Cape vineyards get on the map

There's never been a better time to buy South African wine, say the pundits. It's true, the country's on a roll, with wine sales showing a 25% growth in value in the 12 months to June 2003, making it fifth after Australia, France, Italy and the USA, with a 9.5% share of the world market.

Then there's the juicy advertising campaign already under way, not to mention ongoing high-profile empowerment and fair-trade initiatives, ensuring that the South African wine industry is not only a success but ethical, too. And the country has finally wised up to the on-trade, with various promotions and incentives in progress.

Robert Lyons realised South Africa's potential some time ago. The chef-manager of the Bay Horse Hotel & Restaurant in Ulverston, Cumbria, has always championed the country's wines on his list and now offers a sizeable South African section - 100 wines at the last count, a fifth of all the wines on his list. Oh, and he's just published a vineyard map of South Africa.

Lyons took it upon himself - along with a couple of mates - to put together a detailed road map of South Africa's vineyards. "I got fed up with driving around in circles, and it does my head in when I'm late for an appointment," he explains.

The map, called Cape Winelands - Wine Producers and Maps of The Wine Routes of The Cape 2003-2004, was published in South Africa in October and was well received by the wine press - "a great new winelands travel aid", trumpeted South Africa's Wine magazine. It will be available in the UK from March at £6 in selected bookshops - or contact Lyons directly for a copy (01229 583972).

How? Why? "I've been visiting South Africa, particularly the Cape, for the last 30 years and it was during a visit last year, whilst trying to find a certain vineyard, we decided it would be an excellent idea to produce this map," says Lyons.

The "we", by the way, includes current business partner, former employer and British culinary institution John Tovey, late of nearby Miller Howe, now enjoying retirement in sunny South Africa.

It's more than just a map, too. It includes contact details and facilities lowdown on more than 300 South African wine producers. It sets the scene, the climate and even the soil type. It also has a rather helpful distance-between-towns chart and details on a few of the authors' favourite restaurants in the region.

Does generic marketing body Wines of South Africa know anything about this? "I don't believe we do," says WOSA's Emma Little. "Do give me his phone number, won't you?"

So what does Lyons like to drink at home? "Hamilton Russell Chardonnays - they're brilliant," he declares. "Even the hyped places offer reasonable value." He also particularly loves Glen Carlou Merlot and Thelema Sauvignon Blanc. "I tend to gravitate towards the Paarl region," he adds. "And I love the wines from Robertson, though it is a little off the beaten track. The whole set-up in South Africa is so good - they speak English, the wines are fantastic, the exchange rate is great and they drive on the same side of the road."

shorts

Cheese and wine

If you're in Exeter on 20-22 January, head down to the West Country Show at the Westpoint Exhibition Centre for a cheese and wine tutorial. Cheesemonger Stephen Gunn will explain what to look for in good cheese, while wine educator Sue Crabtree advises about wines and wine training. For more information visit www.expowestexhibitions.com.

Cuban night

On 28 January Asia de Cuba in London's fashionable St Martin's Lane hotel is hosting the first of many Cuban nights, with a line-up of different rums and rum cocktails, cigars and Cuban-influenced food. Bar manager Tim Halilaj's creations include the Lychee and Apple Mojito, the Lemon Mai Tai, and Berrinha, made from Havana Club muddled with blackberries, blueberries, limes, sugar and blackberry liqueur. Customers will also be able to try a rum flight that will include different vintages.

Ultimate hot chocolate

Maxxium UK's latest wheeze for its brand Cointreau is dropping the orange nectar into hot chocolate. Called Cointreau Choc, the combination has gone down rather well, it reports, the partnership first appearing at the Hampton Court Palace ice rink before Christmas. The newly opened Malmaison hotel in London is the first of many on-trade outlets to offer it, hopes marketing manager Jane Wilson. "Cointreau's unique, intriguing orange flavours work perfectly with chocolate," she says.

Guide to French wines

For an in-depth reference to French wine, turn to The Hachette Guide to French Wines 2004, just published by Mitchell Beazley. More than 9,000 wines have been chosen by 900 experts, with details on every appellation and vintage variation.