Win tickets to the Winter Sculpture Fair presented by MasterCard

The Winter Sculpture Fair presented by MasterCard will return to the NIROX Sculpture Park near the Cradle of Humankind on the 10th and 11th May 2014, where a selection of South Africa's best contemporary sculpture and Franschhoek's finest food and wine will be showcased.

Situated in a 15 hectare private nature reserve, the highly-acclaimed NIROX Sculpture Park will be home to the 'NIROX SCULPTURE | WINTER 14' exhibition. Visitors will be able to meander through the park to view nearly 100 sculptures by more than 50 contemporary artists, before picnicking in the countryside with family and friends.

Exquisite food and fine wine produced by 38 exhibitors of Franschhoek's most popular restaurants, producers and wineries will be on offer. A selection of Franschhoek cheeses, charcuterie, and chocolates will also be available to purchase, ahead of winter.

This year, visitors are set to experience an unmatched culinary and cultural day out with friends and family while:

• meandering through the exquisite landscaped park, taking in nearly 100 sculptures of the highly acclaimed 'NIROX SCULPTURE | WINTER 14' exhibition, curated by Mary-Jane Darroll
• tasting exquisite food and fine wine produced by some of Franschhoek's most popular restaurants, producers and wineries
• enjoying a relaxed picnic alongside the breath taking view

Tickets cost R100 and are available through www.webtickets.co.za, with a 10% discount if they are purchased using a MasterCard branded card. Limited tickets will be available at the door. Children 12 years and under enter free. For more information, visit www.wintersculpturefair.co.za.

MasterCard is giving away two double tickets to the Winter Sculpture Fair.

Competition question: Which payments and technology company is the Winter Sculpture Fair presented by? Email info@realtimewine.com with your answers and we'll do a draw after the competition closes!

Competition closes on 28 April 2014. Tickets are valid for Saturday, 10 May 2014 only. Tickets are not transferable. Terms and conditions apply.

WineStyle's Summer Winedown @ Tintswalo. 7/8 February 2014 (JHB). Win tickets!

It's here again, our friends at WineStyle have their quarterly Winedown. It truly is one of the best wine events out - probably because it's still pretty small, intimate and provides the perfect opportunity to meet up with other Real Time Wine FANS. Come rub wine glasses with the SuperFANS, we'll be there in force :)

Win some tickets to come along. Hop over to our Facebook page and enter in the comments!

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WineStyle’s  Summer Winedown! Celebrate the Summer in style.

On the back of our successful Summer and Spring Wine Parties in Cape Town, and our 2 recent Winedown events in Joburg, we are bringing the fun back to Gauteng by popular demand on the 7th and 8th February 2014!

This is not just another average wine show –  we are offering you the opportunity to taste some of the ‘Best of the Best’ and to rub shoulders with the wine professionals involved in creating your favourite wines -  all on the backdrop of the gorgeous Tintswalo hotel @ Waterfall Estates.

Come dressed in your Summer whites & unwind & relax – amazing wines to taste & buy – live music & delicious food. Buy a few of your favourite bottles, grab a seat on the lawns, order some food & enjoy the day with friends or family. Also remember to bring your dancing shoes! It is a wine party, after all!!

Guests also get an opportunity to purchase these wines, at a special Winedown price. So come and stock up your collection!

A ticket gets you entrance and a tasting glass, to roam around and taste for free, buy wine by the glass or bottle, order some delicious platters, picnic style tapas or sushi, find a spot on the lawn and relax with friends and family for the day.  Come dressed to our theme; “White with a touch of Bright” and stand a chance to win prizes for best dressed!

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to celebrate the Summer season, with this premium wine event in Gauteng.

Venue: Tintswalo Waterfall – Kyalami, Gauteng
Date: 7th & 8th of February 2014  (Friday 5.30-10pm & Saturday 12-7 pm)
Dress Code: White with a touch of Bright
Tickets:  R120.00 per person, including a glass Tickets available at Webtickets  and at the door   http://webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=407928056

www.wine-style.co.za

You can still WIN 4 Cases of WINE: Get on the 30 Day Real Time Wine Leaderboard! [COMPETITION]

Our Silly Season Giveaway Madness continues! It's simple. Get on the Real Time Wine 30 Day Leaderboard by rating, reviewing, voting and sharing on the app - and you'll stand a 1 in 20 chance of walking away with an amazing case of wine! We draw a random name from the Top 20 on that Leaderboard. You win wine. Done.

Friday 29/11: giving away 2 cases

Friday 6/12: giving away 2 cases

How to Earn points on Real Time Wine :

• Download the app from all major app stores.
• Register

Then you start racking up the points by:

• tapping YUM/HMM/YUK on a wine
• reviewing a wine
• sharing a review to Facebook/Twitter
• adding a wine to your wishlist
• voting a review as helpful/not helpful
• loading a special
• adding a wine to the database

And did we mention, rating and reviewing wines helps YOU and your friends find better wine. And it's fun. And it's wine. Wine wine wine.

What's in the case?

• Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2011 (Platter 5 Stars 2014)
• Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2012
• Graham Beck Chardonnay 2010
• Meerlust Red 2011
• Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Double Gold Veritas Winner)
• Mulderbosch Steen op Hout Chenin Blanc 2011

All standard stuff applies. Don't cheat. Don't be a douche. You'll get disqualified. We've got stock, but if something weird happens, we'll need to switch out some wines with equally cool ones. You can only win the Leaderboard competition once. Please reply to any winner notifications as soon as you can with delivery details and a contact number. If we can't get hold of you after 3 days, we'll have to redraw your prize. Which would suck. For you.

Silly Season Wine GIVEAWAYS! 4 weeks. 12 cases. 12 Wine Fans. [COMPETITION]

It's time to giveaway some wine. A LOT of wine. Because it's the Silly Season. And because we love ya!

We're also trying something a little different. Not only can you win wine by rating/reviewing/sharnig wine on South Africa's best WINE APP. But you can also win wine by telling people THEY can win wine. We think you'll likey likey long time.

Read more about these 2 awesome competitions!


WIN 1 of 6 CASES of WINE: 
Be on the Last 30 Day Leaderboard.

Every Friday (15/11/13 to 6/12/13) for the next FOUR weeks, we'll be giving away wine to committed Wine Fans who make it onto the Last 30 Day Leaderboard (it's only the last 30 days - EVERYONE has a chance to make it!). We realise the All Time Leaderboard is a bit crazy (there are some SUPERSTARS on there) - but the 30 Day Leaderboard? That's open season baby!

You can earn points on Real Time Wine by:

• tapping YUM/HMM/YUK
• reviewing a wine
• sharing a review to facebook/twitter
• adding a wine to your wishlist
• voting a review as helpful/not helpful
• loading a special
• adding a wine to the database

... ALSO WIN 1 of 6 CASES of WINE just by telling people about this competition!

What!? A competition to promote a competition? Hell yes. We're rad like that. Go here and shout about it from the rooftops by sharing to social/email. You get up to 50 bonus entries for sharing (email is the easiest way to rack up the entries). That's 50x more chance of winning this crazy cool case of wine.

ENTER HERE. NOW.

or push our button :)

How cool is the case of wine you'll be winning? Very cool.

Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2011 (Platter 5 Stars 2014)

Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Graham Beck Chardonnay 2010

Meerlust Red 2011

Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Double Gold Veritas Winner)

Mulderbosch Steen op Hout Chenin Blanc 2011

Retail value R700!

Official rules available here! Remember you can only win the Leaderboard Competition once. To win, you must be contactable via email and must respond with a delivery address & cell number within 5 days. The wine will be delivered by our uber sexy eCommerce Partners: CyberCellar. By entering in, you're opting in to receive our newsletter - you can always opt out, but why would you. Our newsletter, wine deals and other such wonderments are like a silk gown for your InBox. 

Pinotage on Tap 2013

WHOO HOOOOO! It's baaaack. We had so much fun at this event last year. You'd better book your tickets. We'll be giving away some tickets to JHB and DBN events on Twitter this week. Watch that space.

All the info below.

THE 2013 DIEMERSFONTEIN ‘PINOTAGE ON TAP’ SA TOUR EVENT

The  Diemersfontein Pinotage on Tap, South Africa’s most anticipated wine event on the annual calendar is set to take place for the ninth year running on Saturday 12th at Wellington’s Diemersfontein Wine Estate outside Cape Town. Diemersfontein will also bring this event to Johannesburg and Durban, on the 7th respectively.

Guests attending this year’s ‘Pinotage on Tap’ events can look forward to ‘prepped and primed’ barrels of Pinotage. In Cape Town guests can also enjoy one barrel of Chenin Blanc and one barrel of Shiraz. The official Beer partner for the POT festival is the premium, craft slow beer from Darling Brewery. A range of lunch dishes and sweet treats will also be included in the ticket price, as well as some interesting food stalls in a market style environment. Great entertainment is also in store with an exciting musical line-up for the day, including Gangs of Ballet, Newton’s 2nd Law and Natasha Meister.

Mark your calendars, book your tickets, and make sure you’re at one of the Diemersfontein Pinotage on Tap events this year. Tickets will be available through Computicket from 10 June 2013. Numbers are limited so wine enthusiasts are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment! Weekend accommodation specials are also available. Please contact Rene at Diemersfontein on 021 864 5050 or online@diemersfontein.co.za (Bookings will only be open with ticket sales)

Diemersfontein is situated on the famous Wellington Wine Route in the Western Cape, teaming with traditional charms, and elegant beauty. Diemersfontein is known for its natural grace and of course – its Pinotage. Bought by the Sonnenberg family in the 1940’s, Diemersfontein is founded on the key-stone stately Manor House overlooking a picturesque valley of vineyards, a number of well-appointed guest cottages and approximately 45 residential properties which all make up this award-winning working wine estate.

Diemersfontein's flag carrier "The people's Pinotage", known as The Original Coffee Chocolate Pinotage is praised for its easy accessibility, uniqueness, wonderful rich coffee taste, and smokey overtones. This unique style of Pinotage is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, venison and dark chocolate desserts, and is a firm favourite at the popular Pinotage on Tap events. Diemersfontein also offers a host of activities on the farm and its surrounds, which makes the Cape Town leg of the Pinotage on Tap events the perfect weekend getaway.

For more information about Diemersfontein, or their Pinotage on Tap events, visit www.diemersfontein.co.za.

SAVE THE DATE DIARY DETAILS:

POT JHB
Date: 7 September
Ticket Price: R340 per adult
Ticket and Wine R770 – this includes a case of 6 bottles of the Diemersfontein
Pinotage to be collected on the day.
Timing: 12:30 – 18:30
Venue: Oakfield Farm, Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg
Bands: Newton’s 2nd Law & Natasha Meister

POT DBN
Date: 21 September
Ticket Price: R280 per adult
Ticket and Wine R720
Future Fans R80
Timing: 12:30 – 18:30
Venue: The Litchi Orchard, Seaforth Rd, Salt Rock, Durban
Bands: Gangs of Ballet & Natasha Meister

POT Cape Town
Date: 12 October
Ticket Price: R340 per adult.  No Kids ticket.
Timing: 12:30 – 18:30
Venue: Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate, Jan van Riebeeck Drive, Wellington.
Bands: Gangs of Ballet, Newton’s 2nd Law and Natasha Meister
Ticket and Wine R770, incl Free gift of an original POT Peak Cap.

Maties hold on to the title of Vino Varsity Champions

Haha! We love that students get so involved in wine. And scarily enough, they probably know more than you and me on the street. Here's coverage of the BacksBerg Vino Varsity Challenge that happened recently...

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Low-lying clouds and gripping cold surrounded Backsberg last Friday as Vino Varsity 2013 was about to kick off. It wasn’t long until the heat was turned up. The UCT bus arrived with a group of supporters, wearing warrior face-paint and chanting deep-pitched war cries. Tuks entered the arena with a four-man strong team and one supporter, walking tall and sussing out the competition. Nothing could intimidate them. They were here for one thing – the trophy! Maties arrived fashionably late, dressed in red and black attire, sporting top hats. They filled the venue, looked confident and repeatedly belted out Maties songs of encouragement!

The first round comprised 30 general knowledge questions covering wine history, winemaking and international wines. Maties had their A game on and dominated this section.

All was not lost; the second round commenced and Ikeys confidently announced that this would be their round for the taking. Teams tasted through ten flights of wines. Each flight comprised three wines. Teams had to identify cultivars, origins, vintages, RS levels and faults, amongst other questions. Someone quipped that the only fault to a wine is “that it has not been drunk yet!”

Round three would decide the competition. Teams debated the topic of alcohol advertising and the effects of the proposed ban. Arguments were varied and all three presentations differed in style, delivery and content. Tuks wowed us with a concise and to-the-point, factual slideshow presentation. Maties looked at the other side of the coin by asking “well what if we don’t ban alcohol advertising?” and Ikeys posed an argument relaying it back to real-life saying that alcohol does not cause alcoholism – individuals cause alcoholism. All very interesting angles and the judges had a difficult time deciding on the overall best. It was decided that the flow, content and presentation of Ikeys was the best.

After three rounds, back-and-forth war banter between the teams, a few sips of vino, and a well-deserved boerie roll, the winning team was announced.

Maties! Winners of the fifth Vino Varsity Challenge for the fourth time! Cheers erupted and the winning team enjoyed the spoils of their win – a 1987 bottle of Backsberg Klein Babylonstoren and their names etched into the Vino Varsity Decanter Trophy.

Tuks achieved second place and UCT third by only a couple of point’s difference. It was a great day. The judges imparted great advice and extensive wine knowledge. Angela Lloyd, Mark Norrish and Chris Williams were an asset to the judging panel and there was no shortage of wit either. 

JOBURG Wine Fans! Win 10 double tickets to the WineStyle Winter Winedown!

Going to be a cracker of an event - our friends at WineStyle have given us 10 double tickets to give to you, our dear community. Get 'em while they're hot!

Click here to enter. Make sure you tell your friends!

All the info about the WineDown after the snip.

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WineStyle Winter Winedown!
Warm up in Jozi this winter at WineStyle’s Winter Winedown.

The Winestyle Winter Winedown is an opportunity to unwind and relax, it not just another average wine show – we are offering you the opportunity to taste some of the ‘Best of the Best’ and to rub shoulders with the wine professionals involved in creating your favorite wines.

WineStyle is a beautiful quarterly, coffee-table style magazine about wine, food and travel with an up to date website hosting everything you need to know about  South African food, wine and travel! As well as some great deals to buy wine.

On the back of our successful Summer and Winter Wine Parties in Cape Town, we are bringing the fun to Gauteng.

The “Winter Winedown” is a wine party, not a wine trade show. Its a celebration of food and wine and for people who appreciate good wine, and most of all who like to have fun. The event is unlike a traditional wine show, and encourages guests and exhibitors to engage, unwind, eat, drink and pick up a few wine tips in the process. Guests also get an opportunity to purchase these wines, at a special Winedown price.

The “Winter Winedown” is being hosted at the stunningly beautiful, Tintswalo Waterfall hotel in Kyalami, This small intimate hotel offers unparalleled cuisine, exceptional luxury and typical Tintswalo service standards.

This boutique destination has a spectacular 360? degree view and is designed as a typical barn, with thick stone clad walls, double volume spaces and heavy bolted timber roof trusses, the décor is warm, with numerous fireplaces and is extremely welcoming, which all makes it the perfect place, to enjoy a Jozi winters day, with great food and wine, music and chilled out vibe.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to warm up this winter!

Venue: Tintswalo Waterfall – Kyalami, Gauteng
Date: 21st & 22nd June 2012 (Friday 4-10pm & Saturday 12-8 pm)
Note: COMPETITION is for SATURDAY 22 June.

Tickets:
-R100.00 per person attending, including a glass.if you buy your ticket on Webtickets
-R120.00 at the door.
or FREE if you win the competition :)

Tickets available at Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=405176563

Win tickets to the Winter Sculpture Fair in Johannesburg (presented by MasterCard)

The Winter Sculpture Fair presented by MasterCard is set to showcase some of South Africa’s best contemporary sculpture, combined with the finest food and wine from Franschhoek on 4 and 5 May 2013 in Gauteng.

Taking place at the NIROX Sculpture Park, which is situated in a private nature reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, the Winter Sculpture Fair promises visitors an unmatched culinary and art experience in the country with friends and family.

Visitors can meander through the beautifully landscaped park, taking in the sculptures of the highly acclaimed ‘After the Rainbow Nation: 2013’ exhibition; savour exquisite food and wine produced by Franschhoek’s top chefs and winemakers and stock up on a range of quality goods  including cheeses, chocolates, and wine for winter.

Tickets cost R100, and are available through www.webtickets.co.za, with a 10% discount if they are purchased using a MasterCard card. Children under 12 are free.  For more information, visit www.wintersculpturefair.co.za; or follow @ArtlogicSA on twitter.

Win tickets

MasterCard is giving away 3 double tickets to the Winter Sculpture Fair to 3 lucky fans. Tickets are valid for Sunday, 5 May 2013 only. The Fair is open from 10h00 – 17h00.

Giveaway/competition closes on 29 April 2013.

Tickets are not transferable. Terms and conditions apply.

HOW TO ENTER: Leave a comment on our Facebook Post associated with this competition with your answer. Giveaway will only occur on Real Time Wine's Facebook comment stream. Answer this question: What does Wine and Sculpture mean to you? Include the tag "#Mastercard" in your comment.

COMPETITION: Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival (presented by MasterCard)

Finally! A dedicated competition for our Cape Town Wine Fans. Because we know this one might be popular, we're having an intense 1 day entry period. Closes at midnight tonight. We'll choose the winner tomorrow (29 November 2012). You can only enter on our Facebook Page by leaving a comment on the competition post. One entry per person. Must live in Cape Town. You'll find the answer in all the festival content below. As usual, you must be a Real Time Wine registered user to enter, bonus points for your Real Time Wine status level (1 for Empty Glass, 2 for New Grape on the Block and so on).

Question: Where will the Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival be held?
Prize: 2 tickets (1 double tickets) valued at R200 a ticket for 1 lucky Wine Fan to attend the Cap Classique and Champagne Festival with general access on Saturday the 1st December 2012.

Competition closing date: Wednesday the 28th November

Read on!

The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival, presented by MasterCard is set in the picture perfect Huguenot Monument Gardens in Franschhoek, this will take place over the weekend of 30 November to 2 December 2012.

Visitors will be able to taste some of France’s best Champagnes alongside the finest Cap Classiques to emerge from the wine cellars of South Africa. With the winemaking methods virtually the same in both regions, the success of a winemaker’s labours comes down to the terroir from which they source their grapes, and their finely honed skills - something that South African winemakers have mastered throughout the years.

Renowned wineries participating in this popular festival include Backsberg, Colmant, Graham Beck Wines, Krone, La Motte, Morena, Môreson, Pierre Jourdan, Simonsig, Steenberg, Topiary Wines and Villiera. World renowned Champagnes will be represented by brands such as Billecart Salmon, Tribaut and Veuve Clicquot.

Visitors to the festival will also be treated to a range of gastronomic delights presented by the local restaurants that have firmly entrenched Franschhoek’s status as one of the world’s premier culinary destinations. Some of the participating fine dining restaurants include well known establishments such as Babylonstoren and Le Quartier Français.


FULL PRESS RELEASE FOR REALLY INTERESTED PARTIES!

The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival, Presented by MasterCard

Get the festive season into full swing with this year’s social calendar highlight - the Franschhoek ‘Magic of Bubbles’ Cap Classique and Champagne Festival, presented by MasterCard. The festival is set in the picture perfect Franschhoek Wine Valley, an area rich with South African natural beauty and French heritage, and will take place over the weekend of 30 November to 2 December 2012.

Local Cap Classique producers, and their French counterparts from the Champagne region in France, will present their best bubblies over three fun-filled, festive days in a grand marquee situated on the manicured lawns surrounding Franschhoek’s famous Huguenot Monument.

“MasterCard is excited to be the headline sponsor for the ‘Magic of Bubbles’ Cap Classique and Champagne Festivals for 2012 and 2013 in Johannesburg and Franschhoek,” says Mark Hearne, vice president, marketing for South Africa, MasterCard Worldwide. “MasterCard is hosting the World MasterCard Gourmet Theatre, an exclusive tasting and dining environment that is exclusive to World MasterCard cardholders, at the Festivals.”

Visitors will be able to taste some of France’s best Champagnes alongside the finest Cap Classiques to emerge from the wine cellars of South Africa. With the winemaking methods virtually the same in both regions, the success of a winemaker’s labours comes down to the terroir from which they source their grapes, and their finely honed skills - something that South African winemakers have mastered throughout the years.

Renowned wineries participating in this popular festival include Backsberg, Colmant, Graham Beck Wines, Krone, La Motte, Morena, Môreson, Pierre Jourdan, Simonsig, Steenberg, Topiary Wines and Villiera. World renowned Champagnes will be represented by brands such as Billecart Salmon, Tribaut and Veuve Clicquot.

Visitors to the festival will also be treated to a range of gastronomic delights presented by the local restaurants that have firmly entrenched Franschhoek’s status as one of the world’s premier culinary destinations. Some of the participating fine dining restaurants include well known establishments such as Babylonstoren, Le Quartier Français, The Restaurant at Grande Provence, Bread & Wine, Mange Tout at Mont Rochelle Hotel, La Petite Ferme, Pierneef  à La Motte Restaurant, L’Ermitage, Monneaux Restaurant, The SalmonBar, Dieu Donné, Bistro Allée Bleue and Le Franschhoek.

A short wander down the main road in Franschhoek will uncover world-class shops and boutiques for an intimate and relaxed shopping experience, while the many winefarms within easy reach of the village add to the appeal of a weekend of celebrating Cap Classiques.

Those wishing to spend the night will be spoilt for choice with accommodation ranging from the finest bed and breakfasts to luxurious boutique hotels, all nestling in a picturesque and secure environment.

This year the festival will take full advantage of the Cape’s glorious summer evenings, with the festival open from 6pm to 10pm on Friday, 30 November, and then between 12pm and 5pm on both Saturday, 1st and Sunday, 2nd December 2012.

The theme for this year’s festival is black and white, with the emphasis on parasols and fans, and in keeping with a tradition that is now as much a part of the festival as is the bubbly, a prize will be awarded to the best dressed couple.

COST: Tickets cost R200 each, including access to the festival, a complimentary tasting glass and a MasterCard contactless payment card with 10 tasting vouchers. Further vouchers can be purchased on the day. Children under 18 years of age will be allowed free entry to the festival.
                  
BOOKINGS: Tickets can be purchased through www.webtickets.co.za, with a 10% discount if they are purchased using a MasterCard card, but hurry as tickets are limited. Once the marquee is full no further patrons will be admitted.

COMPETITION: Mastercard > The Gourmet Theatre @ FoodWineDesign JHB

Now this is a pretty sweet competition. Only for JHB folks unfortunately (the Cape Town lads and lasses get all the food & wine fun usually). Unless of course you're planning on being in Jozi - then feel free to enter. CRAZY prize of a double ticket worth R1600 to be wined and dined by local food wizards. Read on for how to enter - remember you have to be registered on Real Time Wine!

The Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard will make its second ever appearance at the FoodWineDesign Fair taking place at Johannesburg’s Hyde Park Corner from 23 - 25 November 2012.

A unique culinary and design experience, the Gourmet Theatre will feature the remarkable talents of Chefs Luke Dale-Roberts of The Test Kitchen, Reuben Riffel of Reuben’s Restaurant, and David Higgs of The Saxon Hotel . Each will present their signature dishes for lunch and dinner sittings that will take only 42 guests at a time on a remarkable journey of locally inspired tastes and flavours, presenting top end superior quality food in a novel and exciting environment.

The FoodWineDesign Fair is the second setting for the Gourmet Theatre, with MasterCard having launched this unique concept at the Johannesburg Cap Classique and Champagne Festival in August 2012.

Seats at the Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard at the FoodWineDesign Fair are primarily reserved for World MasterCard cardholders, but limited tickets are available to members of the public at R800 per person for selected lunch and dinner sittings with tickets available for purchase at www.webtickets.co.za.

Prize: 2 tickets (one Double) valued at R1600.00  to attend the Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard, with guest chef David Higgs of The Saxon Hotel, at FoodWineDesign Fair on the afternoon on Sunday 25th November 2012.

Question: Which Sandton Hotel did Chef David Higgs join after leaving Rust en Vrede in 2011?

Hint: click on the link to David Higgs.

Giveaway/competition closing date: 5pm 20 November 2012

HOW TO ENTER & Rules: Standard competition rules apply. Entries will be taken in the comments section of this blog, the comments attached to the Facebook post for this competition and on Twitter (directed to @realtimewine). One entry per person. Remember to tag your entry with #mastercard.

You need to be contactable on Wednesday 21 November in order to contact the prize otherwise we reserve the right to draw again.

Prizes will be a lucky draw. You must be registered on Real Time Wine to enter. Status levels get you bonus entries (ah, aren't you wishing you'd hit Social Spritzer by now!):

The Empty Glass: 1 entry
New Grape on the Block: 2 entries
Social Spritzer: 3 entries
Bottle Bandit: 4 entries
Wine Warrior: 5 entries.

Go Wine FANS!


Full press release below if you're interested in reading more...

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Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard Pops-up at FoodWineDesign Fair

Johannesburg, South Africa, 13th November 2012 – The Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard will make its second ever appearance at the Sanlam Investments FoodWineDesign Fair taking place at Johannesburg’s Hyde Park Corner from 23 - 25 November 2012.

A unique culinary and design experience, the Gourmet Theatre will feature the remarkable talents of Chefs Luke Dale-Roberts of The Test Kitchen, Reuben Riffel of Reuben’s Restaurant, and David Higgs of The Saxon Hotel. Each will present their signature dishes for lunch and dinner sittings catering to only 42 guests at a time. Artlogic, a Johannesburg-based intellectual-property company that creates branding platforms is curating the food, design, art and furniture aspects of the Gourmet Theatre.

“MasterCard and Artlogic have collaborated with Luke, Reuben and David to create this priceless experience that epitomises our premium card, World MasterCard,” says Mark Hearne, vice president, marketing and communications, South Africa, MasterCard Worldwide. “It characterises our promise of preferential access to a range of priceless experiences that are available to World MasterCard cardholders by invitation only.”

The FoodWineDesign Fair is the second setting for the Gourmet Theatre, with MasterCard having launched this unique concept at the Johannesburg Cap Classique and Champagne Festival in August 2012.

“The Fair is the perfect venue for the Gourmet Theatre, attracting South Africans who want to experience the best in local cuisine, leading boutique wines, and who want to furnish their living spaces with the works of top South African designers and artists,” said Hearne.

Crockery for the Gourmet Theatre has been commissioned from artisanal potter Tessa Gawith, and Katherine Glenday will supply bespoke water tumblers. The specially crafted oak tables, benches and chairs will be supplied by James Mudge Furniture Studios, and will be adorned with linen by Skinny laMinx creator, Heather Moore.

Artist Beezy Bailey has created a special edition of artworks entitled “Buckshot”, in line with the culinary themes of the Gourmet Theatre, and in keeping with the extraordinary quality of the concept, the chefs teams will weave their magic in a high-end custom-built kitchen created by The Culinary Equipment Company.

“The Gourmet Theatre is an exceptional showcase of South Africa’s finest culinary talent,” continues Hearne. “We have briefed the chefs to craft meals that will take our guests on a remarkable journey of locally inspired tastes and flavours, presenting top end superior quality food in a novel and exciting environment.”

Seats at the Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard at the FoodWineDesign Fair are primarily reserved for World MasterCard cardholders, but limited tickets are available to members of the public at R800 per person for selected lunch and dinner sittings with tickets available for purchase at www.webtickets.co.za

The Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard will make its next much anticipated appearance in the Western Cape at the Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival from 30 November to 2 December 2012.

Competition (November 2012): Friend's Don't Let Friends Drink Bad Wine

It's our first REFER A FRIEND competition. And we're excited :) Get started by clicking the amazingly big, bold and in-your-face green button below or read on for rules and stuff.

HOW TO ENTER

Refer as many friends as possible to Real Time Wine. Winos like to congregate afer all. Get them to:

# enter this competition
# download the app (click the logo above for instructions)
# register an account

... and you could win a case of wine from our generous sponsors. You get 1 point for entering and sharing via this link and 3 (yes, THREE!) points for EVERY friend you refer that registers on the app. GO WINOS!

PRIZES

Round #1 lasts for 2 weeks (ends 27 NOVEMBER 2012). At the end TWO winners will be chosen.

First place: The most referrals (i.e. points)
Second place: Random draw from all entries. Remember 1 point = 1 entry. The more points, the more entries, the more chances to win.

Each winner gets...

Round #1 of this competition is proudly sponsored by Nitida. Winners will be snacking and sipping on their delicious Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Nitida have regularly featured in the Top 10 on Real Time Wine's Trending List - it's good stuff - we promise. Search for "nitida" on Real Time Wine if ya don't believe us :)

Winners of the Noble Savage Wine Review Competition

What a cool competition. 100+ entries. Fantastic creativity. Plenty wine drunk. Plenty fun had. #thatisall

Ronell Wiid, the esteemed wine maker from Noble Savage presided. Tough job. She took all weekend!

Here we go...

WINNER. Most Useful Wine Review. Wins a case of Noble Savage!

Bargainstein > 2012 Nederburg Winemaker's Reserve Riesling. Bold fruity pineapple shnoz with big lime & lingering finish. A rich food wine best with spicy dishes. Off dry & not everyone's cuppa! YUM.


SPECIAL MENTION: Most Useful Wine Review. Wins pride and glory!

Neil Basson > 2012 Noble Hill Rose. The perfect summer drink,smells like Turkish delight,watermelon & strawberries.Has dry crisp finish & is totally "smash-in-your-face-able". YUM


WINNER. Funniest Yet Still Useful Wine Review. Wins a case of Noble Savage!

Antony Stiglingh > 2012 Hill & Dale Sauvignon Blanc. Cheap and cheerful like a monkey playing an accordion. You're not there for the musical brilliance, but you remain delighted none the less. HMM


SPECIAL MENTION: Funniest Yet Still Useful Wine Review. Wins pride and glory!

Mark Lagan > 2004 High Constantia Cabernet Franc. Like Moby Dick it's big & after a glass your teeth are coated in wine plankton. But the experience is good.Hope I'm not harpooned in the AM. YUM.


Congrats. Can the winners please approach the bench to collect their prizes!

Remember to visit our kind sponsors, Noble Savage. Buy their wine. Tweet them. Facebook them. Say thanks.

Best Real Time Wine Review COMPETITION [Sep/Oct 2012] with Noble Savage...

Wine Fans. Brace yourselves.

It's about time we rewarded you for your creativity. It's about time we gave you some free wine. It's about time we turned the mirror outwards and reflected your genius. It's about time we stopped with this melodramatic intro language.

Introducing the Real Time Wine Noble Savage Wine Review Competition. Launching NOW and lasting for ONE WEEK... 2 Wine Fans will win a case each of 2009 Noble Savage Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot.

The competition will be judged by Noble Savage's esteemed winemaker, Ronel Wiid. She's promised to take off the gloves, the frilly hat and leave her inner-circle at the door. She's going to live like a supermarket wine buyer for a week, not pour her evening tipple straight out the barrel if you know what we mean... Feel what it's like to drink from our glass. VIVA! We love her for it.

We're looking for:

* the most useful wine review (ANY WINE)
* the funniest, yet still useful wine review (ANY WINE)

If you haven't got the app or visited the mobi site yet: go here.
If you haven't registered on Real Time Wine yet: go here

Remember to vote useful/not useful on any new reviews you see on the app. We'll take that into account. A little. Mostly we just want to see wine genius. From the real Wine Fans of this country.


RULES:

• Competition starts now (26 September 2012). Competition ends 3 October 2012 at 5pm. 
• Winners announced within a couple of days, giving Ms Wiid time to sift through all your prose.
• Reviews must be submitted via Real Time Wine (app, mobisite, website). 
• Reviews can be of absolutely any wine, go to town.
• You must be a registered user and at Social Spritzer level BY THE END of the competition (it's not hard, 4 reviews, some social sharing and a couple of ratings and you'll be there). 
• Judges decision is final. 
• If we can't get hold of you to confirm your winner status, we reserve the right to award the prize to 2nd placed user in your category. 
• Delivery in South Africa only.

PRIZES:
2 winners. 1 case each of 2009 Noble Savage Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, delivered to your door.


Here are some examples of great reviews, both funny and useful (well, maybe the first one is just hilarious). There are plenty more to discover:

LePlonk: 2008 Mullineaux Shiraz. My guess is they made individual love to each berry before vinifying them, and preserving forever the joy of their union .

ComradeSipho: 2010 Zevenwacht Pinotage. Liquorice? Chocolate? Not really. More like: strawberry sherbet. SERIOUSLY sweet. Avoid, unless that's your sort of thing..

Mark Lagan: 2010 Beyerskloof Pinotage. When in doubt Beyerskloof Pinotage always safe. Great benchmark to check if wine list expensive or not. 

Good luck Wine Fans! Bring it home!


Read on for some more information about Noble Savage:

The wine can be bought directly from NobleSavage.co.za. They also have a few distributors in Natal (Fruit & Veg City), Gauteng (Spar & Tops) and the Western Cape (Pick 'n Pay Constantia). And of course, at Real Time Wine's friends from Franschhoek, Cybercellar.

They also have some super sexy Savages on their website. You saw one above. Now one for the ladies... *meeeoow*

Diemersfontein Pinotage on Tap Festival 2012. JOBURG TICKET GIVEAWAY.

It's Diemersfontein Pinotage. And it's on tap. And we've got a double ticket to giveaway for the JOBURG FESTIVAL. Yee haw!

WHEN: 15TH SEPTEMBER 2012

WHERE: THE FOREST CAMP, THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND RESTUARANT, KROMDRAAI RD, LANSERIA

More info on the festival here: https://www.facebook.com/Computicket/app_314804758535679

HOW TO ENTER

This is going to be a Twitter based competition ONLY. Entering is easy: tweet the following, filling in the blank. Make sure to include all twitter handles and hash tags to be considered.

"Pinotage makes me _____ @realtimewine @computicket #PinotageOnTap"

Most creative answer will win. Judges decision is final. We'll announce the winner at 18h00 TUESDAY 28 AUGUST. One double ticket for Johannesburg Festival up for grabs.

Tickets were allocated in areas (a bit odd) - but if you're looking for Durban or Western Cape tickets - hunt down these people!

Durban

MarcForrest

nkulu81

jackie_cameron

lizlaughalot

JaniceTripepi

Johannesburg

MegPascoe

SimplyDelishSA

foodieliveshere

realtimewine

capewinereview

Cape Town

FoodBlogCT

AddToTaste

KaminiPather

Foodandthefab

BettyBakeBlog

JOBURG TICKET GIVEAWAY. Bubbly Festival, presented by Mastercard.

The JHB Bubbly Festival, presented by Mastercard. TICKET GIVEAWAY! Here's how it's going to work. Your status level and Real Time Wine points are important.

We've got:

• 1 x VIP double ticket - JHB Sat 18th August (worth lots!) – for BOTTLE BANDITS
• 1 x regular access double ticket - JHB Sat 18th August (worth R500) – FOR SOCIAL SPRITZERS
• 1 x regular access double ticket - JHB Sun 19th August (worth R500) – FOR NEW GRAPES ON THE BLOCK

How to win >> Answer the following questions in the COMMENTS below. Or on Twitter, mentioning @realtimewine. Or on our Facebook Page.

QUESTION ONE: Who is sponsoring the 2012 Cap Classique and Champagne Festival in Johannesburg and Franschhoek?

QUESTION TWO: How does bubbly make you feel? (no banned words!)

QUESTION THREE: What's your Real Time Wine username?


(Winners will be chosen 16/8/2012 in the morning. Correct answer for question one and most creative for question two will win. Please remember you have to be registered on Real Time Wine. Judges decision is final. A backup winner will be chosen in case the winner wimps out. Obviously you must be in Joburg and be able to attend.)


More info:

The Johannesburg Cap Classique and Champagne Festival - presented by MasterCard - offers visitors the opportunity to sample some of the country’s finest Cap Classiques, at The Wanderers Club in Illovo on the afternoons of 18 and 19 August 2012. Tickets cost R250 each on www.webtickets.co.za, with a 10% discount if they are purchased using a MasterCard card. Tickets include a MasterCard contactless payment card with 10 tasting vouchers. Further vouchers can be purchased on the day, and visitors can also buy food to complement their bubbly tastings. MasterCard cardholders will also enjoy a 10% discount on any Cap Classique purchases that they make at the Festival. The dress code is elegantly black and white.

For Joburg Winos: Mastercard presents Cap Classique & Champagne Festival

We'll be giving away tickets to some of our Joburg Wine Fans tomorrow (15/8/2012), so keep an eye out on our Facebook page and Twitter account.

We're thinking a VIP double ticket to a Bottle Bandit. Then 2 doubles, one set for Social Spritzers and one set for New Grapes on the Block. So make sure you've levelled up and you're watching tomorrow.

Obviously, you'll need to be in Joburg to attend.

Here's the background details. Bubbly lovers, START YOUR ENGINES!


--- snip ---


The Cap Classique and Champagne Festival, presented by MasterCard, will provide a unique opportunity to sample the country’s finest growing choice of bubblies

Johannesburg, South Africa – 7 August 2012 – South Africa’s Cap Classique industry is bucking international trends with an effective 20% year-on-year growth - a rate unheard of in any other category within the wine business. This is according to Pieter Ferreira, chairman of the Cap Classique Association, which is hosting the Johannesburg and Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festivals again this year.

MasterCard Worldwide is sponsoring both festivals for the first time this year. The festivals will be taking place on the 18th and 19th August 2012 in Johannesburg and on the 1st and 2nd December 2012 in Franschhoek.

“The growth of the local Cap Classique industry has been particularly significant since 2005, and our records show that the volume of bubbly produced in South Africa nearly doubles every five years” says Ferreira. “We have also seen an increase of 50% in the number of visitors who are attending the Cap Classique and Champagne Festivals, with a record 3000 consumers expected to attend the 2012 Johannesburg event alone.

Ferreira ascribes this significant growth to the fact that South Africans are increasingly embracing bubbly as a drink to be enjoyed every day, regardless of the occasion.

“We are particularly excited about the fact that the annual increase in consumption is largely being driven by local demand with only a small percentage of production being exported to countries like Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany and the USA. Locally-produced bubblies are clearly gaining popularity with South Africans, and we’re seeing this reflected in the growth in the increasing popularity of our festivals,” he says.

“The Festival will see Johannesburg bubbly fans interacting with winemakers from 26 South African estates, along with representatives from several French brands at the Wanderers Club in Illovo,” says Ferreira. “They will be able to sample some of the country’s finest Cap Classiques, while tantalising their taste-buds with goods from the several exclusive food stalls that will complement the bubbly offerings.”

Visitors will be spoiled for choice, because although the most popular Cap Classiques are those produced in the Brut-style, estates will offer bubblies produced in the Blanc de Blancs, Rose and Sweet styles for tasting as well.

Chef Dario de Angeli, the award-winning talent behind the invitation-only World MasterCard Gourmet Theatre at the Festival, says that this growing variety of Cap Classiques is one of the reasons he is seeing his patrons drink more of this category than ever before.

“The wider variety and the appealing prices of Cap Classiques are rapidly changing South Africans’ perceptions that bubblies should only be kept for special celebrations,” he says. “Just as there are locally produced wines that are either extravagant or affordable, so too are there Cap Classiques or even French champagnes that fit into both these categories,” explains de Angeli

“Local consumers are increasingly choosing Cap Classiques over other similarly priced or more expensive choices on the wine list. With the number of Cap Classique producers in the country having grown to at least 110 estates producing around seven million bottles each year, they are also presented with a wider selection from which to choose, both in restaurants and in retail outlets,” he says

Mark Hearne, vice president, marketing for South Africa, MasterCard Worldwide, says that MasterCard’s association with the Johannesburg Cap Classique and Champagne Festival is the first event in its local MasterCard Moments programme. “The World MasterCard Gourmet Theatre, which is exclusive to World MasterCard cardholders, will offer a unique food and bubbly pairing experience, hosted in an exquisitely appointed hospitality area.”

“Chef Dario will be preparing some of his signature culinary delights, and we have arranged opportunities for our guests to engage directly with the country’s leading Cap Classique producers. This is a rare opportunity to experience the best of South Africa’s culinary talent in partnership with the country’s finest Cap Classiques – a truly priceless experience”

The Johannesburg Cap Classique and Champagne Festival presented by MasterCard, offers visitors the opportunity to sample some of the country’s finest Cap Classiques, on the afternoons of 18 and 19 August 2012. Tickets cost R250 each on www.webtickets.co.za, with a 10% discount if they are purchased using a MasterCard card. Tickets include a MasterCard contactless payment card with 10 tasting vouchers. Further vouchers can be purchased on the day, and visitors can also buy food to complement their bubbly tasting. MasterCard cardholders will also enjoy a 10% discount on any Cap Classiques purchases they make at the Festival. The dress code is elegantly black and white.