SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY

From Waterkloof Mini Market to Milner Market: A New Chapter in Pretoria In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, I chat to Jané Pretorius, the woman behind the newly transformed Milner Market in Waterkloof, Pretoria. We talk about the realities of building a business while navigating motherhood and family life, the evolution of a much-loved local destination, and the vision behind transformin...

South African Road Trip Style: What to Wear & What to Pack There’s something wonderfully freeing about a South African road trip - choosing your route, turning up the music and setting off in search of new landscapes, unexpected stops and memorable experiences. But what should you wear and pack for a South African road trip? In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, we talk South African r...

With a history dating back to 1692, Lanzerac is one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine estates, renowned for its rich heritage, award-winning wines and its role in shaping the country's wine industry. Michael shares insights into the philosophy behind Lanzerac’s winemaking, the challenges and rewards of managing both vineyards and cellar operations, and what it takes to steward a brand wit...

In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, we head into the Greater Kruger to discover the story behind a remarkable new chapter for the Sabi Sabi Collection. Renate Engelbrecht chats to Jacques Smit, Marketing Manager of the Sabi Sabi Collection, about Sandringham Private Game Reserve – a former hunting reserve being transformed into a protected wilderness and luxury safari destination. Jacque...

Wine doesn't always have to stay in the wine glass. In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, Renate Engelbrecht chats to Groot Phesantekraal winemaker Richard Schroeder and Julian Short, aka The Flavourist, about their exciting collaboration bringing together the worlds of winemaking and mixology. The duo has created a collection of cocktails using Groot Phesantekraal wines, with each cre...

Wine has an incredible way of bringing people together, and in this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, that's exactly what happened. Recorded at the welcoming Prosopa Restaurant, I sit down with Etienne Louw, co-founder and winemaker of Orpheus & The Raven Wines, before enjoying a beautifully curated wine tasting paired with Prosopa's authentic Greek cuisine. Etienne shares the insp...

Discover one of South Africa's most unforgettable marine adventures in this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY. Wilfred Chivell, founder of Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai and Kleinbaai, shares how shark cage diving, whale watching and marine eco-tourism are helping fund world-class conservation efforts - from protecting African penguins on Dyer Island through the African Penguin and Seabird San...

What happens when fashion, art, architecture and one of South Africa's oldest natural fibres come together? In this special episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, recorded during the Karoo Winter Wool Festival 2026, we step inside Wool World: Karoo Kraal - an immersive exhibition curated by Viviers Studio and Hoven Design. More than an exhibition, Wool World: Karoo Kraal is a celebr...

Can you make your wardrobe look younger and more stylish without buying anything new? In this episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, we're exploring how to embrace modern style while staying true to the principles of slow fashion, conscious consumption and timeless dressing. Rather than chasing every new trend, we'll discover how thoughtful styling, quality natural fibres, cleve...

What does it take to stand on top of the world? In this inspiring episode of Suitcase & Chardonnay, I sit down with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Impilo Collection and the Impilo Foundation, Angela Yeung, to discuss her extraordinary journey to the summit of Mount Everest. A year after reaching the world's highest peak, Angela reflects on the physical, emotional, and mental...

In a world that often celebrates busy itineraries, packed schedules, and ticking destinations off a bucket list, a growing number of travellers are seeking something different. They're craving slower, more immersive journeys that allow them to be fully present, savour each moment, and experience destinations in a more meaningful way. It's a movement that's closely aligned with the rise...

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 fe...

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 Timb...

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 thoug...

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....

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-...

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...

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-...

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 tra...

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 t...

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 experienc...

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...

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...

Today, it’s just you and me - talking date nights, hidden bars, solo lunches and the restaurants that are quietly shaping South Africa’s culinary landscape. From a farm-to-fork bistro near the Constantia Winelands to a Japanese-inspired dining experience in the heart of Cape Town; from Greek elegance in Pretoria to a secret martini bar tucked between hotel floors in Rosebank - this episode is a lo...

What does luxury travel truly mean in 2026? In this episode, I’m joined by the Carlos Luis, the MD of TLC Vacations for a beautifully layered conversation about curated escapes, transformative journeys and the magic of intentional travel. Together, we explore the world of The Lux Collective, the rise of experiential luxury and why today’s traveller is seeking more than five-star accommodation - th...