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

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/

S2 E12: How to Taste Wine Differently - Slowing Down and Noticing More

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 [https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/ ] Instagram: instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay [https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/] Facebook: facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay [https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/] Pinterest: za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay [https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/] YouTube: youtube.com/@suitcasechardonnay301 [https://www.youtube.com/@suitcasechardonnay301] Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6XXIou1sPgmApP4M2u2eUX?si=11de3a3b55034713 ]

S2 E11: A Different Lens On Fashion Trends This Winter

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 [https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/ ] Instagram: @suitcaseandchardonnay [https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay ] Facebook: suitcaseandchardonnay [https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ ] Pinterest: suitcaseandchardonnay [https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ ] YouTube: youtube.com/@suitcasechardonnay301 [https://www.youtube.com/@suitcasechardonnay301 ] Spotify: SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY [https://open.spotify.com/show/6XXIou1sPgmApP4M2u2eUX?si=d86220e5f8b4428e ]