Jetsetting with Janet

Pieter has amassed over 20 years of experience across the entire wine industry, beginning in the vineyards where he established strong relationships with the best grape suppliers in South Africa. In the cellar, Pieter has produced a multitude of trophy-winning wines, both locally and on the largest international stages. His expertise spans all wine styles, from low-alcohol white wines and sparkling wines to Méthode Cap Classique (MCC), blockbuster reds, and even noble late harvest wines.

Pieter has collaborated with world-class suppliers of yeast, barrels, and other essential materials, earning their respect and forming strong professional ties. His marketing and sales efforts have taken him across South Africa, from north to south and from west to east, where he has presented numerous tastings. His international travels have taken him into four other African countries, to seven of the biggest cities in America, four in Canada, and even to Dubai. These journeys have exposed him to a wide array of people, enabling him to adapt his approach depending on diverse cultural backgrounds and preferences. These experiences have broadened his horizons and enhanced his understanding of consumers, clients, and people in general.

Pieter has earned over 40 Gold and Double Gold Veritas medals, was a finalist in the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year, and has won multiple Top 10 awards for Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot, and Noble Late Harvest. Lastly, the cherry on top was being included in the list of Top 100 Winemakers in the world for 2024 by Drinks Business Magazine. Pieter values his ability to connect with people and the relational capital that he has built up over the years.

After matriculating in 1998, he enrolled for a four-year Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Stellenbosch, specializing in oenology and viticulture. Straight after graduating, he was appointed as Nederburg’s assistant winemaker in 2003, working under the guidance of cellar master at the time, Razvan Macici, and Winemaker Andrea Freeborough. Gifted winemakers whom Pieter still admire for their contagious passion and dedication to the Wine industry.

In between, he managed to squeeze in some harvest seasons in Germany and France, equipping him with valuable experience and a chance to further hone his winemaking skill. At the end of 2023, he decided to spread his wings and start his own multi-faceted company, where he can live out his enormous passion for wine and people.

Ariya Wines

On 25 August 2025, Lynn Naidoo reached a powerful milestone in South Africa's wine landscape. As the first Indian woman in the country to establish her own wine label, she is gently challenging the boundaries of representation while celebrating the richness of the land.

This label is a broader statement of inclusion and progress within an industry steeped in tradition. Ariya represents not just a wine, but a movement towards a more diverse and inclusive future for South African winemaking.

Named after Lynn Naidoo's daughter, Ariya is an intimate expression of legacy. It serves as a timeless symbol of courage, perseverance, and hope—a reminder that the dreams we nurture today become the legacies of tomorrow

It is a reminder to my daughter, and to women everywhere, that resilience shapes legacy and dreams are meant to be realized

Catching up with Toberin from Artscape. We chat about all upcoming and current productions at Artscape. Be sure to book your tickets.

Gastronomy: Where Food Becomes an Experience

Food has always been more than something we eat. It tells stories, connects communities and gives us a deeper understanding of the places we visit.

This is where gastronomy comes in.

Gastronomy explores the relationship between food, culture, people and place. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative chefs redefining contemporary cuisine, every plate offers an opportunity to discover something about a destination and its people.

For travellers, gastronomy has become an important part of the journey. A destination is no longer experienced only through its landmarks and attractions — it is also experienced through its flavours, local markets, restaurants, producers, chefs and culinary traditions.

South Africa is particularly rich in this regard. Our diverse cultural heritage has created a food landscape that is as colourful and complex as the country itself. Indigenous ingredients, traditional cooking methods, Cape Malay influences, African culinary traditions, international influences and modern South African cuisine all contribute to a constantly evolving gastronomic identity.

At Jetsetting with Janet, we believe that some of the most meaningful travel experiences happen around a table. Whether it is discovering a hidden culinary gem, meeting a passionate chef, tasting locally produced ingredients or sharing a meal with new people, food has the ability to transform a simple outing into a lasting memory.

Our approach to gastronomy is therefore about experience over consumption. It is about understanding the story behind the dish, celebrating the people who create it and connecting food with the destination in which it is enjoyed.

Gastronomy also creates opportunities to support local communities and businesses. When travellers choose locally owned restaurants, visit producers, attend culinary experiences or purchase regional products, they contribute to an ecosystem that extends far beyond the dining table.

Ultimately, gastronomy reminds us that travel is about more than seeing a destination.

It is about tasting it, experiencing it and connecting with the people who bring it to life.

And sometimes, the best way to remember a place is through a flavour

Cape Town-based Unmute Dance Theatre is taking South African inclusive dance to an international stage when it joins the prestigious WOMAD Cape Town 2026 programme this September, presenting a new collaborative choreographic work inspired by the enduring legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The company will perform a dance piece, United 4 Humanity Peace Concert at Artscape Theatre on Saturday, 19 September at 20h00, alongside an exceptional line-up of South African and international artists. The performance forms part of this year’s WOMAD commemoration of Archbishop Tutu and his lifelong commitment to peace, equality, justice and human dignity.

For Unmute, the invitation represents more than an opportunity to perform at an iconic international festival. It is a significant moment for inclusive contemporary dance and for placing disabled artists and their creative voices firmly within the global cultural conversation.

The company will premiere a 12-minute choreographic work, directed and choreographed by Sasha Fourie, with performances by Nadine McKenzie, Sasha Fourie and Andile Vellem. The work is being created in collaboration with Dyskinetic, a UK-based disabled-led arts collective supported by the UK High Commission, whose original music, rooted in cutting-edge technology and creative expression that challenge ableism, amplify disabled voices, and reimagine accessibility as a source of power will form the soundscape for the performance.

Rather than attempting to recreate or dramatise Archbishop Tutu’s life, Unmute’s work takes a more considered approach, exploring the ideas, values and moral questions that shaped his public legacy.

At its heart, the choreography considers what it means to possess a moral compass as a nation; to stand firmly against inequality while retaining compassion; and to become a symbol of freedom without losing sight of humanity. “Archbishop Tutu’s legacy is not simply a story from our past. It continues to ask us difficult questions about how we live with one another, how we respond to injustice and what it means to choose compassion,” says Nadine Mckenzie, Director Unmute Dance Theatre.

“Through movement, we are interested in exploring those questions rather than recreating a person. The work allows the audience to encounter these ideas through the bodies, experiences and perspectives of our performers.”

Catching up with Toberin from Artscape. We take a look into what is currently on, be sure to book your tickets for all upcoming productions.

Zilé de Kock is the Executive Marketing Manager of Marine Dynamics and has been a driving force behind the company’s global tourism and conservation marketing efforts since 2005. Originally from Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape, she has become a well-known ambassador for marine ecotourism in South Africa, building strong relationships with international travel agents, tourism organizations, and conservation partners worldwide. Zilé is recognized for promoting sustainable tourism experiences that connect visitors with marine conservation and responsible travel.

Marine Dynamics Shark & Whale Tours is an internationally recognized, award-winning marine ecotourism company based in Gansbaai, South Africa. Founded in 2000 by conservationist Wilfred Chivell, the company specializes in shark cage diving, whale watching, Marine Big 5 tours, and marine conservation experiences. Marine Dynamics is widely respected for combining responsible tourism with education, research, and conservation initiatives that help protect sharks, whales, African penguins, and other marine wildlife.

Aerotel Hoedspruit is South Africa’s only aircraft hotel, offering a truly unique luxury travel experience in the heart of the Lowveld. Located at Zandspruit Bush & Aero Estate, the hotel features beautifully converted Boeing aircraft, including a Boeing 737-200 and a former presidential Boeing 727. Guests can sleep in stylish aircraft cabins while enjoying breathtaking bushveld and Drakensberg views, with experiences including cockpit access, poolside relaxation and unforgettable wing sundowners.

Catching up with Toberin from Artscape. We discuss all the exciting shows coming up at Artscape. Be sure to book your tickets.

Praisey Dlamini is the visionary founder of Adama Wines, a proudly South African wine brand rooted in passion, purpose and a celebration of African excellence. Through Adama Wines, Praisey is creating memorable wine experiences while showcasing the richness and diversity of South Africa’s wine culture.

Catching up with Toberin from artscape. We chat about all the exciting upcoming shows at Artscape. Be sure to book your tickets for Mamma Mia.