You know establishments take wine seriously when they employ us to take care of their winelists!
The following fine establishments make use of our services:
Ulusaba Sir Richard Branson’s Private Game Reserve
Guests at Ulusaba are impressed by the casual, friendly approach which fits in with the philosophy of the Virgin brand. Rock Lodge perches on the slopes with a view of the plains, while Safari Lodge – with it’s quaint wine cellar – lies on the banks of a riverbed. We’ve never spotted Sir Richard on any of our trips, but we suspect he’s there when an urgent order is sent through for his favourite Haute Cabriere Chardonnay-Pinot Noir.
Our first client, and as such, very close to our hearts. It was here we were charged by a (rare) black rhino, almost causing an elderly American couple to leap from the Landrover, before it lurched behind a bush, taking advantage of this beast’s poor eyesight - as renowned as its extraordinarily foul temper. Rangers walk you from your suite for dinner, rifle in hand, just in case a large feline decides you’re a tasty dinner option. We’re still trying to figure out how they managed to get the suite’s panoramic sized glass panes over those roads in one piece.
Master of Enthusiasm Heidi runs this ultra-friendly lodge with her partner Gavin who, like many other rangers who spend 6 hours a day driving game-spotting vehicles, has developed a love for photography. Heidi’s passion is food, she was a chef in another life, and the bush. She’s incredibly proud of Tuningi’s Diners Club Wine List of the Year PLATINUM award. And so she should be.
The most expensive wine on Mateya’s list is a mere R24,000 rand – excellent value, actually, considering that it costs almost as much from a bespoke UK wine merchant. Their magnificent selection of mature cellar wines, both local and French would get more of a look-in if their extensive list of house wines wasn’t so outstanding.
The only client we’ve lost – to a big-talking competitor - but quickly re-gained. Their loyal GM was as relieved to be back in our care, as we were to have them back on our portfolio. They now boast a Diners Platinum Award for their winelist, which we thoroughly enjoyed designing.
Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Residence
This luxurious residence has to have the most comfortable beds and bedding south of the Sahara. Royal Madikwe is owned by a UK based physician who doesn’t believe in compromising on quality, and run by Stef who knows her wines, but still likes a bit of advice every now-and-then.
Buffalo Ridge & Thakadu Community Lodges
Both these lodges are owned by local communities and managed by The Madikwe Collection. Thakadu’s camp is tented – each fresh, peaceful suite has a deck which extends into the canopy, in a peaceful riverine setting. Buffalo Ridge’s thatched suites are spectacularly located on two tiers of a ridge, with expansive views across the Northern plains towards Botswana.
Tau Game Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve
Tau means lion in tswana, and this is where you’ll most likely spot them - on a game drive, as the lodge itself is fenced. In fact you don’t even have to drive to see game here as the suites are on the water, where elephants drink, play, bathe and fight, a marula berry’s throw away from your private deck.
Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge
Brand new lodge in the south east corner of Madikwe, where the villas are incredibly spacious, each with a blue bottomed plunge pool – ideal for couples keen on a cosy-up…
We were approached for help by Lukimbi about a week before the deadline for Diners Club Wine List Awards submissions. They went from awardless (actually their selection was rather good already) straight to Platinum, passing Silver and Gold along the way. (And left us burning the midnight oil.) We didn’t mind at all, in fact we were quite proud of our efforts!
We only put our name to the establishments who allow us overall control in the selection.
Further afield in Africa and the Seychelles, which calls for REAL logistics and mountains of documentation.
We also handle a few clients who don’t have much to do with the African Bush:
SILVERJET – the fab business class only airline that went bust; we enjoyed the fresh approach of our contacts - Red & White, their UK wine consultants.
RMB – that’s Rand Merchant Bank. They particularly like our wine recommendations and speedy service
LEEUKOPPIE – the tranquil Hout Bay estate of the hotel magnate Sol Kerzner. We really don’t mind the midday calls to supply the bubbly to be served at lunch. Into the Winewise Wagon (a trusty blue Peugoet) we leap. It’s called going the extra mile. (Which we don’t only do for the Sun King.)