Poster Politics

It seems our poster has gotten a few people's attention.

In a new blog post on Grape.co.za Tim James talks about the (infamous) poster, this year's programme and the revolution in general. Says James, "The crucial element for the next Swartland Revolution party has been revealed - the poster. On which no comment is necessary, or desirable, or even possible...."

He also notes that he is "very pleased to say that they're having me along again - this year with the privilege of "moderating" the tasting that les Mullineux will be presenting of their brilliant wines."

and we will add no comment to this quote: "There's going to be a tasting of international wines presented by (at least) Michael Fridjhon and Jamie Goode (who I hope is going to discover in the Swartland at least a few of South Africa's top 100 wines that aren't in the list of the Top 100 SA Wines - at present he seems to be having some difficulty in seeing the difference between those two categories!)"

Read it all here.

Another enthusiastic blog comes from Ingrid Biesheuvel (or kungfukittypow on twitter) who is very excited to attend her first Revolution this year.

She says, "I have no words to describe it, other than to say … I kinda like it."

Read her blog post here.

On twitter some comments on the poster:

kitchenvixenSA Bianca du Plessis

@

@kungfukittypow Reminds me of the old Voelvry posters #retrocool!#swartlandrevolution is the hippest wine gang in t universe!

kungfukittypow Ingrid Biesheuvel

I'm speechless - The Swartland Revolution poster says it all.http://wp.me/p1s0DR-1s

beaumonthouse Beaumont House

The Swartland Revolution was allegedly THE best wine event of 2010 so get your booking in early for this November..http://bit.ly/kJcGOm

Hats off to a new Côte

The Yorkshire Post has published a lovely article on the Swartland. With focus on last year's revolution - and particularly the tasting by Stephane Ogier of the Northern Rhone - Christine Austin tells the story of a wine region that is fast becoming world class.

"The reason for Stéphane’s presence in South Africa that day is because Swartland shares many of the characteristics that create some of the Rhône’s finest wines. The soil is complex with granite, clay, slate and river shale creating individual pockets for different varieties; the climate is hot during the day but a cooling breeze spreads over the region in the afternoon; and there is enough distance between the Swartland and the manicured vineyards of Stellenbosch to feel that this is the pioneering, Wild West of wine growing."


She also focusses on Eben and Adi's journeys to the Swartland and rates some of their wines, including the "fresh-tasting complex, pepper and aniseed Badenhorst Family Red 2007, which is on its way to becoming one of South Africa’s great wines" and Eben's "dark, chocolate and spice-driven Syrah-Mourvèdre blend, Columella which is consistently rated as one of South Africa’s top wines."

Read the full article here.

Huston, we have a poster!

Soon to be collectors items for their wit and revolutionary commentary, our latest Revolution poster is OUT.

Last year's poster proved to be so popular, the A0 one outside the Mullineux cellar was even "taken" by an enthusiastic (and no doubt wine fueled) fan.

Designed by Jo at 2design in Franschhoek, we are proud to bring you the 2011 version.

This should be Goode!

We have just received the delightful news that London based wine writer Jamie Goode will be joining us at the 2011 Swartland Revolution.

To quote his "about me" page; Jamie "is currently wine columnist with UK national newspaper The Sunday Express.

He won the 2007 Glenfiddich Wine Writer of the year award, and contributes regularly to a range of publications including World of Fine Wine, Wine Business International, Wines and Vines, Hong Kong Tatler, Sommelier Journal and Decanter. His first book, Wine Science, won the Glenfiddich Award for Drinks Book in 2006."

He will be conducting a tasting seminar at the revolution on Saturday 12 November alongside South African wine writer and expert Michael Fridjhon - they will each share four of their favourite wines with us.

More info on the wines to follow soon!

Just be sure to book your tickets before it is too late.

Programme of (lots of exciting) events

The programme for this year's Revolution has been updated.

This year you will experience THREE tastings of amazing wines from the Swartland, Côtes du Rhône and beyond.

There will once again be amazing food, drinks and entertainment from the area, so be sure to have a look at the programme and to book soon! Tickets are flying!

Click here to see the full programme!

Pictures from a Swartland Roadtrip - Lammershoek

Last stop: Lammershoek. Winemaker Graig Hawkins and girlfriend / marketing manager / wine expert Carla Kretzel showed us around the cellar and conducted a tasting of 11 wines. They are doing some very impressive work!

A message above the door explains the only thing they do not see eye-to-eye to... Super Rugby!

Craig is experimenting with whole bunch wine... These grapes have not been pressed and have been in the vat for over a year.

Indeed!

One of the geek wines Craig makes for his own private collection.

Love the labels on all the vats.

Pictures from a Swartland Roadtrip - Mullineux Family Wines

After lunch we visited Chris and Andrea Mullineux at their cellar in Short Street Square. They treated us to a tasting of their latest releases.

Chris "explains" something to Dusan.

In the cellar.

The Mullineux cellar.