In this episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, we step into the refined world of Cyra Restaurant at The Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg for an inspiring conversation with Executive Chef, Candice Philip.

Following an exceptional lunch experience, we chat about the artistry behind Cyra’s menu, the importance of storytelling through food, contemporary South African fine dining and how thoughtful hospitality shapes memorable dining experiences.

From flavour and seasonality to creativity and culinary identity, this episode offers a glimpse into one of Johannesburg’s most celebrated restaurant spaces.

Follow Cyra: Instagram: @cyra_restaurant

Step into a world where heritage, innovation and sensory storytelling meet in the heart of the Cape Winelands. In this episode, I’m taking you back to Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate to experience the estate’s exciting new offerings - from the beautifully refurbished Geuwels Restaurant and its comforting yet elevated winter menu, to the elegant Farm Tea experience served inside the historic Homestead.

We also explore the latest addition to the estate’s immersive Indigenous Tasting Experience: a thoughtfully curated non-alcoholic pairing that celebrates indigenous flavours in a completely new way.

This episode is a celebration of slow living, culinary creativity, wine country hospitality and the art of creating meaningful experiences that linger long after the final sip.

Whether you’re passionate about luxury travel, food experiences, wine estates, or discovering hidden gems in South Africa, this is an episode that will transport you straight to the vineyards.

BLOG POST ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS TASTING:

https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/tasting-the-seasons-in-every-sip-at-vergenoegd-low/

This Mother’s Day, lets' choose intention over expectation.

In this episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, we celebrate motherhood in all its forms - from traditional moms to mother figures and nurturers who show up with love every day.

You’ll discover a curated selection of Mother’s Day events across Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, including brunches, experiences and family-friendly outings, as well as thoughtful ideas for celebrating at home if plans are already fully booked.

We also explore a topic close to the heart: how to raise kind, compassionate children in a world that often moves too quickly. From teaching empathy to creating calm, intentional environments, this episode offers gentle inspiration for modern parenting.

If you love lifestyle, travel, fashion, food and wine - and meaningful conversations around intentional living - this episode is for you.

Read more on the blog: suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za

Follow along on social media @suitcaseandchardonnay

LINKS:

Mother's Day at The Forum:

https://www.dineplan.com/restaurants/the-forum-hyde-park

Tickets for the Magical Marble Family Fest:

https://magicalmarblefamilyfest.howler.co.za/organisers/20550

Find Mother's Day inspo at Le Parc:

https://www.instagram.com/leparc_sa/

Friends of the Ballet:

Booking is essential: call /whatsapp Yvonne: 083 539 5999 or email: [email protected]

Mother's Day at Royal Johannesburg:

https://www.instagram.com/royal_jhb_golf/

San Restaurant at Sandton Sun & Towers:

https://www.instagram.com/sandtonsuntowers/

Mother's Day at The Pullman Hotel:

https://www.instagram.com/pullmancapetown/

Mother's Day at Pigalle Cape Town:

https://www.instagram.com/pigallect/

Mother's Day at JOURNEY - Urchin Restaurant:

https://www.instagram.com/urchin_ct/

A belated Mother's Day at Brookdale Estate's Bistro:

www.brookdale-estate.com

Mother's Day at My Cousin Vinnie:

https://www.instagram.com/my_cousin_vinnie_deli/

Read more about My Cousin Vinnie on SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY:

https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/review-my-cousin-vinnie-an-authentic-eatery-with-sicilian-roots/

Mother's Day at Geet Indian Restaurant:

https://www.instagram.com/geet_indianrestaurant/

Mother's Day at Blos:

https://www.instagram.com/blos_cafe/

The Vox Chamber Choir Tickets:

https://www.heyzuva.com/event-details/glasmusiek-1

Mini Photo Sessions:

Blossom Moments Lifestyle Photography: https://www.instagram.com/blossommomentsphoto/

Stories of Willow Photography:

https://www.instagram.com/storiesofwillowphotography/

Latest Releases from Exclusive Books, perfect for a Mother's Day gift:

https://exclusivebooks.co.za/

Sunglass Hut:

https://za.sunglasshut.com/products/ray-ban/rb2223-8056262834466/

Blog post:

Raising Kind, Compassionate Kids in a Fast-Paced World: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/raising-gentle-humans-teaching-kids-compassion-kindness-and-sensitivity/

In this reflective episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, we explore the deeper stories behind wine through the lens of this month’s theme: 'Sensitive Souls See More.'

Host Renate Engelbrecht is joined by Mika Engelbrecht, winemaker at Neethlingshof Wine Estate, for a thoughtful conversation around the Short Story collection of wines -where each bottle captures more than just flavour, but emotion, memory and meaning.

Together, they unpack the art of noticing in winemaking, the role of intuition and sensitivity in the cellar, and how wine can become a powerful storyteller - holding moments, personal reflections and a sense of place.

This episode is perfect for listeners who enjoy:

• Wine podcasts and South African wine stories

• Lifestyle podcasts with a focus on slow living and mindful experiences

• Conversations around creativity, storytelling and craftsmanship

• Food and wine inspiration for autumn

Whether you’re a wine lover, a storyteller at heart, or simply someone learning to slow down and notice more, this episode invites you to experience wine in a more intentional, meaningful way.

FOLLOW SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY:

Blog: www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za

Instagram: instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay

Facebook: facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay

Pinterest: za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay

YouTube: youtube.com/@suitcasechardonnay301

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/

In this fashion episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, we explore this months' theme of “Sensitive Souls See More” through a thoughtful lens on Winter 2026 fashion trends, slow fashion and intentional style.

We unpack how fashion goes beyond what we wear - it’s about the textures, details and timeless pieces we’re drawn to, and how they make us feel. In a fast-paced world of ever-changing trends, choosing a more mindful approach to dressing - focusing on quality over quantity, cost per wear and sustainable fashion choices - becomes a powerful way to define your personal style.

Expect a curated Winter 2026 trend edit covering:

• Key fashion trends worth investing in
• What to skip this season
• How to build a timeless winter wardrobe
• The role of preloved fashion and conscious shopping

If you love luxury fashion, capsule wardrobes, seasonal styling tips and slow fashion in South Africa, this episode is for you.

BLOG POST ABOUT BEST BELTS FOR AW26:

https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/the-best-belts-for-aw26/

FOLLOW SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY:

Blog: suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za

Instagram: @suitcaseandchardonnay

Facebook: suitcaseandchardonnay

Pinterest: suitcaseandchardonnay

YouTube: youtube.com/@suitcasechardonnay301

Spotify: SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY

In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, my guest, Chris Nader and I take you to Paje Beach for a glimpse of the soon-to-be-launched ENVI Paje - a luxury lodge centred around well-being, nature and effortless escape.

Blending barefoot luxury with immersive experiences, this destination invites travellers to slow down, reconnect and experience travel in a more intentional way.

If you love travel podcasts, hospitality podcasts and luxury resort reviews, this episode offers a calming yet inspiring glimpse into one of Zanzibar’s most exciting new openings.

In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, we journey to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for an extraordinary conversation with the custodian of the lodge’s Vulture Culture experience.

Together, we explore the powerful role vultures play in Africa’s ecosystems, the importance of conservation-driven tourism, and what it means to witness one of nature’s most misunderstood species up close.

Set near the iconic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, this episode blends storytelling, sustainability and travel inspiration - offering a deeper look at how meaningful travel experiences can shape the way we see the world.

In this episode, we’re escaping to the quietly powerful beauty of the Overberg wine region, where cool-climate elegance meets thoughtful winemaking. I’m joined by winemaker and viticulturist, PJ Geyer of Thamnus Wines, and together, we explore the delicate artistry behind South African Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - two varietals that truly reward those who take the time to taste, feel, and experience.

This episode is the final episode under the theme, 'Good Things Take Time' - an invitation to discover the depth, nuance, and emotion behind what’s in your glass.

If you’re passionate about wine travel, boutique wineries, slow living, and discovering hidden gems in South Africa, you’re in the right place.

Don’t forget to:

Subscribe for more episodes on lifestyle, travel, fashion, food and wine

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Share with a fellow wine lover

Follow SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY on:

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

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

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

Have you ever bought something you loved… only to never wear it again?

In this reflective and deeply relatable episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, we’re opening the wardrobe door on the pieces that didn’t quite work out — and the ones that truly stood the test of time.

From impulse purchases and trend-driven buys to timeless wardrobe investments, this episode explores the quiet lessons fashion teaches us about patience, intention, and personal style.

Because the truth is, the most beautiful wardrobes — like the most beautiful experiences in life — are not built overnight. They’re built slowly. And always with intention.

In this episode:

• The reality behind impulse fashion purchases

• Why some trends don’t age well

• The pieces worth saving and investing in

• How to build a timeless, versatile wardrobe

• The power of slow fashion and intentional style

Join the Conversation

What’s a wardrobe purchase that taught you patience?

I’d love to hear your story — connect with me on social media or share your thoughts in the comments.

About the Podcast

SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY is a lifestyle podcast where style meets storytelling — exploring fashion, travel, food, wine, and the art of slow, intentional living.

Follow SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY on:

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

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

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

Good things take time. This SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast episode tells the story of a destination years in the making…

Today, we explore the upcoming Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari resort on the beautiful Dolphin Coast in KwaZulu-Natal. Developed by the Collins Group, this landmark project will introduce South Africa’s first high-end, all-inclusive holiday resort - combining Indian Ocean beachfront luxury with an exclusive Big Five safari experience.

My guest is Club Med South Africa’s Managing Director, Olivier Perillat-Piratoine and together, we talk about the inspiration behind this enormous development, how South African culture and design are woven into the resort experience, the role of sustainability and community partnerships, and what this project means for the future of luxury travel in South Africa.

If you love travel that blends nature, culture, gastronomy and thoughtful design, this is an episode you wouldn’t want to miss.

FOLLOW SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY:

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

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

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

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

FOLLOW CLUB MED SOUTH AFRICA:

Website: https://www.clubmed.co.za/

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

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