Today on SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, I’m joined by one of the world’s most influential voices in wine - Tim Atkin, Master of Wine. Tim is a UK-based wine journalist with an international following, contributing to publications like Harpers and Decanter, while also running his own award-winning website, timatkin.com. Beyond his writing, he’s also an accomplished photographer, with work published in The Guardian and exhibited across the globe.

Over the course of his career, Tim has been recognised with countless awards - from the Glenfiddich Wine Writer Award to the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s Communicator of the Year. He has judged wines in every corner of the world, co-chairs the International Wine Challenge and is widely respected for his sharp, witty and sometimes controversial takes on the industry.

It’s a true honour to welcome him to the podcast today, to talk about wine, travel, storytelling and the global connections that flow from a single glass.

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In this episode, I sit down with Graham Beck - top South African sparkling wine producer and recent repeat winner in the Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report.

My guest is none other than their COO, Pieter Ferreira and we touch on why we'll always choose bubbly for celebrations.

With Graham Beck being the Sparkling Wine of the Year 2025, it's only natural that we also dive into two of their latest releases. If you're looking for a luxury South African wine, this award-winning winery - which focuses solely on Cap Classique and continuously pursues the perfect bubble - has the ideal bubbly for celebrations!

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In this episode (recorded on Zoom with time difference, so excuse the sometimes dodgy sound), I welcome Dr. Eyal Levit - a dermatologist, but now also author of a children's book, to the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast.

We dive straight into the importance of parents and children reading books together for opportunities to discuss the narrative, as well as the inspiration behind the book.

The book - The King's Race - follows the journey of a young horse called Spots, and highlights the ebb and flow of life and the lessons we learn from it beautifully.

Soon to be launched, The King's Race is a wonderful gift for those Christmas stockings (yes, we're talking Christmas already!) and a great opportunity for parents and children to spend quality time together.

Under the lifestyle side of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY brand, you would have noticed that I am very serious about approaching life at a slower pace and teaching (and allowing) your children to do the same. Books can make this process very easy and The King's Race definitely deserves a spot in your family's children's book collection. It's right up there with books like The Little Prince, teaching lessons through storytelling and subtly opening up conversations around topics like kindness, hardship, friendship and grit.

To learn more about Dr. Eyal Levit, visit levitdermatology.com or follow him on Instagram:  ⁨@levitdermatology1939⁩ 

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Welcome back to SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY — the podcast where lifestyle, travel, fashion, food and wine come together.

In today’s episode, I’m taking you to the vibrant heart of Johannesburg, where Rosebank’s hospitality scene gets elevated at Hyde Hotel Rosebank. I’m joined by Jess Redinger, the General Manager of this stylish urban hotel, to talk about everything Hyde Hotel has to offer following its rebrand — from luxury hotel packages in Johannesburg to its chic in-house restaurant, Proud Mary, and curated tasting room experiences at NPF Tasting Room Rosebank.

We dive into what makes Hyde Hotel Rosebank a must-visit destination for business and leisure travelers, but also for families, and we explore how the rebrand is redefining boutique accommodation in Rosebank.

Listen out for insider details on special offers, dining highlights and lifestyle experiences that make this hotel stand out in Johannesburg’s competitive hospitality scene.

Whether you’re planning a city staycation in Johannesburg, a business trip in Rosebank or simply looking for unique food and wine experiences in Joburg, this conversation will give you plenty of reasons to add Hyde Hotel Rosebank to your travel list.

Visit Hyde Hotel Rosebank's website here.

Read more about our family's experience at Hyde Hotel Rosebank here.

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Welcome to Episode 20 of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY Podcast!

In this milestone episode, recorded at the breathtaking new Saxon Spa Steyn City, I sit down with Spa Manager Tanya Lopes to uncover the story behind this serene sanctuary.

We talk about:

- The inspiration behind the spa’s interiors

- The meaningful themes woven into each treatment room

- Unique offerings and curated products designed to transport you away from city buzz

- How wellness and intentional living come together in this one-of-a-kind space

And yes — if you’re watching on YouTube or Spotify, you’ll notice a softer, calmer side of me: no make-up, my favourite blush H&M cardigan and that unmistakable post-spa glow after a blissful body scrub and massage.

This episode is extra special, not just because of the tranquil setting, but because it marks a milestone 20th episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast. 🥂

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more conversations on intentional living, travel, fashion, food, wine and wellness.

📩 Join the community by signing up for the newsletter here.

🌍 Explore the Saxon Spa Steyn City and their incredible treatments here.

💻 Dive into more lifestyle, travel, fashion, food and wine stories on the blog.

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Cheers to intentional living and celebrating life’s layered luxuries!

In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, I sit down with world-renowned adventurer, author, speaker and ocean conservationist, Chris Bertish - a man who has redefined what’s possible on the water and in life.

Fresh off the launch of his ambitious TransCat Expedition: Oceans Without Borders, Chris shares the story behind his bold decision to sail 100 nautical miles into the Pacific before making the tough call to turn back. Instead of seeing this as a setback, he reframed it as an opportunity: to strengthen his vessel, refine his strategy and return stronger, safer and more impactful than ever in 2026.

From surfing Mavericks in California, to paddling solo across the Atlantic, to becoming the first person to wing foil across the Pacific, Chris’ life is filled with record-breaking achievements. But what truly inspires is his mindset - his ability to face adversity, pivot when needed and transform challenges into opportunities for growth and purpose.

In our conversation, we explore:

• The lessons Chris has learned from the ocean about resilience, courage and adaptability.

• Why postponing the TransCat Expedition was an act of strength, not defeat.

• The powerful link between adventure, innovation and ocean conservation.

• How to reframe life’s obstacles into opportunities for greater impact.

This episode isn’t just about sailing or records - it’s about perspective, resilience and choosing to live bravely.

Learn more about Chris Bertish and the TransCat Expedition: chrisbertish.com

Follow Chris on Instagram: @chrisbertish

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Today's guest's story is as soul-stirring as it is strategy-rich. She's an International Master Life and Business Coach, a sought-after keynote speaker and the bestselling author of a powerful new book, The Truth Within The Lie. She also has her own podcast: The Dana Grant Show.

Dana Grant has lived, lost, rebuilt and risen. From battling chronic illness to building the multimillion-dollar brand Cali’Flour Foods; from being named Chico’s Entrepreneur of the Year two years in a row to leading transformational retreats across Europe - she has not just walked the talk… she’s redefined the path! And, today she’s here to speak truth, shed light and ignite that soul-level potential that exists in every single one of us.

Whether you’re craving deeper alignment, bold reinvention or simply a new way of seeing your own story - you’re going to want to lean in for this one…

Featured on this podcast episode:

Dana Grant

The Dana Grant Show

SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY

If you’ve ever needed a reason to pause, to wander, to witness the earth in celebration - this is it. The Namaqua Flower Camp is a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life don’t last forever. And that’s exactly what makes them unforgettable.

In this episode, we’re talking about Namaqualand in wildflower season and, more specifically, the Namaqua Flower Beach Camp - an immersive, off-the-grid luxury experience brought to life by the extraordinary team at Chiefs Tented Camps.

Joining me is Lysta Stander, co-founder and Executive Director of SA Experiences - also known in the industry as Chiefs Tented Camps. We uncover the magic behind a camp that is erected, like clockwork, just once a year - set against the thunderous beauty of wildflowers that perform only for those who time it just right.

For more information, visit their website.

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In this episode, we head back to the Karoo - where winter style, creativity and community recently came together in the most unexpected and inspiring way at the annual Karoo Winter Wool Festival.

I catch up with the three creative forces behind the acclaimed Wool World exhibition - fashion designer Lezanne Viviers of Viviers Studio, and the visionary design duo, Justus and Nisha van der Hoven from Hoven Design.

Together, they transformed wool into a sensory journey of architecture, fashion, storytelling and sustainable design - rooted deeply in the Karoo’s rich cultural and agricultural landscape.

We talk slow fashion, creative process, design that tells a story, and what it really means to create with intention. So, pour a glass of red, snuggle into your favourite wool layer, and let’s dive into the textured world of Wool World.

Links to all mentioned in this episode:

Karoo Winter Wool Festival

Viviers Studio

Hoven Design

SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY

*This episode is brought to you by Pecanwood Estate, a gated golf and lifestyle estate that allows for wellness, balance and peaceful community living near Johannesburg.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking about escaping the city lifestyle and wondered what your life might look like when you live in a gated lifestyle estate in South Africa, this episode’s for you.

In today’s fast-paced world, more and more South Africans are seeking a different rhythm – one rooted in intention, nature, community and safety. As I stepped into Pecanwood Estate’s Boathouse Restaurant for this episode’s conversation with Shoni Makhari, one of the estate’s directors, I was instantly transported to the Seychelles’ capital, Mahe. While there is no ocean at this peaceful estate near Johannesburg, there certainly is enough water to give it a similar feel and the incredible calmness of the environment I stepped into at this family-friendly lifestyle estate was magical. In this episode, Shoni and I step into the gates of this estate - one of South Africa’s more established lifestyle estates - not just to find out about its offering and the benefits of living in a South African estate, but also to explore why choosing a modern estate lifestyle like this might be one of the most meaningful decisions for those craving a richer, more connected, slow lifestyle.

Visit Pecanwood Estate's website here: https://pecanwood.co.za/

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