THE ART OF TASTING
Tasting isn’t just about flavour — it’s about discovery. It’s the swirl of a glass, the aroma before the sip. In this edition of the Collective, we share with you three experiences that explore the artistry behind wine, coffee, and olive oil — three of life’s simplest pleasures.
Delaire Graff Estate captures everything we dream of in a Winelands escape — the perfect balance of art, nature, and flavour. With elegant lodges overlooking mountain views, a sculpture garden that inspires at every turn, and restaurants that celebrate South Africa’s finest produce, Delaire feels both refined and deeply personal.
The estate’s newly refurbished Wine Tasting Lounge has quickly become a highlight for both guests and visitors. The team here has an effortless way of making you feel right at home — sharing each Graff vintage with genuine warmth, deep knowledge, with a passion that’s truly contagious.
Whether you’re sipping wine under the shade of the trees in the outdoor patio or cosying up beside a crackling fire in winter, the experience is a truly magical one. Beautifully paired platters are available to complement each glass of wine, making this tasting as it should be — elegant, unhurried, and immersive.
Did you know?
The grand foyer floor at Delaire Graff’s Winery building is made using over one ton of recycled peach pips, sourced from local farms. Each pip was hand-laid on a waterproof concrete base, sanded, then sealed with resin to create a warm, tactile surface, a centuries-old Cape Dutch technique.
Darling Olives is nestled on the slopes of Alexanderfontein Estate just outside Darling in the Western Cape. The olive oil tasting here is more than just sampling—it’s a sensory encounter.
With 70 hectares of dry-land olive trees thriving between Atlantic breezes and sunny days, each bottle tells the story of place and season. Guests are greeted by the Basson family and invited to explore a curated selection of vibrant extra-virgin oils, all while walking among the groves, inhaling the earthy aroma, and noticing the shifts in flavour from leaf to fruit. The experience is intimate, honest and unhurried—exactly how tasting should feel.
Did you know?
The Basson family has been growing olive trees at Darling Olives since 1999, transforming a small family passion into an award-winning estate known for its sustainable farming practices and handcrafted cold-pressed oils.
How many of us can really start the day without that first cup of coffee? At the African School of Coffee in Cape Town, coffee lovers get the chance to dive deeper into what makes each brew so unique — from how the roast and grind affect the aroma and flavour, to how different brewing methods can completely change a cup’s character. It’s a hands-on experience that helps you appreciate coffee in a whole new way. What we also love is that the African School of Coffee is a non-profit organisation that’s doing real work to uplift Africa’s coffee industry through education, training, and opportunities that support local farmers and baristas.
Did you know?
There are four main steps to tasting coffee, often used in a formal “cupping” session. These are smell, slurp, locate, and describe. This process helps engage all the senses to fully appreciate a coffee’s complex characteristics
Michelle Van Schalkwyk, one of our Safari Designers, recently enjoyed an amazing wildlife experience at Tintswalo Scops Rest in the Klaserie. This is what she had to say about her experience:
“From the moment our helicopter touched down near Tintswalo’s newest lodge, Scops Rest in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, I knew we were somewhere special. Our guide, Brad, greeted us with a warm smile and transferred us to the lodge, where the first impression was one of freshness, elegance, and an immediate sense of home.
Perched high on a hill, Scops Rest offers breathtaking views of the surrounding bush. The open-plan living spaces — from the airy lounge and dining area to the pool deck and boma — all flow comfortably, creating a space that feels both stylish and relaxed. My favourite memory was our final night, when the chef prepared a traditional South African braai under the stars. The food, the laughter, and the crackling fire made it an evening to remember.
I loved the open-plan kitchen, where the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air before each meal, and the small wine cellar featuring some of South Africa’s finest vintages. Each suite has its own charm, with thoughtful touches like stocked mini-bars and private decks overlooking the reserve. The outdoor bath in the master suite was a highlight — a tranquil place to soak while listening to the sounds of the wild.
We ended one evening with champagne and oysters at the lodge’s scenic sleepout deck, watching hippos and crocodiles at sunset — an unforgettable moment. Scops Rest is everything Tintswalo is known for: warmth, exclusivity, and a genuine connection to nature. It’s a place I’ll be dreaming about for a long time.” – Michelle Van Schalkwyk
A special thank you to Allistar and Craig from Tintswalo for affording Michelle this wonderful opportunity.
Please click on the link below for all the latest
Third Party Product updates for the past month of October:
Tintswalo introduces a new lodge.
&Beyond Phinda Vlei is closing for refurbs.
Laba Laba introduces two new properties.
New Lengishu experiences on offer.
Keeping the dream alive,
Eluisa Di Benedetto | Product Manager
