SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY

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...

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, I sit down with children’s book author, illustrator and publishing powerhouse Kelly Kaschula – the creative force behind the Brave Kids series: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers . With Volume 3 that launched on June 3, 2025 , Kelly shares the story behind this global anthology project that brings together authors from around the world to...

Gaynor Neill from Cruise Vacations sits down with host, Renate Engelbrecht, sharing some must-know insights about luxury cruising. If you’re a sun-seeker keen on escaping the South African winter, this episode is for you! At the same time, snow-seekers will also walk away with some handy tips from this episode, so hit play and start planning your next adventure! Website: https://www.cruise-vacatio...

Having been on various safari experiences, here are my tips, tricks and suggestions on what to pack for safari. #safaristyle #safari #packing #travel #outfitideas #whattopack #suitcaseandchardonnay

When filming wildlife, a whole new way of 'going on safari' unfolds. Here, in the Timbavati, you get to see the bush from a whole new perspective with the expert guidance of Too Wild, based at Amaya Lodge. Apart from staying in pure quiet luxury, you get to slow down on safari, but on a whole new level. You get to take in all the beauty of the bush - from every hue of an African sunrise to...

Today, we're diving into South Africa's Secret Season - that magical window from May to September when the bushveld comes alive in unexpected ways. Think crisp mornings, golden sunsets and wildlife congregating around waterholes. Visiting safari lodges during the Secret Season has its perks. The cooler temperatures mean more active wildlife during the day and the sparse vegetation offers u...

We’re joined by a truly inspiring South African: One of the two braai kings of Kokkedoor Vuur & Vlam — Lourens Engelbrecht . Together with his braai partner, Johan de Villiers from the boutique winery, Klein Roosboom , they took home the end prize, wowed the judges and stole the hearts of viewers across the country — and Lourens took time off from his busy schedule to tell us all about it! Wat...

We dive into the golden glow of autumn and the wines that are perfect for sipping through the season. I’m joined by a guest who truly understands flavour, balance and the beauty of a good pour - Moses Magwaza. Moses is the sommelier at Prosopa Restaurant, one of Pretoria and South Africa’s finest Greek restaurants. SHOW NOTES GIVEAWAY: You can WIN a Winemakers Lunch for two at the Rust en Vrede Ta...

My guest, Amanda Wiggill and I unpack all things skinny jeans (and other jeans), how to style them and which jeans you need to have in your wardrobe this season. This fashion podcast episode breaks it all down with pro styling tips,runway inspo and real-life outfit ideas. Perfect for lovers of lifestyle, fashion and capsule wardrobes. In addition, you can WIN with Suitcase & Chardonnay and Pan...