SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY

In this reflective episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, we explore the deeper stories behind wine through the lens of this month’s theme: 'Sensitive Souls See More.'Host Renate Engelbrecht is joined by Mika Engelbrecht, winemaker at Neethlingshof Wine Estate, for a thoughtful conversation around the Short Story collection of wines -where each bottle captures more than just flavour, but emotion, memory and meaning.Together, they unpack the art of noticing in winemaking, the role of intuition and sensitivity in the cellar, and how wine can become a powerful storyteller - holding moments, personal reflections and a sense of place.This episode is perfect for listeners who enjoy:• Wine podcasts and South African wine stories • Lifestyle podcasts with a focus on slow living and mindful experiences • Conversations around creativity, storytelling and craftsmanship • Food and wine inspiration for autumn Whether you’re a wine lover, a storyteller at heart, or simply someone learning to slow down and notice more, this episode invites you to experience wine in a more intentional, meaningful way.FOLLOW SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY: Blog: www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.zaInstagram: instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnayFacebook: facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnayPinterest: za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnayYouTube: youtube.com/@suitcasechardonnay301Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/

In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, my guest, Chris Nader and I take you to Paje Beach for a glimpse of the soon-to-be-launched ENVI Paje - a luxury lodge centred around well-being, nature and effortless escape.Blending barefoot luxury with immersive experiences, this destination invites travellers to slow down, reconnect and experience travel in a more intentional way.If you love travel podcasts, hospitality podcasts and luxury resort reviews, this episode offers a calming yet inspiring glimpse into one of Zanzibar’s most exciting new openings.

In this episode, we’re escaping to the quietly powerful beauty of the Overberg wine region, where cool-climate elegance meets thoughtful winemaking. I’m joined by winemaker and viticulturist, PJ Geyer of Thamnus Wines, and together, we explore the delicate artistry behind South African Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - two varietals that truly reward those who take the time to taste, feel, and experience.This episode is the final episode under the theme, 'Good Things Take Time' - an invitation to discover the depth, nuance, and emotion behind what’s in your glass.If you’re passionate about wine travel, boutique wineries, slow living, and discovering hidden gems in South Africa, you’re in the right place.Don’t forget to:Subscribe for more episodes on lifestyle, travel, fashion, food and wineLike this video if you enjoy wine-related contentShare with a fellow wine loverFollow SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnayPinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay

Good things take time. This SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast episode tells the story of a destination years in the making…Today, we explore the upcoming Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari resort on the beautiful Dolphin Coast in KwaZulu-Natal. Developed by the Collins Group, this landmark project will introduce South Africa’s first high-end, all-inclusive holiday resort - combining Indian Ocean beachfront luxury with an exclusive Big Five safari experience.My guest is Club Med South Africa’s Managing Director, Olivier Perillat-Piratoine and together, we talk about the inspiration behind this enormous development, how South African culture and design are woven into the resort experience, the role of sustainability and community partnerships, and what this project means for the future of luxury travel in South Africa.If you love travel that blends nature, culture, gastronomy and thoughtful design, this is an episode you wouldn’t want to miss.FOLLOW SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY: Blog: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ FOLLOW CLUB MED SOUTH AFRICA: Website: https://www.clubmed.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clubmed Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClubMedSouthAfrica

What does luxury travel truly mean in 2026?In this episode, I’m joined by the Carlos Luis, the MD of TLC Vacations for a beautifully layered conversation about curated escapes, transformative journeys and the magic of intentional travel.Together, we explore the world of The Lux Collective, the rise of experiential luxury and why today’s traveller is seeking more than five-star accommodation - they’re seeking feeling, connection and unforgettable moments.From island serenity to bespoke adventures, this episode is a love letter to travel done beautifully.Pour a glass, settle in and let’s escape.

Valentine’s Day is almost here… and sometimes the most beautiful moments aren’t the ones planned months in advance, but the ones created spontaneously - with intention, creativity and a few well-chosen luxuries.In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, I share last-minute ideas to make Valentine’s Day feel beautiful and meaningful - from setting the mood at home and effortless fashion touches, to simple entertaining ideas, wine suggestions, and ways to rediscover your own city through fresh eyes.Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or simply romanticising your own life, this episode is your reminder that luxury, in its truest form, is simply presence.Because a beautiful life isn’t built in grand gestures… it’s built in small, intentional moments, every day.Listen to and watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suitcasechardonnay301/podcasts Read more on the blog: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/ Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ Romantic Waterside Stays: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/top-romantic-waterside-stays-to-book-in-south-africa-now/

This episode takes us into the heart of South Africa’s creative economy, because the things we wear, the objects we cherish, the spaces we curate, and the flavours we love all begin with a maker — a real human with a real story.And those stories are under threat.I’m joining you from the vibrant KAMERS/Makers market, a cornerstone of local craftsmanship and one of the most influential creative platforms on the continent. With me is Ben-Carl Havemann, CEO and Co-Owner of KAMERS/Makers, and together we unpack a pressing issue affecting consumers, entrepreneurs, and the broader South African economy: the rapid influx of cheap imported goods and what it means for our artisans, our jobs, and our cultural identity.This conversation is an invitation — not just to shop local, but to understand why it matters.*This episode is sponsored by KAMERS/Makers.00:00 — Welcome to Suitcase & Chardonnay00:14 — The Heart of SA’s Creative Economy00:27 — Live from KAMERS/Makers00:50 — Meet Ben-Carl Hawemann01:04 — The Power of a Creative Platform01:36 — A Rainy Tuesday & a Heavy Topic01:54 — The Real Impact of Cheap Imports in SA02:34 — Job Losses and Economic Fallout02:47 — Are Artisans Feeling the Pressure?03:28 — The Resilience of South African Creatives06:11 — Are We Misled About “Imported is Better”?06:42 — Why Local Manufacturing Must Scale07:36 — The Skills Gap: Who Will Make the Clothes?08:08 — A New Hope: The Craft School in Stellenbosch08:57 — Do Consumers Understand the Long-term Cost?09:15 — What Needs to Change at Government Level09:54 — Fast Fashion: The Hidden Crisis10:20 — What Happens When We Lose Our Makers?10:48 — The Theft of Ideas & the Creative ThreatKAMERS/Makers: https://www.kamers.co.za/Book tickets to the Sandton event running from 25 - 30 November: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/328806-kamersmakers-sandton-summer-2025/#/ SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/Follow SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnayPinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/SUBSCRIBE to the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY newsletter

The Taj Cape Town has a way of drawing one in, spoiling you to bits and then inspiring you to go out and explore. Its impressive façade is one that tells many a story of the Mother City, with the 5-star hotel occupying a building that used to be the South African Reserve Bank. I’ve stayed at this Taj Hotels property before, but following recent refurbishments of its rooms and suites, I couldn’t resist revisiting. While I was there, I sat down with Mark Wernich, the Cluster General Manager Africa and Business Development Africa for sub-Saharan Africa for the Taj brand. Apart from Taj Cape Town’s refurbishments, the hotel brand has some exciting expansions up its sleeve... TAJ HOTELS: https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/ Podcast Chapters: Taj Cape Town & Taj Hotels’ Safari Expansion00:00 – Welcome to the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY PodcastRenate introduces the podcast, her blog, and what listeners can expect from this lifestyle, travel, fashion, food and wine-focused platform.01:20 – Reflections on the Taj Cape Town ExperienceRenate shares her love for the Taj Cape Town’s heritage, recent refurbishments and her previous stays at this iconic hotel.02:30 – Introducing Guest: Mark WernichMeet the man behind the Taj Hotels’ African operations and hear what’s next for the brand.03:10 – Taj Hotels’ Expansion into the African Safari MarketMark reveals exciting plans to launch new safari lodges across Africa and discusses what makes this move so significant.04:45 – The Taj Experience: Heritage Meets the African BushHow Taj’s signature hospitality, heritage and sustainability values will merge with authentic African experiences.06:00 – Launch Timeline and Upcoming DestinationsDetails on when and where the first Taj safari lodges will open - including the Greater Kruger and Serengeti properties.07:15 – Refurbishments at the Taj Cape TownMark talks about the newly designed rooms, inspired by Cape Town’s fynbos and Indian heritage.08:30 – Farm-to-Table Dining and SustainabilityA conversation about Taj Cape Town’s approach to local sourcing, sustainability and foraging-driven dining experiences.10:00 – The Culinary Vision for Taj’s Safari LodgesWhat guests can expect from the new lodges’ culinary journeys - Indian tandoors, bush dining and vegetarian excellence.11:40 – Connecting City and Safari: A Triangular Travel ExperienceHow Taj plans to package Cape Town, the winelands and the African bush into one seamless luxury journey.13:10 – Creating Local Employment and Community UpliftmentMark discusses Taj’s commitment to hiring locally, supporting underprivileged communities and sustainable tourism.14:20 – Wellness and Spa Experiences in the WildPlans for unique spa offerings at the safari lodges, featuring yoga decks, cold/hot therapies and breathtaking Drakensberg views.15:30 – Closing Thoughts: Bringing Safari to the Taj BrandMark shares his enthusiasm for this new chapter in African hospitality.16:20 – Final Thoughts from RenateRenate wraps up the interview, reflects on Taj’s expansion and invites listeners to read more on the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY blog.17:10 – What’s Next for the PodcastA sneak peek at what’s ahead for the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY Podcast, including the new season launching February 2026.

Chef Michelle Theron from Vergenoegd Löw has come to understand the value of slowing down and now incorporates that into her approach when it comes to menu planning, plating and food and wine experiences. She explains that allowing the farm’s inner workings to dictate her pace has given her new perspective and she now sees things that might have previously gone unnoticed. In the end, it’s those things that inspire her creativity in the kitchen, making her a chef to be reckoned with and calling for an exciting new chapter where the estate and its refurb is concerned… Come late summer, you’ll also be able to experience it all in a whole new light, with delightful deck dining, Sunday lunches, pre-dinner tastings, farm teas and more. I, for one, am incredibly excited to return to Vergenoegd Löw for the renewed hospitality experience.Podcast Chapters: 00:00 – 00:56 | A Taste of South AfricaA glimpse into what the episode is about. Chef Michelle Theron introduces the sensory experience behind Vergenoegd Löw’s Indigenous Tasting – from bokkoms and vetkoek to biltong and spice stories.00:56 – 02:20 | Welcome to SUITCASE & CHARDONNAYHost Renate Engelbrecht introduces the show, thanks listeners for their continued support, and celebrates reaching 30 episodes.02:20 – 02:59 | Meet Chef Michelle TheronAn introduction to Chef Michelle Theron’s philosophy of slowing down and how the farm’s rhythm inspires her culinary creativity.02:59 – 04:45 | The Indigenous Tasting ExperienceMichelle explains how the Indigenous Tasting at Vergenoegd Löw began and how each element connects guests to the estate’s unique terroir.04:45 – 05:59 | The Story Behind the PlateThe design of the circular tasting board, sustainable sourcing, and storytelling through every ingredient.05:59 – 07:12 | Nostalgia on a PlateRenate and Michelle discuss South African nostalgia through flavours like spekboom and rusks, and how they tie into the wine pairings.07:12 – 09:09 | Celebrating Indigenous Cape CuisineMichelle shares her love for Cape Winelands cuisine, working with terroir and sea influence, and reimagining heritage recipes.09:09 – 10:13 | From Farm Waste to Flavour InnovationChef Michelle details how she transforms vegetable offcuts into salts and rubs – closing the sustainability loop.10:13 – 12:02 | The Animals’ Role in the VineyardExploring the farm ecosystem where ducks, chickens, and Dexter cattle play integral roles in the estate’s sustainability.12:02 – 15:05 | Slow Living, Creativity, and Mindful CookingHow life on the farm fosters slow living, mindfulness, and creativity in the kitchen — inspiring both the chef and her team.15:06 – 16:13 | Closing & Collaboration InvitationRenate invites brands to collaborate with Suitcase & Chardonnay to tell their stories across blog, podcast, and media.17:01 – 18:46 | Culinary Roots in HollandChef Michelle reflects on her time in Holland, exploring Cape Dutch culinary heritage and how it shaped her cooking style today.Vergenoegd Löw: Website: https://www.vergenoegd.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vergenoegd_low_wine_estate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vergenoegd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUv_QFjTSBKdYT6haTfvASQSUITCASE & CHARDONNAY: Blog: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnayPinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/

Jennifer Hugé is no stranger to South Africa’s service and beverage scene. In fact, she’s the Service & Beverage Director and one of South Africa’s top restaurant groups – FYN – and brings so much more than just a glass of wine to the table. SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY host, Renate Engelbrecht sat down with her recently, following a six-course meal at Beyond Restaurant, located at the beautiful Constantia-based Buitenverwachting. This wine farm was founded by Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the new Dutch colony at the tip of Africa, and is on the east-facing slopes of the Constantiaberg, a mere 12km from False Bay. The farm originally formed part of the Constantia Estate and even though it changed hands all too often, it flourished as a wine farm from the start. In fact, it flourished beyond expectation, which is why Beyond Restaurant’s name is so apt. In this episode, we dive into the backstories of some of the drinks Jennifer served during Renate's visit and the inspiration that motivates her constantly evolving beverage menus - not only at beyond, but also the FYN Group’s other restaurants.Jennifer Hugé: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugejennifer/Restaurant beyond: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantbeyond/Website: https://beyondrestaurant.co.za/SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY: Blog: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnayPinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/

Are you searching for ways to truly slow down? Perhaps you crave quiet moments, fewer distractions, and meaningful ways of getting to know yourself better.Too often, life feels too busy, too full – like an endless rat race. Many of us have unlearned the art of being alone with ourselves, while screens dominate our attention. But there’s hope – and sometimes it lies in stepping away.In this episode, Organisational Psychologist Julie Robinson shares her journey of embracing slow living in the Karoo and creating transformative spaces for others to do the same. From screen-free travel experiences to powerful off-the-grid retreats in South Africa, Julie shows us how slowing down can become a practice of joy, self-discovery, and connection.Whether you’re ready for a five-day Karoo slow travel inventure or a shorter introspective travel experience in the city, there’s something for everyone who longs to venture inward, live mindfully, and discover the richness of the present moment.Together, we explore:• A new, off-the-grid retreat in the Karoo, South Africa, designed for deep self-reflection and stillness.• How to balance a busy city lifestyle with mindful travel and intentional slow living practices.• Tips on creating slow corners in your home to cultivate everyday calm.This is more than travel – it’s a digital detox retreat in South Africa, an invitation to reconnect with yourself, and a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful journey is the one within.Follow Inventure: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinventureFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576632433875 Website: https://theinventure.com/ SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ Get email updates: https://suitcaseandchardonnay.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c9d6afb9bba92ba38d584f594&id=6acd869927 Learn more about your ad choices: hello@suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za

Today on SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, I’m joined by one of the world’s most influential voices in wine - Tim Atkin, Master of Wine. Tim is a UK-based wine journalist with an international following, contributing to publications like Harpers and Decanter, while also running his own award-winning website, timatkin.com. Beyond his writing, he’s also an accomplished photographer, with work published in The Guardian and exhibited across the globe.Over the course of his career, Tim has been recognised with countless awards - from the Glenfiddich Wine Writer Award to the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s Communicator of the Year. He has judged wines in every corner of the world, co-chairs the International Wine Challenge and is widely respected for his sharp, witty and sometimes controversial takes on the industry.It’s a true honour to welcome him to the podcast today, to talk about wine, travel, storytelling and the global connections that flow from a single glass.Find his website here.Follow him on Facebook or Instagram.Visit the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY blog here.And follow SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY on: InstagramFacebookPinterestWant to work together? Email: hello@suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za

In this episode (recorded on Zoom with time difference, so excuse the sometimes dodgy sound), I welcome Dr. Eyal Levit - a dermatologist, but now also author of a children's book, to the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast. We dive straight into the importance of parents and children reading books together for opportunities to discuss the narrative, as well as the inspiration behind the book. The book - The King's Race - follows the journey of a young horse called Spots, and highlights the ebb and flow of life and the lessons we learn from it beautifully. Soon to be launched, The King's Race is a wonderful gift for those Christmas stockings (yes, we're talking Christmas already!) and a great opportunity for parents and children to spend quality time together.Under the lifestyle side of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY brand, you would have noticed that I am very serious about approaching life at a slower pace and teaching (and allowing) your children to do the same. Books can make this process very easy and The King's Race definitely deserves a spot in your family's children's book collection. It's right up there with books like The Little Prince, teaching lessons through storytelling and subtly opening up conversations around topics like kindness, hardship, friendship and grit.To learn more about Dr. Eyal Levit, visit levitdermatology.com or follow him on Instagram: ⁨@levitdermatology1939⁩ Follow SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY on: Instagram: @suitcaseandchardonnay Facebook Pinterestand SUBSCRIBE to the weekly newsletter and read the blog here.