difficulty with payment. If this is the case, please select the EFT payment option.
- If you are unable to make use of EFT option please join us at the pre-reg (CASH PAYMENTS ONLY) & wine evening between 17h30 and 19h30 at the Ernie Els Wine Estate on 26 August, where One Heart & Els for Autism will also be sharing more about their respective projects.
- Late registrations and wrist band collection take place 06h30-08h30 on 27 August (+R20 late entry fee).
- Food is available after the race from Ernie Els Wines. Contact Amelia@ernieelswines.com for more information.
- We regret that no dogs are allowed.
