SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY

S2 E17: Father's Day the Slow Living Way

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.

S2 E16: Discover Sabi Sabi Collection's New Luxury Safari Offering, Sandringham

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/

S2 E15: An Authentic Review of Cyra Restaurant with Chef Candice Philip

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

S2 E14: New Experiences at Vergenoegd Löw

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/

S2 E13: How To Celebrate Mother's Day This Year

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: info@fotb.co.za 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/