In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, we head into the Greater Kruger to discover the story behind a remarkable new chapter for the Sabi Sabi Collection.

Renate Engelbrecht chats to Jacques Smit, Marketing Manager of the Sabi Sabi Collection, about Sandringham Private Game Reserve – a former hunting reserve being transformed into a protected wilderness and luxury safari destination.

Jacques shares the vision behind the Sabi Sabi Collection, the importance of conservation and community upliftment, the restoration of the Sandringham landscape and what the future of responsible luxury travel could look like.

A conversation about safari, sustainability, regeneration and creating meaningful experiences that go beyond luxury.

VISIT SABI SABI COLLECTION ONLINE:

https://www.sabisabicollection.com/

SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY BLOG: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/

FOLLOW SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

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Wine doesn't always have to stay in the wine glass.

In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, Renate Engelbrecht chats to Groot Phesantekraal winemaker Richard Schroeder and Julian Short, aka The Flavourist, about their exciting collaboration bringing together the worlds of winemaking and mixology.

The duo has created a collection of cocktails using Groot Phesantekraal wines, with each creation offering a different perspective on the character and versatility of the estate’s wines.

With National Shiraz Day taking place on 21 August, Groot Phesantekraal’s restaurant is putting the spotlight on the Syrah Sour this month - a layered cocktail combining Irish whisky, honey, fresh lemon and a float of Groot Phesantekraal Syrah.

But behind this drink and the other cocktails they’ve created is a much bigger story: one of friendship, creativity and craftsmanship. Richard and Julian talk about their shared curiosity, the journey from vineyard to bar, and why respecting the integrity of the wine is at the heart of their collaboration.

We also chat about the inspiration behind the cocktail series and what’s coming next - including September’s refreshing Farmhouse Spritz, made with the estate’s MCC.

A conversation for wine lovers, cocktail enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys discovering a new way to experience South African wine.

VISIT GROOT PHESANTEKRAAL:

https://grootphesantekraal.co.za/

VISIT SIN+TAX BAR:

https://sintaxbar.com/

VISIT THE SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY BLOG:

https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/

FOLLOW SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

INSTAGRAM:

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FACEBOOK:

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PINTEREST:

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Welcome to SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY
01:44 – Meet Richard & Julian
03:48 – How the Collaboration Started
06:36 – Six Wines, Six Cocktails
08:30 – Inspiration from the Farm
10:00 – The Art of Creating a Wine Cocktail
16:48 – Flavour, Texture & Finish
17:22 – Making Wine Cocktails Accessible
19:42 – The Monthly Cocktail Experience
22:08 – Creating the Perfect Guest Experience
23:57 – Wine Meets the Cocktail Industry
28:24 – Why Wine Belongs in Cocktails
29:14 – Innovation in the Wine Industry
30:00 – Rethinking Wine & What's Next

Wine has an incredible way of bringing people together, and in this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, that's exactly what happened.

Recorded at the welcoming Prosopa Restaurant, I sit down with Etienne Louw, co-founder and winemaker of Orpheus & The Raven Wines, before enjoying a beautifully curated wine tasting paired with Prosopa's authentic Greek cuisine.

Etienne shares the inspiration behind the Orpheus & The Raven brand, the art of crafting exceptional South African wines, and why every bottle tells a story.

Whether you're passionate about wine tourism, looking for your next favourite bottle, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the labels, this conversation is one worth savouring.

In this episode:

🍷 The story behind Orpheus & The Raven Wines

🍇 South African winemaking and wine culture

🥂 Boutique wines and memorable tasting experiences

📍 Recorded at Prosopa Restaurant

If you enjoy conversations about travel, food, wine and slow living, don't forget to subscribe to SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, leave a review and share this episode with fellow wine lovers.

Find Orpheus & The Raven here:

https://www.orpheusandtheraven.com/

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

FOLLOW SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/

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Discover one of South Africa's most unforgettable marine adventures in this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY.

Wilfred Chivell, founder of Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai and Kleinbaai, shares how shark cage diving, whale watching and marine eco-tourism are helping fund world-class conservation efforts - from protecting African penguins on Dyer Island through the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary to educating younger generations on protecting our oceans and the marine animals that call it home.

Whether you're planning a Western Cape holiday, looking for unforgettable wildlife encounters, or are passionate about ocean conservation, this conversation offers an inspiring look at how travel can make a lasting difference.

Find Marine Dynamics here: https://www.marinedynamics.co.za/

Find SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY here:

Blog: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/

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

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

Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Introduction: Adventures with Marine Dynamics

01:48 – Meet Wilfred Chivell & Marine Dynamics

03:05 – How Marine Dynamics Began

05:19 – Tourism Funding Marine Conservation

06:15 – The Challenges Facing South Africa's Oceans

08:12 – Inspiring Ocean Conservation Through Tourism

10:58 – Teaching Children to Protect Marine Life

12:54 – Why the Next Generation Gives Hope

15:08 – Leaving a Better Ocean for Future Generations

17:42 – Shark Cage Diving & Whale Watching in Gansbaai

18:15 – The Story of the Stranded Fin Whale

20:13 – Why Everyone Should Experience Whale Watching

21:18 – Final Thoughts: Travel That Protects the Ocean

What happens when fashion, art, architecture and one of South Africa's oldest natural fibres come together?

In this special episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, recorded during the Karoo Winter Wool Festival 2026, we step inside Wool World: Karoo Kraal - an immersive exhibition curated by Viviers Studio and Hoven Design.

More than an exhibition, Wool World: Karoo Kraal is a celebration of South African wool, craftsmanship, innovation and storytelling. Inspired by the vast Karoo landscape, the exhibition explores the remarkable journey of wool - from the sheep grazing across the Karoo plains to the skilled hands of farmers, shearers, designers and artisans who transform this extraordinary natural fibre into timeless fashion, interiors and contemporary design.

In this episode, we explore:

• The inspiration behind Wool World: Karoo Kraal

• Why South African wool is considered one of the world's most sustainable luxury fibres

• The intersection of fashion, architecture and interior design

• The importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovation

• How natural fibres are shaping the future of sustainable fashion

• Why supporting local artisans and South African design matters more than ever

• The stories woven into every thread of wool

Whether you're passionate about slow fashion, ethical design, interiors, South African creativity or simply love discovering the people and stories behind beautiful things, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of sustainable luxury.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who loves fashion, design and meaningful travel.

Follow SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY for inspiring conversations about travel, fashion, food, wine, sustainability and slow living:

BLOG: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/

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#KarooWinterWoolFestival #SouthAfricanDesign #SustainableFashion #NaturalFibres #SouthAfricanWool #SlowFashion #ViviersStudio #HovenDesign #WoolWorld #SuitcaseAndChardonnay

Can you make your wardrobe look younger and more stylish without buying anything new?

In this episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, we're exploring how to embrace modern style while staying true to the principles of slow fashion, conscious consumption and timeless dressing.

Rather than chasing every new trend, we'll discover how thoughtful styling, quality natural fibres, clever layering and carefully chosen accessories can completely transform the clothes you already own. From linen shirts and merino wool knits to vintage treasures, statement shoes and colourful accessories, this episode is packed with practical styling tips to help you create a wardrobe that feels fresh, effortless and authentically you.

We'll also chat about why investing in natural fibres, supporting ethical fashion brands and shopping more intentionally are shaping the future of fashion - and why true style has never been about owning more, but about wearing what you own with confidence.

In this episode, we'll cover:

• How to refresh your wardrobe without buying new clothes

• The power of natural fibres and timeless wardrobe staples

• Easy styling tricks that instantly modernise an outfit

• The latest colour, shoe and accessory trends

• Why layering and proportion make all the difference

• How vintage and pre-loved fashion add personality

• Building a wardrobe around slow fashion and conscious consumption

• Supporting ethical fashion and South African craftsmanship

Whether you're a minimalist, a fashion enthusiast, or simply looking to shop more mindfully, this episode will inspire you to see your wardrobe with fresh eyes and embrace style that lasts beyond the seasons.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes that fashion should be beautiful, intentional and made to last.

Follow SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY for more conversations about lifestyle, travel, fashion, food, wine and slow living.

What does it take to stand on top of the world?

In this inspiring episode of Suitcase & Chardonnay, I sit down with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Impilo Collection and the Impilo Foundation, Angela Yeung, to discuss her extraordinary journey to the summit of Mount Everest.

A year after reaching the world's highest peak, Angela reflects on the physical, emotional, and mental challenges of spending 50 days on the mountain, what she learned about resilience, leadership, and perseverance, and how the experience transformed her both personally and professionally.

But this climb was about far more than conquering Everest. Through her foundation, Angela used every step of her journey to raise awareness and support for survivors of gender-based violence, turning one of the world's greatest adventures into a powerful mission for change.

In this episode, we explore:

• What inspired Angela to climb Mount Everest

• The realities of spending 50 days on the mountain

• The mindset required to overcome seemingly impossible challenges

• Leadership lessons from the world's highest peak

• How Everest changed her perspective on life and business

• The importance of purpose-driven entrepreneurship

• The story behind One Metre, One Bra

• The work of the Impilo Foundation in supporting survivors of gender-based violence

• Why resilience is built one step at a time

Recorded in the beautiful gardens of Kleinkaap Boutique Hotel, this conversation is a reminder that the greatest summits in life are often climbed in service of something bigger than ourselves.

Pour yourself a glass of Chardonnay and join us for a conversation about courage, purpose, and the power of taking the next step.

Follow Angela on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/impilo/

Visit Kleinkaap Boutique Hotel:

https://kleinkaap.co.za/

#MountEverest #AngelaYeung #SuitcaseAndChardonnay #WomenWhoInspire #AdventureTravel #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #GenderBasedViolenceAwareness #SouthAfricanWomen #InspirationalPodcast

In a world that often celebrates busy itineraries, packed schedules, and ticking destinations off a bucket list, a growing number of travellers are seeking something different. They're craving slower, more immersive journeys that allow them to be fully present, savour each moment, and experience destinations in a more meaningful way. It's a movement that's closely aligned with the rise of the Blue Health travel trend — the growing recognition that spending time in, on, or near water can have profound benefits for our mental wellbeing, stress levels, and overall sense of happiness.

For years there's been a perception that sailing holidays are reserved for experienced sailors, ultra-luxury travellers, or those with extensive maritime knowledge, but the reality is that it is far more accessible than you think — and far more exciting!

Imagine waking up to a different view every morning, swimming in crystal-clear bays before breakfast, exploring hidden coves that larger tourist groups never reach, and spending uninterrupted time with family and friends while disconnecting from the constant noise of everyday life. Sailing offers a unique opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and embrace travel at a gentler pace.

Today, we're diving into this fascinating world with Nicci Welgemoed from Sunsail. We'll be unpacking the realities of modern sailing holidays, exploring why they're becoming increasingly popular among experience-led travellers, and discovering how sailing can offer one of the most authentic forms of slow travel available today.

Visit Sunsail here:

https://www.sunsail.com/

Visit the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY blog here:

https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/

With Father's Day just around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about something that often gets lost in the rush of gift buying and restaurant bookings — creating meaningful memories with the fathers and father figures in our lives. Because, often the moments we remember most are not the expensive gifts. They're the conversations, the shared experiences, and the feeling of being fully present.

Have you heard of the latest luxury safari offering under the Sabi Sabi Collection? Once a hunting ground, Sandringham is now protected for wildlife conservation, with its camps opening in August this year! In this episode, I chat to Managing Director, Rod Windham, about this exciting extension of the Sabi Sabi Collection.

From this interview, you’ll see why this piece of wilderness along the Timbavati River is worth looking into for your next safari adventure!

Sandringham comes as a welcome addition to the collection’s Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp, Selati Camp and Earth Lodge, as well as The Claremont Boutique Hotel in Cape Town, which is where Rod and I sat down for this interview.

Follow Sandringham and the Sabi Sabi Collection here:

Sandringham on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandringhamreserve/

Sabi Sabi Collection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabisabi_collection/

Website: https://www.sabisabi.com/