Today’s episode is extra special - and a little more personal - because I’m joined by someone who knows every detour, every passport stamp, and every packed-and-repacked suitcase of this journey… my husband, Wikus Engelbrecht.

Whether chasing sunsets with our children or navigating lost luggage and tiny rental cars, travel has a way of revealing what really matters. And often, it’s not the destination - it’s the people you share it with.

So, in this episode, we’re swapping stories, asking big (and slightly uncomfortable) questions and reflecting on how travel has shaped not just the way we see the world, but the way we see each other and our family.

Wondering how to style a jersey fashionably this winter? In this episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, Renate Engelbrecht dives into the timeless world of knitwear, guiding you through how to style your favourite wool or natural fibre jersey for the Autumn/Winter 2025 season.

If you're ready to embrace slow fashion, sustainable styling and conscious wardrobe choices, this episode is your winter style guide!

In This Episode:

• Why a jersey is the ultimate capsule wardrobe staple

• 5 outfit ideas for styling your knitwear

• Tips on textures, tones, layering and accessories

• How to elevate your winter look with wool, mohair, and other natural fibres

• Upcoming talk details for the Karoo Winter Wool Festival

Mentioned in This Episode:

• SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY blog: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za

• Follow on Instagram: @suitcaseandchardonnay

• Book tickets to the Karoo Winter Wool Festival talks: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/310029-2025-karoo-winter-wool-festival/#/

• Subscribe to the podcast for weekly fashion, travel, food, wine & lifestyle content

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, I sit down with children’s book author, illustrator and publishing powerhouse Kelly Kaschula – the creative force behind the Brave Kids series: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers. With Volume 3 that launched on June 3, 2025, Kelly shares the story behind this global anthology project that brings together authors from around the world to empower children through storytelling.

In this episode we explore the magic of meaningful stories, the importance of sparking brave conversations between parents and kids, and how books can become life tools for navigating today’s modern world. Kelly gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how Brave Kids was born, why courage and kindness matter more than ever, and what readers can expect from the newest volume of short stories designed to uplift, educate and inspire young minds.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, storyteller or simply someone who believes in the power of children’s literature, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered and ready to raise a generation of world-changers.

Topics Kelly and I cover in our conversation:

• Why brave storytelling matters

• The global reach of Brave Kids

• How short stories can build emotional resilience in kids

• The creative process behind writing and illustrating for children

• What to expect from Brave Kids, Volume 3

Tune in for a beautiful, story-rich conversation that will reignite your love for books and the brave little readers they’re written for.

Find more information about the latest addition to the Brave Kids Series here: https://www.kjkaschula.com/

Find SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY on https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/

*Because of the fact that Kelly was in France during the time of the interview, this episode was recorded via Zoom. Hence, the sound quality might not always be 100%.

Gaynor Neill from Cruise Vacations sits down with host, Renate Engelbrecht, sharing some must-know insights about luxury cruising. If you’re a sun-seeker keen on escaping the South African winter, this episode is for you! At the same time, snow-seekers will also walk away with some handy tips from this episode, so hit play and start planning your next adventure!

Website: https://www.cruise-vacations.co.za/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruisevacationssa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cruisevacationssa

Having been on various safari experiences, here are my tips, tricks and suggestions on what to pack for safari.

#safaristyle #safari #packing #travel #outfitideas #whattopack #suitcaseandchardonnay

When filming wildlife, a whole new way of 'going on safari' unfolds. Here, in the Timbavati, you get to see the bush from a whole new perspective with the expert guidance of Too Wild, based at Amaya Lodge. Apart from staying in pure quiet luxury, you get to slow down on safari, but on a whole new level. You get to take in all the beauty of the bush - from every hue of an African sunrise to the detail of an elephant's lashes.

Wikus and I visited Amaya Lodge and spent time with the wildlife film school's students as they neared the end of their course. We also got to learn some valuable filming tips along the way and can highly recommend staying at the beautiful lodge, whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a traveller in search of a different kind of safari.

https://toowild.co/amaya/

Today, we're diving into South Africa's Secret Season - that magical window from May to September when the bushveld comes alive in unexpected ways. Think crisp mornings, golden sunsets and wildlife congregating around waterholes. Visiting safari lodges during the Secret Season has its perks. The cooler temperatures mean more active wildlife during the day and the sparse vegetation offers unobstructed views. Also, rates are often more favourable during this time of the year. 

In this episode, we'll explore safari destinations (and others) perfect for this season. I’ve chosen destinations I’ve been to before, but also one or two of my bucket list destinations…

More information on the destinations mentioned in this podcast in the links below:

- Safari Plains

- TAU Game Lodge

- 5 Reasons why TAU Game Lodge boasts the best family safari

- A luxury safari with kids: Recharging at TAU

- Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

- Monwana

- Nkasa Linyanti

- Samara Karoo Reserve

- Wine in the Wildnerness - Samara Karoo Reserve

- De Hoop Collection

- Wildehondekloof Game Reserve

Also read more about De Zeekoe Guest Farm, also part of Cape Country Routes.

We’re joined by a truly inspiring South African: One of the two braai kings of Kokkedoor Vuur & Vlam — Lourens Engelbrecht. Together with his braai partner, Johan de Villiers from the boutique winery, Klein Roosboom, they took home the end prize, wowed the judges and stole the hearts of viewers across the country — and Lourens took time off from his busy schedule to tell us all about it!

Watch the second season of Kokkedoor Vuur & Vlam on DStv Catch Up.

Subscribe to SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY's weekly newsletter.

Subscribe to SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY's WhatsApp channel.

#SuitcaseAndChardonnay #SouthAfricanTalent #PodcastInterview #FoodEntrepreneurs #CulinaryCreatives #VuurEnVlam #BraaiLegends #FoodCulture #SouthAfricanFlavours #SlowFoodMovement #BraaiInspo

We dive into the golden glow of autumn and the wines that are perfect for sipping through the season. I’m joined by a guest who truly understands flavour, balance and the beauty of a good pour - Moses Magwaza. Moses is the sommelier at Prosopa Restaurant, one of Pretoria and South Africa’s finest Greek restaurants.

SHOW NOTES

GIVEAWAY:

You can WIN a Winemakers Lunch for two at the Rust en Vrede Tasting Room just outside of Stellenbosch. To enter:

1. Visit my Instagram page @suitcaseandchardonnay and find the giveaway post.

2. In the comments section, give the wine-inspired image a catchy caption.

3. Be sure to also add the hashtag #SuitcaseAndChardonnay after your caption and,

4. Tag a friend whom you’d like to take for lunch.

The competition closes on 31 May 2025 and is valid to South African residents only. Travel costs to Rust en Vrede will be for your own account. Good luck!

WINE LINKS:

Learn more about Assyrtiko on www.wine-searcher.com

Learn more about Retsina on www.wine-searcher.com

OTHER WINES:

- Le Riche: www.leriche.co.za

- Illimis Cinsault: illimiswines.com

- Gabriëlskloof: gabrielskloof.co.za

- Stellenrust: www.stellenrust.co.za

- Stellenzicht: stellenzicht.com

- Allée Bleue: shop.alleebleue.co.za

- Marsanne / Rozanne blends: wineparadigm.com

MOSES' PERSONAL FAVOURITES:

Moses’ favourite wine to sip in his slippers - De Wetshof Bon Vallon: dewetshof.com

Moses’ favourite wine for fireside sipping – Saronsberg Provenance: saronsbergshop.com

Wines under R200 to stock up on, according to Moses:

1. Stellenzicht Cabernet Sauvignon: stellenzicht.com

2. Steenberg: steenbergfarm.com

3. Backsberg: www.backsberg.co.za

4. Diemersdal: diemersdal.co.za

Check out Steenberg’s new labels, which were recently launched, here:

https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/stunning-luxe-new-wine-labels-for-steenberg/

Learn more about Cinsault (and Pinot Noir) here:

https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/5-ways-to-better-understand-cinsaut-and-pinot-noir/

Don’t forget to check out the blog for an autumn wine roundup, easy pairing ideas, and even outfit inspiration for your next vineyard visit. You can find it all on www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za.

Subscribe, rate and share this episode with your fellow wine lovers. And as always, sip slow, travel often, and dress like you mean it.

My guest, Amanda Wiggill and I unpack all things skinny jeans (and other jeans), how to style them and which jeans you need to have in your wardrobe this season. This fashion podcast episode breaks it all down with pro styling tips,runway inspo and real-life outfit ideas. Perfect for lovers of lifestyle, fashion and capsule wardrobes.

In addition, you can WIN with Suitcase & Chardonnay and Pan Macmillan (competition closes at the end of May 2025). I am giving away some Brianna Wiest books to one lucky listener! Listen to the competition details at the end of this podcast and check out the link below:

https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/win-brianna-wiests-book-the-mountain-is-you-and-more/

Follow Suitcase & Chardonnay and Amanda Wiggill on Instagram:

@suitcaseandchardonnay

@amanda_wiggill