No two homes tell the same story.

One family rises at dawn for school runs. Another works night shifts. Some households cook sumptuous weekend feasts. Others rely on quick weekday meals between activities. Yet for years, appliances were built with a one-size-fits-all mind-set.

Samsung is changing that narrative by building appliances that can learn your family’s habits.

Through its Bespoke AI ecosystem, Samsung is pioneering personalisation at scale, where technology adapts continuously to the rhythms, preferences and energy patterns of each household. This is the evolution of the AI Home Companion.

Built-in Intelligence

Personalisation is not an add-on feature. It is embedded within the appliance itself.

AI Wash¹ refines performance over time, learning how frequently laundry is done, what fabrics dominate and how much detergent is needed. It improves efficiency without requiring reprogramming. AI EcoBubble² uses intelligent fabric sensing and bubble technology to deliver up to 70% energy savings³ while removing 24% more soil⁴, even in cold water. They use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyse fabric types and load weight, optimising detergent, water and bubble usage for high quality care and efficiency.

In climate control, AI Fast and Comfort Cooling⁵ ensures rapid temperature adjustments without an unexpected draft. The system learns occupancy patterns, adjusting cooling performance to deliver comfort only when and where it is needed.

This is personalisation that evolves. The more you live, the more your appliances understand.

An Ecosystem with a Bird’s Eye View

True personalisation happens when devices communicate. Through SmartThings⁶, Samsung connects refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, air conditioners, TVs and mobile devices into a unified ecosystem with contextual awareness.

SmartThings⁶ Energy provides visibility into household consumption patterns, helping families make informed decisions and encouraging more sustainable living. Over time, the system learns preferences and automatically optimises operations to reduce unnecessary consumption without sacrificing comfort.⁷

Secure, Reliable and Built for the Long Term

As homes become more intelligent, security becomes foundational. Samsung Knox⁸ safeguards connected appliances at both hardware and software levels, protecting data, access controls, and personal information. Personalisation should never mean a compromise on privacy.

Reliability also defines the AI Home Companion. Samsung appliances undergo rigorous durability testing and receive long-term software updates to remain secure and capable. With extended warranties, families invest in intelligence that lasts.

Why Personalisation Matters

Personalisation is not about novelty but about relevance. In a country as diverse as South Africa, homes vary widely in size, energy access and needs, climate conditions and lifestyle patterns. An adaptive AI ecosystem takes these differences into account and balances across apartments, suburban homes and all other household types in between.

When appliances respond to real-life behaviour, families spend less time configuring technology and more time benefiting from it. The technology fades into the background, allowing life to take centre stage.

The Future of the AI Living Companion

Samsung’s vision extends beyond smart appliances. It is about shaping a home that grows with you. Work patterns shift. Energy demands fluctuate. Through continuous learning and software updates, the Samsung AI ecosystem evolves with these transitions. More than connected, the home becomes attentive.

In this future, your refrigerator anticipates your weekly habits. Your washing machine aligns with your schedule. Your air conditioning understands seasonal nuances. Your energy consumption adapts automatically. And it’s all coordinated through one secure ecosystem. With this kind of personalisation happening at scale, it is not technology that demands attention, but technology that pays attention.

Samsung is not simply building appliances. It is building AI Living Companions designed to enrich life, strengthen families, and transform houses into responsive, intelligent homes that truly understand⁹ the people inside them.

Samsung is your companion in this new era, making the “home of the future” the reality of your today. For more details, visit samsung.com/za/

¹ Based on an AI-created algorithm. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.

² AI Ecobubble is only activated when specific courses are selected, including Cotton, Synthetics and AI Wash with loads less than 2kg.

³ Compared to washing in warm water. Tested in accordance with IEC 60456-2010 / 4kg Wash Load / Super Eco Wash cold (WF80F5E5U4W) vs. Cotton 40°C without Ecobubble (WF0702WKU). Individual results may vary.

⁴ Based on the Performance Lab Test report by Springboard Engineering on EMPA strips, comparing a normal detergent solution and bubble technology without mechanical action. Individual results may vary.

⁵ To use AI Fast & Comfort Cooling a Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account SmartThings are required. SmartThings server stores user data, preferences and usage patterns to suggest the most useful options

⁶ To use SmartThings, download the App from the Galaxy Store, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store. The supported OS specification, required storage space, and other usage environment for the SmartThings app can be found on the app download page in each app store. SmartThings has compatibility constraints, and the compatible environment may be updated periodically.  Supported OS specifications and app screen configuration may change with app updates.

⁷ Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions and patterns.

⁸ Applied to all appliances that have an Internet connection.

⁹ AI-based features are available on certain appliances, and based on our deep learning model, which is trained using a predefined set of data and may yield incomplete or incorrect information. New data sets maybe introduced to our learning model from time to time to enhance its accuracy.

The post The Era of the Living Companion: How Samsung is personalising AI in the Home appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Steve Smith and Josie Huges PHOTOS Supplied

Very few vehicles can claim the kind of cult following enjoyed by the original Land Rover Defender – or the Series I, II and III, as it was originally called before the Defender nameplate was adopted in 1990. Especially impressive is the fact that it’s been prized and zealously defended despite a rep for breaking down, acting unreliably, gulping fuel, being slow, leaking, rusting, and a host of other equally condemning issues.

But since the first hand-built Series I rolled out of the Solihull factory in the UK’s West Midlands, no other utility vehicle has come close to the unique mix of form and function found in the Defender. And here we’re defining “function” to include the ability to temporarily jimmy a snapped accelerator pedal by stringing a shoelace from the engine bay to the driver’s window to rev the engine. Or popping an egg in the coolant reservoir to stop a leak…

Although there’s plenty under the hood and inside the cabin of the Defender, we’re most interested in the design elements – especially its shape and colour. The fit-for- purpose, boxy, utilitarian profile is nothing short of legendary, and the range of official Defender colours over the years seems to be a kind of accidental palette prophecy for the 20th and 21st centuries.

Back in 1983, the Defender came in red, white, beige, blue, green, or grey. In 1990, the County Edition came out in black and the first metallics – metallic red and metallic green. The colours were always rich. Fast-forward to today, and the list of official Land Rover colours is upwards of 50. Put them in a hat, pick one at random and chances are you’ll love it now… and even more in a few decades.

Take, for example, the recent boom of browns that have made something of an unexpected comeback. It was the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year – 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, which isn’t that far off the Nara Bronze Defender colour on a sunny day.

At Journeymen Works, a Land Rover Defender restoration workshop in Cape Town, the main thing is the main thing: rebuild Defenders to factory spec, adding as little modern interference as possible. When it comes to colour, the same applies: select from the palette of original shades, or even better, respray in the original colour to preserve the vehicle exactly as it came off the factory floor.

Adam Hughes, one of the partners, who is responsible for the builds, reveals the colours their customers are opting for in 2026: “Since we only rebuild four to six vehicles a year, the range of colours we’re seeing is pretty tight. Whites, muted greens and greys (or ‘greeny-greys’) are in. While we’re hoping for a customer brave enough for Sahara Dust, Portofino Red, or my favourite Arles Blue, in South Africa the market is definitely more conservative. Which is another way of saying, it’s easy to stand out if you go bold in colour…”

If you’re interested in a sympathetically restored original Land Rover Defender, it’s definitely worth having a conversation with Adam and his crew. The process (inevitably) starts with a lengthy and passionate discussion about Defenders. Then, it’s time to figure out what the customer’s needs are. Will it be a daily drive, or a holiday beach runner? Are theynlooking for something with a bit of growl and punch, or something smoother and more comfortable? Once the use-case is clear, Journeymen will source the donor vehicle (this is the most common option) or get to work on the client’s vehicle, taking it down to the chassis and rebuilding each component piece by piece. All rust is removed and steel replaced or repaired, and almost every part is replaced with a new part – except in instances where the original is in great condition.

You’ll also be able to view their pared- down Defender palette, among other build options, in the Build Configurator Room, where the swatches are displayed. No doubt Adam will try to convince you to go with their favourites – Arles Blue, Zermatt Silver, Sahara Dust, Keswick Green, Davas White, Bahama Gold. And given how appropriately authentic those hues look on a Defender, it’s very likely that you’ll be persuaded… journeymenworks.com | journeymen_

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This Easter, Samsung is inviting South Africans to embark on a Smart Treasure Hunt¹ as the company launches the Easter promotion with limited-time deals across its range of innovative home technologies. Running until 20 April 2026, the promotion offers consumers exciting deals across selected Samsung product categories that can help upgrade their homes with smarter, connected technology.

Created to bring value and innovation together during the Easter season, the promotion encourages shoppers to explore Samsung’s ecosystem of devices and discover deals across TVs, sound devices home appliances and monitors. Each category offers the chance to unlock smart living solutions that enhance entertainment, comfort, and everyday convenience.

During the promotional period, consumers can enjoy special offers across selected products, making it easier to transform their homes with technology designed to simplify modern life. From immersive home entertainment experiences and intelligent home appliances to productivity-enhancing monitors and climate control solutions, Samsung’s portfolio is built to support a smarter lifestyle.

Some of the deals include these;

• 98 Inch DU9000 Chrystal UHD TV UA98DU9000 – Now R39 999^*, save R10 000
• 85 Inch QN70F 4K Neo QLED Mini LED TV – Now R32 999^*, save R7 000
• Bespoke AI Side-by-side 21.5-inch Family Hub Screen, Black 594L – Now R39 999^*, save R10 000
• AI Wash Ecobubble AI Energy Mode Top Loader – Now R7 999^*, save R1 500
• Q- Series Soundbar HW-Q800F 5.1.2ch Subwoofer – Now R8 999^*, save R2 000

The Smart Treasure Hunt idea reflects the excitement of discovering hidden gems, with shoppers encouraged to explore Samsung’s innovations that bring connectivity into the home. By integrating cutting-edge technologies across its product range, Samsung continues to deliver solutions that work seamlessly together to create a more connected living environment.

Whether upgrading your living room entertainment setup, refreshing the kitchen with intelligent appliances, enhancing your home office with a high-performance monitor, or improving your indoor comfort with energy-efficient air conditioning, the Easter promotion offers consumers the chance to invest in technology that enhances everyday life.

Samsung’s broader vision of a connected home ecosystem means that its devices are designed to work together intuitively, enabling users to enjoy greater control, convenience and efficiency in their households.

The Samsung Easter Smart Treasure Hunt promotion will offer these great deals for only a limited time (23 March to 20 April 2026), at selected retailers and online platforms.

¹Terms and Conditions Apply shop.samsung.com/za/promotion-terms-and-conditions

*Recommended Resale Price. Prices may vary per participating retailer.

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Quiet, energy‑wise and beautifully unobtrusive, Samsung’s WindFree air conditioners deliver soft, still‑air cooling that keeps every corner comfortable.

With the hot summer season approaching in South Africa, Samsung’s WindFree Air Conditioners will make a great addition to your home. They are engineered to deliver a comfortable climate, energy efficient and quiet¹, draft-free² cooling, whether you’re trying to fall asleep or be productive in your home office. With intelligent airflow, adaptive cooling and a sleek design, Samsung’s WindFree Air Conditioners offer fresh still-air³ in your living space.

Small Rooms: Cooling That Lets You Rest Easy

Using WindFree Cooling Technology, Samsung Air Conditioners disperses air through thousands of micro-holes, creating a soft, steady cool breeze that feels natural, not harsh. Its reduced-noise⁴ performance makes it suitable for bedrooms, nurseries and home studies. While the compact, modern design fits neatly into smaller spaces without compromising power or style.

Open-Plan Living: One Temperature, Every Corner

Open-plan homes look great, but keeping them evenly cool? That could be a challenge. With high ceilings, sun-facing windows and wide layouts, you need an effective air conditioning system.

Samsung has air conditioning units that are built for different spaces. Their wide-angle airflowand AI Auto Cooling technology learn your environment, automatically adjusting settings to match your comfort needs. The result? A room that stays evenly cool.

Designed with sleek, minimalist finishes, they look stunning, blending easily into your living space, providing both form and function equally.

Apartments and Shared Spaces: Quiet Comfort That Uses Less Energy⁵

The Samsung WindFree Technology rangebrings calm and control with energy-efficient⁶ inverter technology that reduces power use while keeping temperatures steady.

Its sleek, uncluttered design complements modern interiors, while its near-silent⁷ operation ensures your neighbours, and your wallet, will thank you. It’s proof that smart living doesn’t need to mean compromise.

^1,4,7 _{Tested on the AR12TXCAAWKNEU model. WindFree mode generates only 23dB of noise, compared to 26dB with the Samsung conventional model.}

^2-3 _{ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) defines “Still Air” as air currents at speeds below 0.15m/s that lack the presence of cold drafts}

^3-4 _{Tested on the AR12TXCAAWKNEU model. WindFree mode generates only 23dB of noise, compared to 26dB with the Samsung conventional model.}

^5-6 _{Tested on the AR07T9170HA3 model, based on the power consumption of Fast Cooling mode vs. WindFree Cooling mode.}

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As the weather heats up households now find themselves running their washing machines more frequently, they need to find smarter ways to save both time and money. Samsung’s AI-powered Bespoke washing machines are designed to meet seasonal demands – delivering advanced technology that makes laundry effortless, efficient, and more sustainable.

Smarter Laundry for a Busy Season

Samsung’s Bespoke AI washing machines are built to reduce the hassle in doing bigger loads with tougher fabrics. Equipped with intelligent features that optimise detergent, water, and power use, they take the guesswork out of laundry. That means great results, even when laundry piles up during summer.

Key Features for Energy-Savvy Households:

• AI Wash¹ + AI Energy Mode: Automatically uses just the right amount of water and power for each load, minimising waste and cutting down on utility bills².
• QuickDrive Technology: Reduces washing time by up to 50% while using less energy³ – perfect for families who want efficiency without compromise.
• All-in-one combo: Seamlessly integrates a washer and dryer in one appliance, adjusting detergent, water, and drying settings to suit fabric type and load size – ideal for mixed summer loads like delicate linens, swimwear, and bulky towels.
• Super Speed Cycle: Washes a full load in just 39 minutes⁴, saving time and electricity – suitable for last-minute outfit changes or quick turnarounds between summer outings⁵.

Gentle on Fabrics, and the Planet

Summer fabrics, from lightweight linens to moisture-wicking sportswear, require delicate care. Samsung’s AI-powered wash cycles adjust automatically to protect each garment while still being thoroughly cleaned.

This summer, laundry doesn’t have to mean a higher electricity bill or wasted resources. With Samsung’s Bespoke AI washing machines, households can enjoy fabric-friendly care, powerful cleaning, and smart savings, all while reducing their environmental footprint. There’s a good balance of performance, efficiency, and sustainability for the season ahead. | samsung.com/za

1. Based on an AI-created algorithm. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.
2. Tested on WW11BB944AGBS2 by Samsung Internal Lab. Cotton cycle, 5kg weight at 40 degrees Celsius. Results may vary depending on clothes and environment
3. Tested in accordance with IEC 60456-2010 / Cotton (40℃, Half load) with Quick drive. vs. Individual results may vary
4. Based on using Super Speed at the default settings with a 5kg load.
5. Individual results may vary based on actual load contents.

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WORDS Jo Buitendach PHOTOS Supplied

What the experts say

We asked the gurus at Mossel Bay gin distillery Cape Saint Blaize for tips to boost your gin experience:

• In terms of glassware, a Collins glass is better than a gin goblet – the tendency to overfill a goblet with ice and tonic results in a diluted G&T.
• Avoid overfilling the beverage with tonic water – use a one-part gin/three-parts tonic ratio for the best flavour.
• Keep it simple with garnish – for example, only add a few slices of strawberry, or a few blueberries or raspberries.
• When prepping a citrus garnish, be sure to use only the thin zest of the outer flesh, and not a slice or wedge. The white part of citrus peel adds bitterness to your drink.
• Flame the orange zest over the glass before dropping it in.

Cape Saint Blaze has a fantastic recipe on its website for an easy Old Fashioned gin cocktail (as opposed to the usual whisky), which includes a cinnamon-sugar syrup and Angostura bitters. You can also try to make the more complex Floristic Bramble with blackcurrant syrup and cranberry juice. | capesaintblaize.co.za

Keeping it cordial

An easy way to pep up a gin is to mix it with a cordial made from fruit or botanicals, sugar and water. While you could try making your own, great premade options are available. Two In A Bush off ers an assortment of flavoured cordials craft ed from rooibos, pure spring water, and natural fruit juice concentrates such as raspberry and honeybush, citrus or peach. You can also try making the “G and Tea” cocktail, which contains equal amounts of gin and Two In A Bush rooibos cordial, a squeeze of citrus and sparkling water, all poured over ice. | twoinabush.co.za

Another cordial worth trying with gin is Babylonstoren’s Mountain Marigold Cordial, made with lemon, a dash of cardamom and vibrant mountain marigold flowers. Alternatively, Luckybird has an extensive selection of flavoured syrups to mix with your gin, including white grapefruit, elderflower, blueberry and African ginger. babylonstoren.com | luckybirddrinks.com

In a similar vein, experimental micro-distillery New Harbour Distillery produces a small selection of bitters – a flavour extract made by infusing botanicals into a neutral alcohol. Just a drop or two of bitters can add deep flavour to any gin-based drink. New Harbour’s selection includes Cape Gooseberry, Ginger Beer, African Baobab and Key Lime. | newharbourdistillery.com

Just the tonic

Gin may pair well with juice, but tonic is still the go-to mix, and has been for more than a century. The carbonated soft drink was fi rst commercially produced in 1858, initially to use in malaria prevention. While you can pick up a standard tonic at any supermarket, you can also treat yourself to a premium local product – like the Good Mix Indian Tonic, which has subtle citrus notes. The company also does a sparkling grapefruit mixer, with a touch of lime and salt, that pairs well with gin. You can get both at Hope Distillery. | hopedistillery.co.za

A zest for life

One of the easiest, most cost-effective ways of adding zing to your gin is the inclusion of fresh or dehydrated fruit, fresh herbs or citrus zest. While a slice of fresh lemon or lime is the obvious choice, dehydrated grapefruit or orange slices or berries are also great. Babylonstoren sells delicious dried blood-orange slices, made from oranges that are grown on the estate, if you fancy that idea. On the fresh herb front, rosemary, thyme and lavender work quite well with gin.

You can get even more creative and try basil, olives, juniper berries, cinnamon sticks, pink peppercorns or mango peel. Just remember: when deciding on any of these trimmings, try to match them with your chosen gin’s flavour profile. | babylonstoren.com

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WORDS Jo Buitendach PHOTOS Supplied

The festival will bring together 10 international bars and 10 of Africa’s finest, all crafting extraordinary cocktails that showcase innovation, culture, and world-class mixology. ‘Ajabu’ is a Swahili word that means amazing, miraculous, fantastic, wondrous, and incredible — a perfect reflection of this one-of-a-kind event.

This exciting festival was founded by Colin Asare-Appiah and Mark Talbot Holmes. Colin, born in Ghana and raised in London, is a pioneering force and trendsetter in the cocktail and spirits industry. He also co-authored the book Black Mixcellence: A Comprehensive Guide to Black Mixology with Tamika Hall. Mark Talbot Holmes is the founder of the award-winning U’Luvka Vodka. Together, their shared vision is to create a platform for the African hospitality industry, fostering innovation, collaboration, and creativity, all while celebrating the continent’s incredible people and drinks.

The event takes place at some of the top cocktail spots in both the Mother City and the City of Gold. It includes signature cocktails, guest shifts, and mashups where global, African, and local bartenders work side by side. There will also be informative seminars, including a ‘Deep Dive into Agave’, as well as talks on empowering women in the bar industry and the art of upcycling ingredients.

Participating watering holes in Jozi include Sin+Tax, Smoking Kills, Obscura, and Saint, while in Cape Town, you can visit Fable, Talking to Strangers, Kloof Street House, Cause/Effect, Bascule, Yatai, The Drinkery, Tjing Tjing, and House of Machines.

VISI Magazine was, of course, at the Johannesburg launch at Sin+Tax and had the chance to sample many of the festival’s signature cocktails. These included the ‘Pornstar Martini’, a sweet blend of Tonka Bean Vodka, passionfruit, and Pet-Nat, a natural sparkling wine, as well as the cocktail of the moment, a Paloma made with tequila, grapefruit, vanilla, pink peppercorn, and lime. But hands down, the winner of the night was the Forest Gimlet, a twist on the classic, featuring gin, green melon cordial, and olives

The AJABU Cocktail and Spirits Festival takes place from March 9^th to 12^th in Johannesburg and March 12^th to 16^{th In} Cape Town. For more details and for tickets visit ajabufestival.com

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Oceania Cruises built by foodies, run by foodies, for foodies.

As the waiter at Toscana, one of Oceania Cruises’ exquisite onboard restaurants, enquires about your preferred flavours for an olive oil and vinegar pairing, you know you’re in for a true epicurean adventure. The artfully paired olive oil and vinegar for dipping fresh-baked bread is merely an overture, whetting your palate for the main event – perhaps a succulent lobster linguine that dissolves on your tongue. 

Yet this is only the beginning of your extraordinary culinary journey with Oceania Cruises. While the fine dining experience aboard is exceptional, Oceania elevates your voyage by immersing you in the rich flavours of each port of call. Here are just some tasters of what awaits onboard.  

Catalonian Cravings 

The sun-drenched Spanish coast beckons food lovers with its enticing Catalan cuisine – from savoury paellas to velvety Arbequina olive oils and decadent Crema Catalana nougats. As your Oceania cruise calls at this gastronomic paradise, you’ll be fully immersed in its vibrant food culture. 

Unveiling Culinary Secrets 

Embark on Oceania’s Culinary Discovery Tour, where an expert chef unveils the stories behind Barcelona’s iconic ingredients. Explore the bustling La Boqueria, a food market brimming with fresh produce since the 13th century, and the colourful Santa Caterina Market. Your newfound appreciation for Catalan flavours is rewarded with a tapas feast at a local restaurant and a sweet treat from the chef’s personal favourite pastry shop. 

Hands-On Culinary Immersion 

After uncovering Barcelona’s culinary treasures, bring the flavours back onboard to Oceania’s exclusive Culinary Centre. In this intimate teaching kitchen limited to just 24 stations, you’ll learn how to transform those market finds – plump olives, fragrant lemons, and precious Castilla-La Mancha saffron – into traditional Catalan dishes under the guidance of a master chef. Savour the fruits of your labour with a multi-course meal featuring your creations, connecting with fellow guests over laughter and shared passion – and with a newfound skill to enjoy back at home! 

Global Gastronomy 

Why stop at Spain when the world’s flavours await? Beyond the immersive local experiences, Oceania’s stunning array of onboard restaurants beckons, from the Italian delights of Toscana to the Asian-fusion artistry of Red Ginger. Aquamar, part of the Spa and Vitality Centre, caters to wellness-conscious diners with a myriad of vegetarian and vegan options. 

As Riet Goetschalckx, Sales Director CEMEA at Oceania Cruises, explains: “Oceania Cruises is all about epicurean adventures. Whether you’re shopping for ingredients at local markets with an executive chef, choosing your own olive oils at Toscana, or selecting custom chopsticks at Red Ginger, it’s an immersive experience that goes beyond the plate; it’s the whole journey around food.” 

Indulgence in Every Detail 

The luxurious touches aboard Oceania Cruises vessels elevate your culinary experience to new heights. Dine on Versace dinnerware after savouring that lobster linguine, and marvel as the skilled mixologists craft aromatic cocktails using smoke bubble guns, transforming a simple drink order into a theatrical event. 

As the sun dips below the horizon, stroll the deck with a perfectly crafted cocktail in hand. The aroma of fresh herbs and simmering sauces fills the air, beckoning you to anticipate that first bite of a dish inspired by your day’s adventures ashore. This is the rhythm of an Oceania cruise – a true culinary odyssey. And it’s all yours to savour. 

Oceania Cruises is exclusively represented by Cruises International in South Africa. For more information, or to book your next Oceania Cruises voyage, visit the website or contact your travel adviser. 

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Combining extensive winemaking experience from California and South Africa, Vilafonté produces top-notch wines that measure up against the best in the world.

Not only is the Western Cape the oldest continuously wine-producing region outside of Europe, it is also home to one of the oldest documented soil types on our planet. This unique defining characteristic, along with the region’s varied climate – wet, cold winters paired with long, dry summers – creates an extremely favourable environment for the production of fine wine.

One of the vineyards making use of this unique geology is Vilafonté. We spoke to Mike Ratcliffe, owner and CEO of this luxury estate, about his team’s approach to creating some very special wines.

Can you share the story behind the founding of Vilafonté?

The Vilafonté journey started almost three decades ago, in 1997, when we planted our first vineyard and became the first South African-American high-end winemaking joint venture. I founded the winery together with former Mondavi and Simi winemaker Dr Zelma Long, and Opus One winery’s VP of wine growing Dr Phil Freese.

What inspired your passion for winemaking, and how has this influenced the philosophy behind Vilafonté?

Our philosophy has always been that there’s every reason to believe a South African wine can be produced to stand proudly among the greatest wines in the world. We still believe this today, and we feel we’re closer to achieving this status than ever before. An experiment became a project, and the project has become a passion.

How do you balance traditional winemaking techniques with modern innovations when crafting your wines?

Like an artist choosing his or her medium, we remain committed to traditional vinification techniques, but seek also to introduce the most modern and forward- thinking innovations. Hand-crafting remains our ethos, though, so mechanisation is something we eschew.

Any projects or new releases that you’re particularly excited about?

While every bottle with the Vilafonté label is exciting for our loyal customers, the soon-to-be-released 2021 Series C has achieved the highest-ever score for a South African red from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – a satisfying 99 points. Every connoisseur should strive to include this vintage in their wine collection.

What do you hope drinkers experience when they enjoy a glass of Vilafonté wine?

Vilafonté strives to be more than just a wine. We want our products to provide pleasure, to enhance an occasion, to elevate the drinker. We believe in curating moments, and that a great wine can uplift a meal to an occasion. Life is short – we need more grand occasions!

What vision do you have for the future of the winery?

The future of Vilafonté is bright. We will continue to seek out the nuances – to capture the brightest, most profound expressions of a vintage, and convey them for the benefit of our loyal customers. Vilafonté will never be for everyone – but it can strive to become everything for a selected few.

For more information, visit vilafonte.com

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Whether you are city-bound, on safari or at the seaside, a gin and tonic is the perfect pick-me-up. While a classic G&T will always be a popular choice, why not branch out and try a flavoured or infused gin to jazz things up? Here is VISI’s pick of the bunch.

CAPE TOWN GIN ROOIBOS RED

Launched in 2015, the award-winning Cape Town Gin & Spirits Company distils and bottles locally. Its Rooibos Red gin, infused with hand-picked organic rooibos, is vibrantly red in colour, and has the distinctive taste of rooibos, as well as a rich, earthy spiced flavour. Rooibos Red goes swimmingly with a good-quality tonic – or you can serve it in a negroni with equal parts vermouth and Campari.

R299 | capetowngincompany.co.za

CAPE FYNBOS GIN CITRUS EDITION

Cape Fynbos Gin is distilled in small batches and infused with more than 30 sustainably harvested indigenous botanicals, including wild dagga, buchu and honeybush. After distillation, the peels of orange, mandarin, lemon, lime and grapefruit are steeped in the spirit for seven days. The end result is a gin with complex herbal aromas of clove, white pepper, honey and wild fynbos, with a bright medley of citrus fruit. Serve it over crushed ice with tonic and slices of lemon.

R299 | drinkcapefynbos.com

DEEP SOUTH SPICE ISLAND GIN

Deep South Distillery in Kommetjie is well known for its delicious array of concoctions that include vodka, rum and, of course, gin. Its newest offering is the exciting Deep South Spice Island Gin – an aromatic and flavourful dry gin that has been masterfully infused with a smidge of Zanzibar spices. Mix it with ginger ale – or make a gin hot toddy when the temperature drops. Deep South Distillery also offers a flirty, floral Ruby Gin, and Three Citrus Gin.

R330 | deepsouthdistillery.co.za

GINATO POMPELMO

This playful Italian gin expertly blends juniper berries from Tuscany and Umbria, grapes from northern Italy and citrus fruit from the south. The crisp, summery, grapefruit-flavoured spirit is dusky-pink in colour, and promises a nose of tangy grapefruit aromas, combined with a fruity sweetness and a hint of citrus. Pompelmo is best served in a classic G&T with tonic water, ice and a fruit garnish. Ginato is also available in Limonato, Clementino and Melograno (pomegranate) flavours.

R330 | cutlerdrinks.co.za

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