Climate change to radically alter vineyard map? A new study suggests it may drastically affect some of the world's great wine-producing regions. The study, from Stanford University, says vineyards in California could shrink by 50 percent over the next 30 years. California wine is currently a $16.5 billion industry. Other famous regions could be affected, as well. Read more…

Resveratrol may reverse cognitive decline associated with diabetes – A team of cellular biologists are suggesting that red wine may help reverse some of the symptoms of cognitive decline in diabetics. Published June 10 in the American Journal of Physiology, the study by scientists from Louisiana State University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center reported that diabetic rats that consumed the red-wine compound resveratrol experienced a restoration in brain function. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound that is abundant in red wine, has in the past been linked to reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, as well as numerous other health benefits. Read more…

Own your very own Vinturi Wine Aerator – Exclusively available from Wine Web the Vinturi aerator will allow your wine to breathe, ensuring that it opens up when you pour it, releasing its intended aromas and flavours. Traditionally, decanters were used to aerate wine, however Vinturi's patent pending design speeds up this process with ease and convenience.

How evolution made nature's perfect winemaker - Yeasts are diverse—biologists estimate that there are at least 1,500 different species of the fungal microorganisms. But when it comes to fermenting wine, one yeast is much more common than any other. The same is true in brewing and baking—food and drink chemists overwhelmingly prefer Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Read more…

The Wine Show Jo'burg – Yes, it's that time of year again when the winelands take Jo'burg by storm! This year, The Wine Show Jo'burg opens its doors at the Coca Cola Dome from 5-7 August and, just like the previous years, it's going to be bigger and better than ever. Play a round of virtual golf or try your hand at boules whilst sampling some of the best wines in South Africa. The Friends for Dinner theatre will once again be hosting some top local chefs who will inspire you with delectable dishes and pair it with sublime wines. The winners of the Wine Laid Bare photo competition in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness will also be announced at the show. Tickets are available at Computicket or at the door for only R90 or R150 and come all three days!

Elegantly Elgin Fine Wine Tasting - The Elgin Valley Guild will host the "Elegantly Elgin" Wine Festival on the 23rd July 2011 at Cape Town's two fine wine venues, Auslese and the Aubergine Restaurant in Gardens. The events will showcase the versatility and elegance of the Elgin Valley wines alongside some of the most elegant wines internationally so as to support quality and enjoyment of this young wine region as well as establishing Elgin as a destination for fine wines, excellence and the right lifestyle choice. Seats to the tasting are available at R1,200 per person and can be reserved by contacting Jörg Pfutzner at Fine Wine Events on 0724675943 or by emailing enjoy@finewineevents.co.za.

Stellenbosch Wine Festival – Thursday 28 to Sunday 31 July 2011: A Celebration of the Vine from fine wines and culinary creations to music and the arts is the focus of the 10th annual Stellenbosch Wine Festival, one of the biggest and oldest country food and wine festivals in the Cape. The preceding Stellenbosch Wine Week which kicks off on Friday, 22 July, offers a feast of indulgences on many of the 150 farms that make up the Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes. Tickets to the Stellenbosch Wine Festival range from R120 per person per day for online bookings or R140 at the door, to R350 for the Golden Pass for the entire festival. Visit www.wineroute.co.za for booking details and more information or call 021-886 4310. Parents note: There will be a dedicated child care area where children between the ages of 3 and 8 will be entertained free of charge while you enjoy the festival.

Hermanus Food and Wine Fair – Taste more than 200 wines at the Hemel-en-Aarde Village in Hermanus from 6-8 August 2011. Tickets available at Computicket [Link: www.computicket.com] or at the door. Nominated as one of the 10 Best Wine Shows in South Africa, come celebrate the wines of some of more than 50 producers from Elgin to Elim with free entry to the gourmet food court. Wine lovers will have a selection of more than 200 wines to taste in the wine side of the marquee for a fee of R95 per person. For more information, please visit www.hermanuswineandfood.co.za.

The Big Bottle Party 2011 – Celebrate large bottle formats in wines by the best South African winemakers and the top local master chefs in a three-day event from the 26th to the 28th August 2011 at the Cellars Hohenort Relais & Chateaux Hotel in Constantia. Some of the events include:

• Rare Blanc de Blanc Champagne tasting - This occasion is made for lovers of Champagne. Ten rare Blanc de Blanc Champagnes including Dom Ruinart 1998 and Salon Le Mesnil 1997 will be tasted amongst others.

• Fine wine dinner - Top chef Peter Tempelhoff of the Greenhouse Restaurant will design a "once only" menu to complement some of the most important wines of the world, from Burgundy to Bordeaux and from the Swartland to Barossa.

• The 'Big Bottle' walk around tasting - The Cellars and Hohenort Buildings will host exhibiting winemakers in themed rooms namely 'Modern Classics', 'Champagne and Sparkling Wines', 'Wines of Elegance' and 'Wild Ferment'. Guests will try the wines of the countries' best producers out of large format bottles. Some wine-makers will also bring matured old vintages in large formats. In a dine-around format, guests will have the opportunity to taste canapés and small dishes of our favourite chefs of South Africa.

• Gourmet Champagne breakfast - Before ending the weekend, the Gourmet Champagne Breakfast will feature an unusual selection of Champagnes from "Big names yet small houses", for the most part unavailable in South Africa. Taste these unusual and hard to find Champagnes alongside a gourmet breakfast 'fit for Champagnes' served by The Greenhouse Restaurant's Peter Tempelhof.

To attend any of these events, contact Jörg Pfützner at Fine Wine Events on 072 467 5943 or email enjoy@finewineevents.co.za. Tickets to the 'Big Bottle Walk Around' can also be purchased online www.webtickets.co.za.

Robertson Slow – Sample honest, old-fashioned, rural hospitality synonymous with the Robertson Wine Valley's wine-making community. Relish the slow food and wine that will satiate your senses and revel in the relaxed pace that will replenish your soul. Robertson Slow may be focusing on the 'slow' way of life, but don't be 'slow' to book your place at some of the events which best represent your interpretation of the essence of country living. For more information on Robertson Slow, and a full programme of events, as well as booking details visit www.robertsonslow.com or contact the Robertson Wine Valley on 023-626 3167 or e-mail manager@robertsonwinevalley.com.

Stuffed Leg of Pork

±2,5kg De-boned leg of Pork
Salt and Pepper

Stuffing

250g Chopped chicken livers
2 Rashers chopped bacon
1 Small diced onion
1 Clove crushed garlic
60g Fresh bread crumbs
2ml Salt
2ml Black pepper
2ml Sage
Pinch of ground nutmeg
50ml Sherry
15ml Maizena (corn flour)

Fry bacon until crisp, then add onions, garlic and livers and sautee. Add the rest of the ingredients and moisten with meat stock. Spoon stuffing into bone cavity and tie up with string. Season meat and place on oven roasting rack. Bake in oven at 160°C. Calculate 30 minutes per 500g meat, plus 30 minutes extra.

Remove from oven when cooked and allow to 'rest' for 10 minutes in warming drawer. Deglaze roasting pan and make a rich gravy with 125ml Sherry and 15ml Maizena (corn flour). Increase oven temperature for the last 4 minutes to 200°C to crisp rind.