South African Wine Book Scores Goal For 2010 International Award

PRLog (Press Release) - Dec 08, 2009 -
“Gourmand” originated in 13th century Celtic and today the Gourmand World Awards is heralded as the highest accolade in food and wine publication. For French epicurean Edouard Cointreau, CEO and Chairman, Gourmand captures the appreciation of gastronomy which enhances the quality of life as well as excellence in the art of writing. The Awards seek to reward and honour those who “cook with words”, to select the best from the gastronomy books produced annually and to further the knowledge of, and respect for, food and wine culture. In its 13 year history, the Gourmand Awards have highlighted international superstar publications including Hugh Johnson’s A Life Uncorked, James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion, and Tom Stevenson’s The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopaedia.  

Wine connoisseurs Elmari Swart and Izak Smit share Cointreau’s vision and identified a need for greater depth in South African wine writing.  A unique partnership with more than 120 of South Africa’s premier wineries; industry specialists such as the Garagiste Winemakers, Brandy Foundation and Wine & Biodiversity Initiative and world renowned researchers, made this a truly remarkable effort.

The ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICAN WINES: TERROIR & TRAVEL is the second edition of the ground-breaking illustrated Guide on the premium wines of South Africa. This edition continues to build on its revolutionary Wine Pockets system, initiated in 2004. Individual Wine Pockets highlight a specific terroir unit along with local wine styles, providing an overview of the unique qualities of each wine-producing area.
Driving routes helps you to select a Pocket, jump into the car, and do a day-drive to visit some of the unique wineries of that area. The Travelling Tip section includes eateries, from delis and farmstalls selling regional produce to terroir-based restaurants; accommodation ranging from cottages amongst the vines to luxury boutique hotels and local interests such as adventure sports, annual festivals and must-see wildlife attractions. Detailed relief maps provide GPS coordinates and are backed up by downloadable waypoints and routes on the website www.cheviot-publishing.com
The wine tasting chapter opens the world to understanding and serving wine, while the SA Wine Collection chapter explores the pleasures, and even profits, that local terroir wines can provide. Topical issues including Carbon Footprint, Biodiversity, Wine Packaging and Wine-and-Health are discussed while food and wine pairing questions are answered.

This up-to-date, informative reference work provides vital local knowledge on the practicalities of visiting South Africa’s Winelands. More than 300 commissioned photographs and full-colour illustrations will entice you to drive out and visit these places of great wine.

Released on 12 November 2009, the Guide’s timing is perfect to ensure that the many soccer visitors in 2010 will be able to balance the on-field action, with off-field exploration of picturesque South Africa. The spotlight will focus on this publication again in February 2010, when the regional winners compete in Paris, France for the coveted title of “The World’s Best”.

The South African media and wineries agree with the Gourmand judges:
“Colleagues in the (Canadian) wine industry have commented on what a fantastic tool they are for marketing the wine industry of South Africa. Congratulations & thank you so much for making my job so much easier!” Jacqui Taylor, marketing manager Meerlust Wine Estate
“Congratulations on an excellent publication. It is refreshing to see a new approach to wine producers” Danie Truter, owner Onderkloof Vines & Wines
“Definitive guide to SA’s best wines” Saturday Star
“I'm happy to recommend it, …. for the knowledgeable introductions to 36 ‘winemaking units’, or ‘pockets’… ”Tim James, wine critic


The Essential Guide - Now available from Kalahari.net

Cheviot Publishing is a boutique publishing house, bringing vital local knowledge to its readers. GPS mapping, in-house studio photography and printing. We specialise in publications on niche subjects such as wine appreciation, terroir or wine origin, tourism in South Africa, etc.