SOUTH AFRICAN WINE AND FOOD SAFARI

Saturday, February 17, 2007 6-9 PM
North Bellevue Community Center
4063 148th Ave. NE, Bellevue WA

Ticket sales are now closed. Pick up prepaid tickets at the door of the event.

The World Atlas of Wine has called the South African wine region “the most dramatically beautiful wine country in the world.” South Africa has a long tradition of viticulture, with the first European vines having been planted in 1655. The vineyards are mostly situated in the Western Cape near the coast. White varieties represented more than two-thirds of the total vines until 2000, but since then more than 80% of all new plantings have been red, with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot topping the list. South Africa has a long history and tradition of tastes and styles rooted in the classic Old World, but is acutely aware of the contemporary consumer in the New World.

VIPs and Special Guests
Join Deputy Chief of Mission Derrik Moyo from the Embassy of South Africa in Washington DC, Mr. Abbey Makena, Consul from Consulate General in Los Angeles, and Washington State Lt. Governor Brad Owen to experience an evening featuring South Africa’s unique flavors in wine and food, served at a sumptuous sit-down dinner. Wine expert and Seattle Times contributor, Paul Gregutt and his wife Karen, will also be on hand for the festivities.

Since South Africa started off with white varieties, we’ll start the evening with a Ken Forrester 2006 Petit Chenin Blanc. Made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes, this fresh, youthful white wine is an excellent example of South Africa’s most dominant wine variety. There’s ripe melon on the palate and a nice length. This is a perfect everyday-drinking white wine.

We’ll then move on to a couple of reds: Fairview 2005 Pinotage has dark plum and blackberry flavors that are appealing by themselves, but the wine becomes really interesting once its deep, earthy aftertaste kicks in. Medium-bodied, with relatively soft tannins, it nonetheless tastes rich and concentrated. Neil Ellis 2004 Sincerely Shiraz is vibrant purple in color, with fresh aromas of grapes, violets and vanilla. This wine has smooth tannins, nice body and pleasing dark berry fruit.

Wrapping up our adventure is Signal Hill 2005 Vin de Emperor. Naturally sweet Muscat d’Alexandrie grapes provide beautiful floral aromas along with tropical fruit flavors.

Wine Presentation, Shopping Bazaar and Fashion Show
Samantha Agee, president of A&B Imports, is our wine distributor for this festive evening. Samantha will have several knowledgeable people on hand who can help you choose among the many South African wines you can purchase to take home.

Nandos Inc. will provide complimentary South African spices and marinades. At the African bazaar, you’ll find artifacts, painted plates and more. As a special treat, while you’re enjoying your authentic African dinner provided by Alta Broodryk Associates, Inc., you’ll be entertained by a fashion show of colorful African dress and headgear. This exotic evening is one event you won’t want to miss!  

Featured Chef
Chef Alta Broodryk was born in South Africa, where she learned all the traditional recipes she prepares today. Alta and her husband Pieter moved to the Seattle area in 2002. She began selling meat pies at the Issaquah Farmers Market. People loved her food seasoned with South African spices. Soon Alta was receiving orders for her pies and other South African dishes. Now she owns her own catering business, specializing in providing South African cuisine at private and company events. We are thrilled to welcome her to our February safari.