Hosted by Wine Tonight? in Cavendish Square’s Centre Court, the tasting will bring together the Trophy-winning wines from the 2026 Fine Wine Awards, giving shoppers a rare opportunity to taste their way through some of the standout wines selected from this year’s competition.

Nearly 1,000 Wines Judged Blind

The Fine Wine Awards have rapidly established themselves as one of South Africa’s significant wine competitions. Almost 1,000 wines were entered into the 2026 Awards, representing producers and wine styles from across the country.

Importantly, the wines are judged blind, meaning the tasting panel evaluates each wine without seeing the bottle, label, producer, or price. The focus is entirely on the quality of the wine in the glass.

From those entries, the very best-performing wines across the different categories are recognised as Trophy winners – and it is these wines that will take centre stage at Cavendish Square.

Taste the Trophy Winners

The public tasting provides Cape Town wine lovers with an opportunity to discover and compare a collection of award-winning South African wines without having to travel from estate to estate.

Visitors will be able to taste the Trophy-winning wines, discover new producers and varietals, and purchase their favourites directly from the Wine Tonight? store at Cavendish Square.

American Express Cardmembers will receive complimentary access to the tasting, as well as 15% off Fine Wine Awards Trophy-winning wines purchased on the day using their American Express Card.

The tasting runs from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, 26 September, with no pre-booking required.

Celebrating the Best of South African Wine

The Fine Wine Awards were created to recognise outstanding South African wines on merit, regardless of reputation, packaging or price.

“The thing that makes this tasting particularly exciting is that these wines have earned their place purely on what was in the glass,” said Clifford Collard of Wine Tonight.

“Nearly 1,000 wines were entered this year and tasted blind. The Trophy winners represent some of the wines that really stood out to the judges. Bringing them together at Cavendish gives wine lovers a fantastic opportunity to taste some of South Africa’s best wines side by side and decide on their own favourites.”

The Trophy Winners Tasting forms part of the ongoing partnership between the Fine Wine Awards, Wine-of-the-Month Club, Wine Tonight? and American Express to celebrate South African wine and make exceptional local wines more accessible to consumers.

Event details:

• Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
• Time: 11:00 – 14:00
• Venue: Centre Court, Cavendish Square, Cape Town
• American Express Cardmembers: Complimentary tasting access and 15% off Fine Wine Awards Trophy-winning wines purchased on the day using an American Express Card.

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Guests will be able to make their way between curated tasting stations throughout The Firs, sampling a diverse selection that ranges from premium and rare expressions to whiskies produced by independent craft distillers. Brand representatives will be on hand to share the stories, craftsmanship, and characteristics behind the different expressions, making the evening equally suited to seasoned whisky enthusiasts and those keen to learn more.

A Whisky Journey in the Heart of Rosebank

Whisky Brother & Co, which began as a passion-driven whisky blog in 2012, has since grown into an internationally recognised specialist retailer, event organiser and whisky community. Its accolades include being named both Best Single Outlet Whisky Retailer in the World and, subsequently, Best Multiple Outlet Whisky Retailer in the World at the Icons of Whisky Awards.

Alongside the main Whisky Experience, invited guests will have access to an exclusive VIP Lounge in The Atrium, adjacent to The Grillhouse. Here, a specially curated collection of exceptional whisky expressions will be available to taste in a more intimate setting, complemented by light meals and hospitality.

“The Firs has always been about creating distinctive experiences that complement the energy and sophistication of Rosebank,” says Annah Sekome, Centre Marketing Manager at The Firs. “This evening gives us an opportunity to bring people together around discovery, craftsmanship and a shared appreciation for whisky, while introducing guests to some truly exceptional brands and expressions.”

Tickets are available through Whisky Brother & Co.

For more information and updates about The Firs and its events, visit The Firs website or follow The Firs on Instagram.

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Time Out Durban is the third South African city to join the portfolio under a franchise partnership with Kagiso Media Radio (KMR), following Time Out Cape Town and Time Out Johannesburg, both launched earlier in 2025.

The launch comes at a particularly exciting time for the city, with Time Out’s global survey ranking Durban as one of the best places in the world to travel to in 2026.

Curated by local writers, creatives, and cultural voices, Time Out Durban will deliver trusted, independent coverage of the city’s food, drink, culture, nightlife, neighbourhoods, family experiences, and KZN escapes – across web, mobile, email, social and live experiences.

Aisha Mohamed, Managing Director of Time Out South Africa, said Durban was a natural next step for the brand. “It is a city with such a distinct personality and an incredibly rich mix of culture, food, creativity, entertainment and outdoor experiences. There is always something happening, but part of the challenge for both locals and visitors is knowing where to look and what is genuinely worth experiencing. Time Out Durban gives us the opportunity to bring those stories together through a trusted editorial platform and celebrate the people, places, and experiences that make this city so special.”

A Global Brand, A Local Lens

Founded in London in 1968, Time Out now reaches audiences in more than 350 cities across 50+ countries – always through the eyes of people who live there.

While its reach is global, Time Out’s approach is deliberately local. Its trusted guides are curated and created by people who live in their cities, participate in their culture, and understand the experiences that deserve attention.

“The growth of Time Out in South Africa has been incredibly exciting,” adds Mohamed. “Since launching locally, we have continued to build a platform that combines Time Out’s global authority with genuine local knowledge. Our ambition has always been to create useful, relevant, and inspiring content that helps people experience the very best of the places in which they live or visit. The launch of Time Out Durban is another important step in that journey and reinforces our commitment to growing Time Out into a leading destination for discovering South Africa.”

Time Out Durban will follow the same model, working with a growing network of local writers, creatives, cultural voices and community experts to capture the city from the inside.

“The people of a city tell its stories best,” says Mohamed. “The most important part of our work is capturing the unique stories that show what truly makes Durban exciting. Time Out is about experiences, but it is also about amplifying the voices of people within communities and helping audiences enjoy their city in the best way they know how.” 

The platform is being built for Durbanites first, while helping visitors discover the city beyond its familiar postcard image. Its coverage will range from major restaurant openings and headline events to neighbourhood businesses, local personalities, beaches, markets, nightlife, family activities and road trips across KwaZulu-Natal.

For more on Time Out Durban and its launch, visit Time Out.

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South Africa’s premier secret dining collective invites food lovers to a two-night-only immersive epicurean experience featuring secret chefs, premium wine pairings and wicked surprises.

SecretEATS, South Africa’s leading experiential dining movement, has announced its next captivating dining experience: The Forbidden Feast. Taking place across two exclusive evenings on Friday 18 & Saturday 19 September 2026, this mysterious culinary engagement promises to slip beyond the ordinary and transport guests into a world of pure, unapologetic indulgence.

Set within an undisclosed, atmospheric enclave in Johannesburg, The Forbidden Feast brings together two secret culinary rebels who will guide guests through a carefully orchestrated 4-course journey exploring themes of virtue and vice. Each provocative course will be paired with premium, hand-selected wines designed to complement the complex flavour profiles and elevate the dining experience.

“A SecretEATS evening isn’t just an ordinary dinner party — it’s a social soirée bringing together the very best in food, drink and fun with friends, new and old,” says Events Director, Darren Meltz. “We create space where boundaries dissolve, conversations flow freely, and the night unfolds in magical, unexpected ways.”

The experience begins with welcome drinks and artisanal canapés upon arrival, offering guests time to mix and mingle before gathering around a shared dining table to meet the secret chefs. Throughout the night, guests can expect course after course of gourmet deliciousness, accompanied by closely guarded secrets and surprises.

Event Details at a Glance

• Event Name: The Forbidden Feast by SecretEATS
• Dates: Friday, 18 September & Saturday, 19 September 2026
• Location: Secret Location, Johannesburg (Revealed to ticket holders prior to the event)
• Price: R1,950.00 per person (Includes welcome drinks, canapés, 4-course gourmet dinner and premium wine pairings)
• Dietary Options: Full dietary requirements catered for; bespoke non-alcoholic pairings available
• Reservations: Book Now!

Due to the intimate, communal nature of SecretEATS gatherings, seats for this two-night engagement are strictly limited. Bookings are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and organisers strongly recommend reserving early to avoid disappointment.

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Hosted by Anele Mgudlwa, Frankie du Toit, Thembekile Mrototo and Cindy Poluta, the station’s popular breakfast show has built a reputation for uncovering Johannesburg’s best food destinations, previously searching for the city’s best wings, chocolate cake, ribs, biltong, samoosas, burgers and cheesecake. This time, the team set out to find Johannesburg’s ultimate pizza, tasting recommendations from listeners across the city before crowning Settebello the winner.

“To be recognised as serving the best pizza in Johannesburg is an incredible honour,” says Pino Di Benedetto, co-owner of Settebello. “Johannesburg has an outstanding food culture, so to receive this recognition from 947’s listeners and Anele and the Club team means the world to us. We’ve always believed that authenticity speaks for itself. We don’t chase trends or take shortcuts. We simply focus on making genuine Neapolitan pizza the way it has been made for generations.”

Since opening its doors seven years ago, Settebello has remained committed to preserving the traditions of Naples, using premium Italian ingredients including Caputo flour, Ciao tomatoes and mozzarella from Puglia Cheese. Every pizza is hand-stretched, slow-fermented to develop flavour naturally and baked at high temperatures in the traditional Neapolitan style.

“Our philosophy has always been simple: respect the ingredients, respect the process and respect the centuries-old traditions behind true Neapolitan pizza,” adds co-owner Ramiro ‘Miro’ Marques. “Every pizza that leaves our kitchen reflects countless hours of preparation and the passion of an incredible team. This award belongs just as much to our chefs, pizzaiolos, waiters and kitchen staff as it does to us. They’re the reason guests return time and time again.”

“We’re fortunate to be part of a city that is home to so many outstanding pizzerias,” says Di Benedetto. “Being recognised alongside such talented operators is an achievement in itself. Healthy competition pushes all of us to raise the standard, and that’s ultimately a win for everyone who loves great pizza.”

The timing of the award carries added significance for the restaurant, coinciding with celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of SSC Napoli, the iconic football club from the city widely regarded as the birthplace of pizza.

“For us, Naples is much more than where pizza was born,” Marques says. “It’s our inspiration, our heritage and the heart of everything we do. To receive this recognition while Naples celebrates such an important milestone makes the moment even more meaningful.”

While Settebello may now officially hold the title of Johannesburg’s best pizza, the team says the accolade is far from the finish line.

“This award reminds us that authenticity still matters,” concludes Di Benedetto. “It’s a responsibility as much as it is a celebration, and it inspires us to continue honouring the traditions that have guided us from day one while sharing a little piece of Naples with every guest who walks through our doors.”

On the back of this exciting win, Settebello extends its thanks to 947, Anele and the Club, Old Mutual Insure, the judges, fellow finalists and the many listeners who voted for and recommended the restaurant. The team also pays tribute to the staff, suppliers, families and customers who have supported the restaurant since its opening.

947’s listeners have made one thing incredibly clear this week: when it comes to authentic Neapolitan pizza, Settebello has earned its place at the top.

For more information about Settebello, please visit settebello.co.za and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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Johannesburg, 26 May 2025 | Time Out South Africa is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with broadcaster, storyteller and social media foodie favourite, Nick Hamman, who officially joins the brand as a Strategic Content Contributor and Culture Connector.

The partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Time Out South Africa as the global lifestyle and culture platform continues expanding its local presence, celebrating the people, places and experiences shaping local city culture.

Best known for his infectious curiosity, immersive storytelling style and genuine love for local culture, Hamman has become one of South Africa’s most recognisable cultural voices, particularly through his hugely popular food and travel content, which has introduced audiences to hidden gems, iconic local flavours and the characters behind them. His ability to blend humour, authenticity and cultural insight has earned him a loyal following across radio, social media and digital platforms.

As Culture Connector, Hamman will work closely with Time Out South Africa across editorial storytelling, city discovery, cultural conversations and audience engagement initiatives, helping audiences uncover the very best of South Africa’s vibrant food, music, nightlife and creative scenes.

Built on trusted local voices and globally recognised editorial authority, Time Out South Africa exists to help audiences discover the heartbeat of cities through the experiences, neighbourhoods and communities driving culture forward.

“Time Out feels like exactly where I’m meant to be. I can’t wait to join a team of people who explore the world with fearless, honest curiosity. Together, I believe we can help audiences see what so many of us already know, that South Africa has some of the most culturally alive cities on earth,” Hamman shares.

Time Out South Africa Managing Director, Aisha Mohamed, says Hamman’s appointment aligns perfectly with the brand’s long-term vision of building a platform deeply rooted in local culture and community.

“Nick brings an incredible ability to connect people to culture in a way that feels natural, entertaining and genuinely authentic,” says Mohamed. “He understands that the best city stories often come from the people and communities shaping them every day. As Time Out South Africa continues to grow, this partnership strengthens our mission to create a platform that not only celebrates South African culture but actively participates in it.”

The collaboration signals Time Out South Africa’s continued investment in locally driven storytelling and culturally relevant voices as it expands its footprint across the country’s fast-evolving lifestyle and entertainment landscape.

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Revealing a deeper, more personal journey, the Academy Award^® nominee, Emmy^®– and Golden Globe^®-winning actor Stanley Tucci returns to his beloved Italy, visiting five new regions – Naples and Campania, Sicily, Le Marche, Sardinia, and Veneto – to trace the link between Italy’s historical landscape and its culinary traditions, where the ritual of the shared meal remains the ultimate expression of its people.

“In Italy, food is never just food. It’s memory, identity and, sometimes, a full-blown argument,” said Tucci. “This season, we explore how the past continues to shape the present, one region and one extraordinary meal at a time. I’m so pleased to share these captivating stories and these wonderful people with you.”

In Season 2, Tucci visits new regions, including Le Marche, a lesser-known destination he’s never featured before. Located in central Italy along the Adriatic coast, the region’s rich culinary delights have largely escaped the attention of international tourists. In Campania and its famed capital, Naples, he celebrates a once-forgotten vine grape, and in Veneto, he deliciously wades into the passionate culinary debate over the origins of tiramisu.

Stanley also explores two very different Islands: Sardinia, where he looks into the relationship between food and longevity, and Sicily, where multicultural history has left a delicious mark on its food.

TUCCI IN ITALY is produced by SALT Productions and BBC Studios. For SALT Productions, Stanley Tucci and Lottie Birmingham are executive producers. For BBC Studios, Amanda Lyon is executive producer, Ben Jessop is co-executive producer, and Alan Holland is head of Specialist Factual Productions. For National Geographic, Yari Lorenzo is executive producer, Bengt Anderson is senior vice president of production, Charlie Parsons is senior vice president of Global Development, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president, National Geographic Content.

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The launch took place on the opening day of the tournament at Steyn City, where thousands of fans gathered for the inaugural LIV Golf event in South Africa. With global attention focused on the event, Castle Lite chose the moment to introduce the innovation that aims to extend the draught experience beyond traditional on-tap environments.

For the first time, the smooth and crisp taste South Africans love about Castle Lite Draught will now be available in a portable format, allowing consumers to enjoy the brand’s signature invigorating draught experience in more settings.

A Dramatic Fan Village Reveal

The unveiling was staged as a dramatic on-site moment at the Castle Lite setup in the Fan Village.

In a cinematic sequence played across the venue, Pieter-Steph du Toit, one of South Africa’s most recognisable athletes, arrived carrying a sealed trophy case. At most global sporting events, a case like that would be expected to hold silverware.

Instead, the case contained Castle Lite’s newest innovation.

Du Toit was joined on stage by Castle Lite ambassador Juicy Jay, before the case was opened by Castle Lite Brand Director Colleen Duvenage, revealing Castle Lite Draught in a Can to fans attending the event.

The reveal was accompanied by music and on-site fan celebrations, with attendees among the first in the country to taste the product following its launch.

Maintaining the Castle Lite Draught Experience

Castle Lite has long positioned itself as one of South Africa’s most loved beer brands, known for its distinctive serving ritual and its extra-cold refreshing temperature, brewed at -2.5°C.

According to the brand, Draught in a Can has been developed to maintain the smoothness and quality of draught beer while offering greater convenience and accessibility to more South Africans.

Duvenage said the launch at LIV Golf South Africa provided the ideal platform for the introduction of the new product.

“As South Africa’s favourite draught, we knew there was an opportunity to keep raising the bar. LIV Golf South Africa gave us a stage that matches our ambition — where fans gather to celebrate sport, music and culture. Draught in a Can brings the smooth and crisp draught experience people love into a convenient new format designed for more occasions and more places.”

Part of a Broader Fan Engagement Strategy

Castle Lite has historically aligned itself with large-scale cultural and sporting moments in South Africa, and has built a reputation for creating fan-focused experiences around major events.

At LIV Golf South Africa, Castle Lite has established a dedicated Fan activation zone where spectators can experience the brand throughout the tournament weekend.

The launch of Draught in a Can forms part of a broader fan engagement strategy, with the brand aiming to turn the tournament environment into a social experience for fans attending the event.

National Rollout

Following its exclusive unveiling at LIV Golf South Africa, Castle Lite Draught in a Can will be rolled out nationally, making the new product available to all consumers.

For Castle Lite, the launch marks a significant step in the evolution of its draught offering.

More than a product introduction, the brand says the innovation represents the next chapter in how more South Africans experience draught beer.

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Adding to the achievement, the company has also been honoured as Best Producer in South Africa Over the Past 25 Years, underlining its long-standing excellence in international competition. The official ceremony took place at the world’s leading trade fair, the ProWein International Wine Trade Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 15 – 17 March 2026.

“In the opinion of Mundus Vini, five years in a row, as best producer, South Africa, as well as Best South African Producer over 25 years, is a significant success,” says Christian Wolf, Director of Degustation of Mundus Vini. “We haven’t seen this ever before, so for DGB, it’s a fantastic performance. We think this shows one thing, especially, that it’s not a one-time high-quality success. It’s a long-term achievement of fantastic wine qualities in our competition.”

Top Accolades and “Best of Show”

In addition to these top accolades, DGB also received the Best of Show South Africa White award for the 2024 Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc Cape Town. This award is granted exclusively to wines that achieve the highest rating within their category.

The results follow the 38th edition of the Mundus Vini Spring Tasting, a special milestone for the internationally respected wine competition. This year’s tasting evaluated approximately 5,500 wines from around the world, judged by an international panel of wine experts.

A Consistent Global Performer

DGB’s Best South African Producer title stems from an exceptional showing across its portfolio, with the company achieving:

• 1 Grand Gold
• 27 Gold Medals
• 19 Silver Medals

This latest recognition marks five consecutive wins for DGB (2022-2026) at Mundus Vini, with a previous victory in 2017. The sustained success highlights the company’s consistency in producing premium wines that perform strongly on the global stage.

Commitment to Quality

DGB Executive Chairman Tim Hutchinson praised the efforts of the teams behind the wines. “This recognition is a tremendous honour for our company and for South African wine as a whole. Our consistent achievements reflect the passion, dedication and craftsmanship of our winemakers, viticulturists and cellar teams, and reinforce our ongoing commitment to producing wines of the highest quality,” says Hutchinson.

DGB’s strong performance at Mundus Vini reflects the breadth and strength of its wine portfolio, with top achievements by renowned South African brands including Avontuur, Backsberg, Bellingham, Boschendal, Douglas Green, Franschhoek Cellar, Fryer’s Cove, Old Road Wine Co., Tall Horse, The Beachhouse and Vineyard Friends. Together, the awards highlight DGB’s continued success in producing internationally recognised wines and further strengthen South Africa’s reputation as a premium wine-producing country.

For more information about DGB and its award-winning wines, please visit dgb.co.za.

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The finale challenged the top three contestants to prepare a celebratory festive feast, including a main dish, four sides, and a dessert. Arona rose to the occasion with a roasted leg of lamb and lemon herb chicken, accompanied by potato salad, mashed potatoes, beetroot roses, and a TODAY spinach and mushroom pie, finishing with Yum Yum Peanut Butter frosted cupcakes. Her menu showcased bold flavours and family-inspired warmth, earning praise for its creativity and presentation.

As champion, Arona takes home R200,000 from Capitec, a Hisense double-door refrigerator from Clover and a year’s supply of Clover products, a R30,000 voucher for Food Lover’s Market plus an additional R10,000 cash and a year’s supply of pastry from TODAY,  a baking kit from Huletts worth R20,000, a year’s supply of Yum Yum products, and R40,000 worth of KitchenAid products. Runner-up Tyler Robinson wins a year’s supply of Clover and Yum Yum products plus R10,000 cash, while third-place Kodi Bertish takes home R5,000 cash. Additionally, each of the Top 12 contestants receives a Hisense air fryer courtesy of Clover.

“When my name was announced as the winner, I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was totally surprised and super excited! The whole experience was awesome, and I learned so much. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat,” Arona said shortly after her big win. “I’ve grown a ton. Speaking in front of judges, guest judges, and other contestants has boosted my confidence in my skills and abilities like never before.”

Fritz Schoon, judge on The Taste Master Junior, says Arona delivered a strong and consistent performance throughout the competition. “Arona showed great commitment and focus in the kitchen, especially in the finale. She approached the challenge with confidence and handled a demanding menu well, which ultimately set her apart.” 

Zola Nene adds that Arona’s growth over the season was clear to see. “Throughout the competition, Arona demonstrated steady improvement and a willingness to learn. In the final challenge, she brought together flavour, structure, and presentation in a way that reflected how far she’s come during the season.”

Looking ahead, Arona already has big plans. “I want to start creating food content and eventually build a confectionery business,” she says. “I’ve always dreamed of starting a YouTube channel and my own business, so with the prize money, I plan to save three-quarters for studying architecture later, and use the rest to buy a vlog camera. I’ll also make the most of my Food Lover’s and Huletts vouchers to create fun food content on my channel!”

The second season of The Taste Master Junior, brought to you by Clover, has once again showcased the incredible talent, passion, and creativity of South Africa’s young cooks, delivering inspiring moments and unforgettable dishes week after week. From technical challenges to heartfelt storytelling through food, the season celebrated not only culinary skill but confidence, growth, and the joy of cooking. Arona Yster’s win marks a fitting end to a standout season that has captured the hearts of viewers and cemented The Taste Master Junior as a platform where young talent truly shines.

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