SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY

In this episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, Renate Engelbrecht sits down with Barnard Beukman, editor of Die Papier, to talk about the bold and timely launch of a brand-new Afrikaans print newspaper in a fast-moving digital world. What does “slow journalism” really mean today? Why does print still matter - and who is it for? And how do storytelling, culture and community intersect in...

Valentine’s Day is almost here… and sometimes the most beautiful moments aren’t the ones planned months in advance, but the ones created spontaneously - with intention, creativity and a few well-chosen luxuries. In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY , I share last-minute ideas to make Valentine’s Day feel beautiful and meaningful - from setting the mood at home and effortless fashion touche...

Luxury isn’t about price tags - it’s about intention, atmosphere and the small rituals that make everyday life feel beautiful. In this episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, we explore simple, affordable ways to turn your house into a home and romanticise your life through thoughtful details that don’t require a big budget. From creating quiet corners and sensory rituals to elevating yo...

This episode takes us into the heart of South Africa’s creative economy, because the things we wear, the objects we cherish, the spaces we curate, and the flavours we love all begin with a maker — a real human with a real story. And those stories are under threat. I’m joining you from the vibrant KAMERS/Makers market, a cornerstone of local craftsmanship and one of the most influential creative pl...

This episode is a little different… It’s just you and me, diving into the truth about working for yourself. Not the Instagram version, not the highlight reel — the real, layered, beautiful, messy, and wildly rewarding journey of building a creative business from scratch. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes, what no one tells you, or what I’ve learnt while juggling a blog, a podcast, a f...

The Taj Cape Town has a way of drawing one in, spoiling you to bits and then inspiring you to go out and explore. Its impressive façade is one that tells many a story of the Mother City, with the 5-star hotel occupying a building that used to be the South African Reserve Bank. I’ve stayed at this Taj Hotels property before, but following recent refurbishments of its rooms and suites, I couldn’t re...

Probably one of the most authentic ways in which to step back in time, Babylonstoren's Soetmelksvlei is a South African bucket list item like no other. This working farm - ultimately a living museum - showcases what farm life was like in the 19th century, allowing one to explore and learn more about various skills that have mostly been forgotten. From enjoying freshly baked roosterkoek and farm br...

Chef Michelle Theron from Vergenoegd Löw has come to understand the value of slowing down and now incorporates that into her approach when it comes to menu planning, plating and food and wine experiences. She explains that allowing the farm’s inner workings to dictate her pace has given her new perspective and she now sees things that might have previously gone unnoticed. In the end, it’s those th...

During a recent trip to Cape Town, one of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY host, Renate Engelbrecht's first stops was The Claremont. Many might not have heard of it yet, since it’s just opened its doors on the 1st of October 2025. Renate was lucky enough to be one of the firsts to experience the magic of this boutique hotel – a heritage building designed by architect, Magdalena Gertrude Sauer, who wa...

Jennifer Hugé is no stranger to South Africa’s service and beverage scene. In fact, she’s the Service & Beverage Director and one of South Africa’s top restaurant groups – FYN – and brings so much more than just a glass of wine to the table. SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY host, Renate Engelbrecht sat down with her recently, following a six-course meal at Beyond Restaurant, located at the beautiful...

Ever wondered what life looks like beyond the spotlight? In this honest and inspiring conversation, South African actress, entrepreneur and creative force, Leandie du Randt joins Renate Engelbrecht on the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY Podcast to talk about big life choices, travel, mindful living and embracing change. From how travel shapes her creativity, to her go-to destinations and drinks, Leandie...

Are you searching for ways to truly slow down? Perhaps you crave quiet moments, fewer distractions, and meaningful ways of getting to know yourself better. Too often, life feels too busy, too full – like an endless rat race. Many of us have unlearned the art of being alone with ourselves, while screens dominate our attention. But there’s hope – and sometimes it lies in stepping away. In this episo...

Executive Chef Pellie Grobler is no stranger to Pretoria’s culinary scene . He’s currently leading the team at SMOKE , a trendy food spot at The Village in the popular neighbourhood, Hazelwood . The Village is constantly evolving, with new restaurants popping up regularly and in this episode, Pellie shares his secret to staying relevant and top of mind while staying true to his roots. With South A...

Today on SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, I’m joined by one of the world’s most influential voices in wine - Tim Atkin, Master of Wine. Tim is a UK-based wine journalist with an international following, contributing to publications like Harpers and Decanter, while also running his own award-winning website, timatkin.com. Beyond his writing, he’s also an accomplished photographer, with work published in...

In this episode, I sit down with Graham Beck - top South African sparkling wine producer and recent repeat winner in the Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report. My guest is none other than their COO, Pieter Ferreira and we touch on why we'll always choose bubbly for celebrations. With Graham Beck being the Sparkling Wine of the Year 2025, it's only natural that we also dive into two of thei...

In this episode (recorded on Zoom with time difference, so excuse the sometimes dodgy sound), I welcome Dr. Eyal Levit - a dermatologist, but now also author of a children's book, to the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast. We dive straight into the importance of parents and children reading books together for opportunities to discuss the narrative, as well as the inspiration behind the book. Th...

Welcome back to SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY — the podcast where lifestyle, travel, fashion, food and wine come together. In today’s episode, I’m taking you to the vibrant heart of Johannesburg, where Rosebank’s hospitality scene gets elevated at Hyde Hotel Rosebank. I’m joined by Jess Redinger, the General Manager of this stylish urban hotel, to talk about everything Hyde Hotel has to offer followin...

Welcome to Episode 20 of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY Podcast! In this milestone episode, recorded at the breathtaking new Saxon Spa Steyn City , I sit down with Spa Manager Tanya Lopes to uncover the story behind this serene sanctuary. We talk about: - The inspiration behind the spa’s interiors - The meaningful themes woven into each treatment room - Unique offerings and curated products designe...

In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, I sit down with world-renowned adventurer, author, speaker and ocean conservationist, Chris Bertish - a man who has redefined what’s possible on the water and in life. Fresh off the launch of his ambitious TransCat Expedition: Oceans Without Borders, Chris shares the story behind his bold decision to sail 100 nautical miles into the Pacific before maki...

Today's guest's story is as soul-stirring as it is strategy-rich. She's an International Master Life and Business Coach, a sought-after keynote speaker and the bestselling author of a powerful new book, The Truth Within The Lie . She also has her own podcast: The Dana Grant Show . Dana Grant has lived, lost, rebuilt and risen. From battling chronic illness to building the multimillion-...

If you’ve ever needed a reason to pause, to wander, to witness the earth in celebration - this is it. The Namaqua Flower Camp is a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life don’t last forever. And that’s exactly what makes them unforgettable. In this episode, we’re talking about Namaqualand in wildflower season and, more specifically, the Namaqua Flower Beach Camp - an immersive, off-the-gr...

In this episode, we head back to the Karoo - where winter style, creativity and community recently came together in the most unexpected and inspiring way at the annual Karoo Winter Wool Festival. I catch up with the three creative forces behind the acclaimed Wool World exhibition - fashion designer Lezanne Viviers of Viviers Studio, and the visionary design duo, Justus and Nisha van der Hoven from...

*This episode is brought to you by Pecanwood Estate, a gated golf and lifestyle estate that allows for wellness, balance and peaceful community living near Johannesburg. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking about escaping the city lifestyle and wondered what your life might look like when you live in a gated lifestyle estate in South Africa , this episode’s for you. In today’s fast-paced world,...

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 destina...

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 i...