Posted in News on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 by The Beachcomber Correspondent

A favourite place for connoisseurs, the legendary Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury will be hosting an exclusive Wine Festival featuring renowned vignerons from South Africa from July to September 2023. This must-attend event for wine lovers will showcase the expertise and exquisite vintages of four esteemed vignerons, Anthony Hamilton Russell from Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Megan Mullis from Domaine des Dieux, Margot Ellis from Neil Ellis Wines and Erika Obermeyer from Erika O. This celebration of South Africa’s rich wine heritage assembled by Royal Palm’s Head Sommelier, Julien Laugier, will kick off on 7 July with a Gala Dinner with Anthony Hamilton Russell. One of the most southerly wine estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea, Hamilton Russell Vineyards specialises in producing highly individual, terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are widely regarded as the best in South Africa and among the finest in the New World.

Week-long wine experiences

From 14 to 18 August, Royal Palm will welcome Megan Mullis from Domaine des Dieux. The boutique wine farm from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley of this accomplished winemaker has won the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge’s Best Producer award three times in eight years as well as the Best Brut trophy at the 21st edition in 2022. This competition honours South Africa’s leading Cap Classique wines. 

Continuing the Wine Festival from 28 August to 1 September, Royal Palm – a member of the Leading Hotels of the World – will host Margot Ellis from Neil Ellis Wines. The estate’s winemaking philosophy is based on growing outstanding grapes, working with the best growers and applying minimal intervention to make exciting wines with a strong sense of place. Their wines are sourced from wards and districts that represent the best of what their region or sub-region can offer.

Concluding the event from 18 to 22 September, Erika Obermeyer from the boutique winery, Erika O, will take centre stage. Refreshing, elegant, beautifully balanced and well suited to food, her handcrafted range delivers terroir-specific wines with captivating flavours, intricacy, and outstanding cellaring potential. Erika O crafts only small batches of wines that authentically express South Africa’s unique vineyard sites and exceptional diversity while offering a very individual product, which mirrors immense passion, pride and focus.

A taste of the finest South African vintages

“We are thrilled to host this captivating Wine Festival, showcasing the talents of these esteemed vignerons,” says Julien Laugier. “Their passion and expertise in winemaking are truly exceptional, and we are excited to offer our guests an extraordinary opportunity to experience the finest wines South Africa has to offer. It will be an unforgettable journey of flavours and discovery.” Each winemaker will bring their unique style, expertise, and portfolio of exceptional wines to create an unparalleled experience for Royal Palm’s guests and Artisans alike. Cocktail receptions will also provide the opportunity to engage with the winemakers, gain insights into their craft and learn about the art of winemaking in South Africa. The Royal Grill culinary event on the beach and wine pairing Gala Dinners will also highlight the excellence of Executive Chef William Girard’s cuisine and some of South Africa’s most renowned wines.
Throughout the Wine Festival, guests will also have the opportunity to explore the unparalleled beauty and elegance of Royal Palm.