The sixth bi-annual De Wet Family’s Celebration of Chardonnay was a not-to-be-missed affair.  As far as wine events goes all stops were pulled out and this was a celebration to beat all celebrations.  Not too much technical info and detailed analysis this year.  Instead The Romance of Chardonnay was chosen as the theme and attendees were romanced by Jay McInerney‘s seductive Chardonnay vocab, the blue and white tableware and whimsical delft flower arrangements.  This followed through to the artistically plated gourmet courses presented by Johnny Hamman of the Slippery Spoon Kitchen.  The romance threaded from one glass of exquisite Chardonnay to another. Wine was linked to famous celebrities –  from voluptuous Marilyn Monroe, the fragile Twiggy to classy South African-born actress Charlize Theron.  It was explained that as far as Chardonnay goes THIN IS IN.  Ripeness to be avoided and anorexic descriptions are the order of the day.

Every great party needs an award and in true celebration style the Golden Vine Award, handed to a chef that plays a role in pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence, was awarded to Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen.  The first South African chef to receive a Michelin star.

The De Wet family again celebrated Chardonnay for the superstar it is.  An enigma wrapped in mystery.  An enigma that transcends the site from which it springs.  That is Chardonnay.