WHAT'S NEW? Frans Smit inducted into Cape Winemakers Guild At the end of his most successful awards season at Spier, Frans Smit has been inducted into the selective and prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG). Created to raise the bar on the quality of South African wine, the guild has been in operation for 27 years, raising the reputation of brand South Africa. The criterion for membership is non-negotiable: this being a minimum of five years of producing truly outstanding wines. To retain their membership the winemakers must submit top level wines at least every other year, to be sold at the prestigious CWG Auction, held annually. These keepsake wines are collected by investors and wine enthusiasts, and often appear on menus of top South African restaurants. Well done to Frans, and to the winemaking team, whose support helped Frans to achieve this great success.

Spier's Sauvignon Blanc a nature-friendly new release It's different, delicious and created in reflection of Spier's overriding ethos for sustainability: Spier has launched its first wine to be made from organic grapes! Born of the deep concern for people and planet that has come to define the way that business is done at Spier, the wine is everything that you'd expect from a firm local favourite varietal – lovely tropical fruit with a crispiness and zest: yet it challenges convention in every other respect. The label invites deeper thought than the usual, presenting the story behind organic grapes rather than tasting notes. An easy to tear off label, is printed on 100% recycled and uncoated paper, while the cork is made from trees grown in sustainable forests. "This wine is distinctively Spier," says Cellar Master Frans. "It's different but delivers on the high standards people have come to expect from us." Indeed, the wine has already garnered a top ten rating from critic Neil Pendock in his Sunday Times column and a favourable review in his wine.co.za piece. Limited quantities are now available at the Spier Wine Shop for R75, with a red wine due for release around mid-2010. For orders or information contact Francois van der Walt at francoisvdw@spier.co.za. Spier Organic Sauvignon Blanc 09

Eight a new experience in farm-to-table food A new eating experience has arrived at Spier with the opening of Eight: a farm-to-table restaurant that features the very best of fresh, local produce in a unique environment. With a preference shown for natural and organic food, Eight offers a menu of simple, delicious meals. Set aside the picturesque banks of the Eerste River, Eight was named for the closed loop shown by the number 8; this representing balance, cycles, harmony, infinity and abundance. An emphasis is placed on the natural flavours within the food, with produce sourced from Spier's own biodynamic farm wherever possible. The menu is small and seasonal, with specials making the most of daily availability of organic foods. Drinks include Spier wine made from organic grapes, the arts-inspired range of Spier Creative Block blends and fruit and vegetable juices made on the premises. Eight is open from Tuesday to Sunday for brunch from 10h00-12h30, lunch from 13h00-15h00, and tea from 15h00-16h00. For bookings or information email eight@spier.co.za, or telephone 021 809 1188. Click here to read SA Venue's review of Eight: http://blog.sa-venues.com/provinces/western-cape/eight-at-spier/. ‘Diva of Delicious' Chef Lorianne Heyns favours the use of organic foods at Spier's new farm-to-table eating experience, Eight.

COMING UP! Get stomping at Spier's second Harvest Festival! The Spier Harvest Festival on 27 February will be held in celebration of nature's bounty for vintage 2010. The lawns in front of Eight will be transformed into a wine wonderland, with adults lounging under the trees enjoying food and wine, while children join in a host of interactive games. Wine tastings and scrumptious specialty foods will create the ultimate picnic; with games to include a grape stomp, croquet, and boule. Gerald Clarke and his band will entertain with a blend of acoustic sounds, while t-shirt and face painting, tractor rides, storytelling, magicians, an obstacle course and more amuse the kids. At midday Frans will conduct a traditional blessing with the ‘lady of the harvest', a surprise element that the younger guests especially will enjoy. Tickets can be purchased at Spier on arrival for R 50, to include a tasting of two of Spier's award-winning wines and a special edition glass for adults; or entrance to five games for kids. Festival hours are 10h00-16h00. For further information visit www.spier.co.za or call 021 809 1100.

Biennial Spier Contemporary draws near with final selections The highly awaited biennial Spier Contemporary is drawing near to its 2010 season opening, with the announcement of the selection of 100 finalists from a pool of 2,700 entries submitted nationally. Starting on Sunday 14 March at the Cape Town City Hall, the Spier Contemporary will host the top 100 art works, with final winners to be selected from each of the genres exhibited. Digital art and photography emerged as the popular mediums for this year's competition, including strong sculptural and performance art dimensions. Jay Pather, once again on the curatorial team, spoke of the angst apparent in the submissions this year. "Contemporary art is a measure of our society. A lot of the work reflects the search for identity – it suggests that we are a nation in crisis." "We did not seek to narrate or shape this reflection", Pather says. "It is what it is and often art speaks to us because it echoes our truth." Many moments of wry humour, playfulness and musings penetrate the sobriety of the chosen works. A total prize pool of R 1.2 million and six international artist-in-residency programs will be awarded to the winners, due to be announced on Saturday 13 March.

Paul Emmanuel exhibition to open at Spier Acclaimed artist Paul Emmanuel has selected Spier for the opening of his TRANSITIONS exhibition, set to start at 3pm on Saturday 27 February. The works, which comprise a series of drawings and film, will be shown at Spier until 31 March, before moving to Washington's Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, and Kunstraum Sylt Quelle Foundation in Germany. The TRANSITIONS works at first seem to be a sequence of five photographs, but when examined closely are revealed as meticulous drawings. Fine steel blade etchings into the processed emulsion of photographic paper capture fateful events in the shifting identity of a white South African male from birth to old age. The works evoke thoughts of patriarchy and pose questions around our perceptions of masculinity and the passage of time. Aside from hosting TRANSITIONS, Spier has played a significant role in its manifestation through the ongoing support of Emmanuel while he created the works. Emmanuel is currently working on a suite of maniere noire lithographs which will be launched at the end of 2010.

Wine and dine your loved one on Valentine's Day Romance your loved one on Valentine's Day with a five-course dinner at the Spier Hotel restaurant. A welcome drink on arrival and a special gift are included in the price per person of R 275. Extend your romantic interlude with a stay at the Spier Hotel. For reservations telephone 021 809 1100.