The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the ultimate challenge of gift giving and holiday shopping backed by intention and inspiration. These luxury gifts and experiences are sure to make an impression, make a memory, or take you and yours on a journey of the senses. Whether it’s an authentic Japanese experience at award-winning chef Peter Tempelhoff’s cool new noodle bar, an indulgent afternoon tea at the ever-elegant Mount Nelson or your pick of the Champagne region’s most revered labels, this year’s festive guide is all about gifting the very best in epicurean experiences and legendary destinations.
Tea in iconic surrounds
Sophisticated, soulful and historic, an afternoon tea at Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel in Cape Town would make for a unique and unforgettable gift. For the fine tea fans, there’s an impressive selection of 40 tea verities, curated by the country’s first expertly-trained tea sommelier, Craig Cupido. For the epicureans, there’s a sumptuous spread of cakes, sandwiches, tarts and pastries conceived by pastry chef Vicky Gurovich. Add to that the tinkling of piano keys in the background, a glass of bubbly on arrival and of course the breathtaking backdrop of the Cape’s most revered grand dame in all her pink glory.
Ramen that stands up to Japan’s
Those who seek authentic ramen are beating a path to 50 Best chef Peter Tempelhoff’s new baby, Ramenhead. Fusing best-in-class Japanese ramen with major cool factor, this edgy new dining spot on Speaker’s Corner bursts with energy and playfulness. In addition to the small but tightly curated menu of Japanese broths featuring hard-to-come-by Asian ingredients and a few South African flavour combos, curious guests can also step up to view the ramen-making process in their noodle lab. This one’s for die-hard Japan fans, the ramen-obsessed and seekers of pulsating culinary experiences. Note: you can’t book, so this would be spontaneous gift for the free-spirited.
Champagne, with a dose of design
Avid champagne drinkers will savour any one of the following bottles, not least for the fact that they originate in the heart of Champagne country itself, but equally for the individual spirit that these maisons imbue. From the maison that brought champagne to the world and arguably cemented the drink’s association with celebration, Moët & Chandon’s trio of everlasting classics Brut Impérial, Nectar Impérial and Rosé Impérial are a guaranteed winner. And their coveted special edition gift boxes mean that wrapping’s not necessary.
For a wider selection of champagne, we also recommend:
- Maison Ruinart Blanc de Blanc: an ideal gift for the sustainably minded champagne lover, their beautiful new 99% paper, recyclable second skin case lands with a 60% CO₂ reduction.
- Veuve Clicquot Icons Yellow Label Brut: marking the maison’s 250th birthday, gift your brut in one of the 250-year-old Maison’s isothermal Icons Fridge gift boxes, cued by Smeg’s classic 1950s fridge.
- Dom Pérignon Lady Gaga Limited Edition Rosé Vintage 2008: a delicately balanced blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a bottle that’s beautiful enough for a spot on the mantelpiece.
Wagyu in one of the world’s best restaurants
With its breathtaking location on one of the Cape’s oldest wine farms and its characteristically pared back seasonal fare, beyond restaurant has earned its new spot on the globally esteemed 50 Best Discovery list. This summer, chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Sebastian Stehr have added Ken Forrester’s Cape Wagyu to the offering, creating a simple and sophisticated menu that honours this premium meat. Cooked in the traditional way over Binchotan charcoal and served with your selection of reinvented classics and a glass of Buitenverwachting’s finest, this would appeal to those who like their meals to be, not only memory-making, but also internationally famed. As it’s now in higher demand than ever before, be sure to book.
Gifts to win hearts this holiday season
Those on the search for high-end gifts can look to the fashion house’s expansive list for ideas. These Louis Vuitton delights – from the Maison’s iconic timepieces such as the Men’s Aerogram bag collection to the Women’s Capucine and the ever so popular female Fragrance ‘Spell on You’, have us dreaming.
WineCellar.co.za – gift of the gods
WineCellar.co.za offers a range of fine wines and stemware that make for enviable gifting for wine-lovers. The team of dedicated wine experts includes the most knowledgeable people in the industry, prepared to provide personal recommendations, to newbies and seasoned tasters alike. You’ll find the best South African and European wines and discover exciting new producers and rising stars on the scene.
Personalise your gift, complete with gift wrapping service and a dedicated message. Wine Cellar deliver gifts across South Africa and offers free shipping on orders over R1,500.
