Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Friday, November 05, 2010
What are you doing this weekend?
Come join us - Book your Warwick Gourmet picnic experience now!
Download our menus
We cant wait and look forward to spending the weekend with you!
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Monday, November 01, 2010
10 First Ladies who changed the world without Cabernet Sauvignon (thanks Anna Miller)
1. Abigail Adams: Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams, was one of the most progressive First Ladies of all time. Adams played a major role in the fight for equal public education for women and the emancipation of African-American slaves. While John was serving the country as a delegate to the Continental Congress, Adams would write notes to her husband that detailed life during the American Revolution, as well as her advice about government and politics.2. Dolley Madison: Dolley Madison, wife of President James Madison, was a social influence during her husband's political career as Thomas Jefferson's secretary of state and as president. She served as the unofficial first lady during Jefferson's presidency because he was a widower and she was good at planning lavish events at the White House. During her husband's presidency, Madison had to flee from the White House, which was invaded and burned by the British army during the War of 1812. Madison and her slaves collected valuables, like silver and Gilbert Stuart's famous portrait of George Washington, as well as major historic documents, such as an original draft of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
3. Edith Wilson: Edith Wilson, wife of President Woodrow Wilson, was one of the most powerful first ladies to "run the government," as she was described as doing. Wilson took on unprecedented responsibilities as the first lady, when her husband suffered from a disabling stroke that left him partly paralyzed and kept him from participating in his normal presidential duties. Wilson stepped in as the official attendant, tending to routine duties and details of the government, as well as sorting out important issues from less urgent ones to bring to her husband's attention. Wilson did not make any major decisions or initiate programs, but she was regarded for her unwavering attention to her husband and his presidential matters.
4. Eleanor Roosevelt: Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was an inspirational first lady and a successful political helpmate. Throughout her husband's political career, Roosevelt became involved in the women's division of the State Democratic Committee and dedicated much of her time to political advocacy and her husband's purposes. She was a
devoted caretaker of FDR, who was stricken with polio in 1921 and confined to a wheelchair. Roosevelt was not afraid to speak up and did so often, by giving lectures, holding press conferences, conducting radio broadcasts and, most notably, writing "My Day," her opinion column that ran in a daily syndicated newspaper. It was this candidness and her sincere consideration for all people that made her one of the most socially aware and beloved first ladies.5. Jacqueline Kennedy: Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of President John F. Kennedy, was a cultural icon and inspirational first lady. Although her time as first lady was cut short because of her husband's tragic assassination, Kennedy made quite the impression in those two years. Kennedy was known for her undeniable beauty, intelligence and sophisticated taste, especially in fashion, as well as her contributions to the arts and historic preservation. After the assassination, Mrs. Kennedy showed great courage and strength while mourning the loss of her husband and the nation's president.
6. Betty Ford: Betty Ford, wife of President Gerald Ford, was an incredibly outspoken and politically active first lady, who was said to have impacted culture and politics more than her husband. When Ford became vice president and president, following President Nixon's resignation, Mrs. Ford became active in social policy and raising awareness about a number of issues that were too often ignored. She brought national attention to several real-life issues that were happening around the world, such as being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing a mastectomy. She also spoke about her
battle with alcoholism, which later led to the creation of the Betty Ford Center, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in California. Ford was not afraid to publicly state her views, regardless of how controversial the topic was, such as feminism, equal pay, abortion and her support for the Equal Rights Amendment.7. Rosalynn Carter: Rosalynn Carter, wife of President Jimmy Carter, was a major contributor to her husband's political career and presidency. During her time as first lady, Carter managed routine duties and special projects, as well as attended Cabinet meetings and was the president's personal emissary to Latin American countries. Carter had a strong interest in performing arts, and was one of the first presidential wives to invite international classical artists, as well as traditional American artists, to the White House. Carter was also a strong advocate for mental health research, and served as the Honorary Chairperson of the President's Commission on Mental Health from 1977 to 1978.
8. Nancy Reagan: Nancy Reagan, wife of President Ronald Reagan, was a politically active and supportive force in her husband's presidency. During her time as first lady, Reagan was involved in a number of programs, including the drug prevention and awareness campaign, "Just Say No," and the Foster Grandparent Program, which was the subject of her book, To Love A Child. Reagan was often compared to Jackie Kennedy because she was glamorous and made her contributions to the White House, by renovating the second- and third-floor quarters and replacing the White House china. Reagan was admired for protecting and caring for her husband, especially after he survived an attempted assassination.
9. Hillary Clinton: Hillary Clinton, wife of President Bill Clinton, was an influential first lady and an inspirational public figure for women. Before breaking ground as a successful politician herself, Clinton was a major contributor to her husband's success as an Arkansas governor and U.S president. Clinton focused much of her attention on public service, as well as government policies. She took on the role as chair to the Task Force on National Health Care Reform, where she supported the expansion of health insurance coverage, proper child immunizations and spreading awareness on national health issues. Clinton shared her experiences as first lady in a weekly newspaper column called "Talking It Over," and later wrote a best-selling book that
detailed her interactions and observations of women, children and families she met as first lady. Clinton was sometimes criticized for her public involvement and outspokenness, but she also gained many supporters for her commitment to helping women and children around the world. She is currently serving as the U.S. Secretary of State for the Obama administration. Clinton was the first-ever former first lady to run for and be elected as a Senator, as well as run for president.10. Laura Bush: Laura Bush, wife of President George W. Bush, helped changed the face of education in the United States during her time as first lady. As a former teacher and librarian, Bush focused much of her political efforts on improving the education system, promoting global literacy and helping women and families around the world. Bush was a proponent for the President's education reform, including the No Child Left Behind Act and NCLB's Reading First program. Her contributions and sincere kindness made Laura Bush a beloved first lady.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
SA's smart set for The Daily Maverick's The Gathering
THE DAILY MAVERICK, Johannesburg, 26 Oct 2010
SA's smart set for The Daily Maverick's The Gathering, Zwelinzima Vavi, Michael Jordaan, Nic Dawes, Jovan Regasek and Ray Hartley are among the business, media and political heavyweights set to meet at The Daily Maverick's gathering of minds on the first Thursday of November.
Sandton, Friday 22 October 2010 – South Africa's top thinkers in business, politics and the media will be meeting for a day of analysis, discussion and ideas at The Daily Maverick's The Gathering, which is set to take place at The Theatre on the Square, in Sandton, on 4 November 2010.
The full-day session is all about clever people connecting, and talking on issues they know the best and care about most. "The Daily Maverick has established itself as the news and analysis site for people who matter, so it is fitting that our first gathering will feature well-connected, smart thinkers that intelligent people would most like to meet and hear from," says editor Branko Brkic.
Speakers at The Daily Maverick's first Gathering, with Kieno Kammies as MC, include:
Zwelinzima Vavi, general-secretary of Cosatu Michael Jordaan, CEO of First National Bank Nic Dawes, editor-in-chief of the Mail & Guardian Ray Hartley, Sunday Times editor Jovan Regasek, CEO of ITWeb Richard Mulholland, professional speaker most likely to be confused with a rock star Lauren Beukes, author of Zoo City and Moxyland Yusuf Abramjee, head of news and corporate affairs, Primedia Yvonne Johnston, brain-mother to Brand SA and marketer-at-large Khaya Dlanga, prolific blogger and troublemaker Ivo Vegter, columnist and analyst Terry Annecke, operations director of BlackStone Tek Victor Dlamini, chairman of Chillibush Stephen Grootes, Eyewitness News reporter Mike Ratcliffe, Wine marketing guru & owner of Warwick & Vilafonté wine estates, Toby Shapshak, editor of Stuff magazine
The Gathering will stretch over the course of one business day and Brkic guarantees that people who participate won't leave without having their ideas challenged. "The Daily Maverick is creating a forum that will bring people who matter together. We want to offer our readers access to the thinking of some of the most influential people in this country."
To keep things intimate and interactive, seating at The Gathering is limited and only 150 guests will make it through the door.
Tickets have been selling swiftly, but there are still a few open spaces. Those who want to be a part of the event can e-mail thegathering@thedailymaverick.co.za for more details or to make a booking. Bookings are offered on a first come, first served basis.
A small number of seats are available, at a heavily discounted price, to full-time students.
The Gathering A conference by The Daily Maverick 4 November Theatre on the Square Sandton Johannesburg Seats available at R2 800
Contact thegathering@thedailymaverick.co.za or go to http://www.thedailymaverick.co.za.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Top London wine merchant Handford Wines celebrates 21st anniversary with Warwick Trilogy

Top London Wine Merchant Handford Wines Celebrates their 21st Anniversary In Style with a Prestigious Tasting of the Greatest Wines of the World from 1989 (including Warwick Estate and Meerlust!) 1989 - 2010 The 12th of August 2010 officially marked the dawning of a new era for Handford Wines, the London based wine merchant specialising in premium fine wine from the Old World and South Africa, and on the 6th of October 2010, Handford Wines hosted one of the most exclusive and exciting fine wine events of the year so far, paring 24 wines from 1989 with 24 contemporary releases from the same wineries.
Drawing renowned journalists such as Steven Spurrier (Decanter Associate Editor), Neal Martin from http://www.erobertparker.com/, Quentin Johnson from http://www.matthewjukes.com/ and Chris Kissick from http://www.thewinedoctor.com/, ensured the event was well attended by some of the leading opinion makers on the vibrant UK wine scene.
Among the glamorous array of fine wines from around the world, many of which were donated from the personal cellars of the proprietors, were the spectacular South African pairings of Meerlust Rubicon 1989 and 2006 and Warwick Estate Trilogy 1989 and 2007.
"The idea was to show premium wines from wineries around the world that have supported Handford wines for all these years and helped make us what we are today - "one of the best indie merchants in London" accordingly to, among others, journalist Neal Martin. Mike Ratcliffe and Hannes Myburgh / Chris Williams were very obliging and ensured we received the best archive stock from the deepest and darkest corners of their wineries" said Greg Sherwood MW, Handford Wine's senior wine buyer. "We thought it only fitting that wines such as Trilogy and Rubicon should be poured along side global icons such as Mouton Rothschild, Montrose, Palmer, Vega Sicilia Unico, Tignanello, and Clos du Val from Napa Valley. After all, the same private clients who are buying these old world icons are also buying cases of Trilogy and Rubicon weekly" commented James Handford MW, the managing director and founder of Handford Wines.
After recently winning the highly competitive "Small London Wine Merchant of the Year: Runner-Up Award" at the Decanter World Wine Awards in September 2010, Handford Wines are eagerly looking forward to another 21 years of success and hope to be able to pour an entire table of South African icon wines next time around.
"The Meerlust 1989 and Trilogy 1989 were among the favourite wines of the night with some of the most flattering comments coming from the journalists and our highly "wine educated" private clients. We can't say we were surprised though!" commented Greg Sherwood, currently the fourth and last South African to be awarded the prestigious Master of Wine qualification.













