Cape Town By Way Of The Backyard

    NEW YORK, NY, September 23, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- This fall, Excelsior Wine Estate is asking America to answer the call of the coals and enter its BBQ to Braai contest. Through partnership with Cape Classics (the brand's importer) and South African Airways, Excelsior is awarding one lucky grill master a trip for two to Cape Town to learn how to Braai from the best. The oldest archaeological evidence of barbecue was found in South Africa, where it is referred to as "braai" (pronounced "br-eye"). It is an ancient tradition deeply rooted in the country's culture, where family and friends gather to cook around an open flame, sharing delicious food, great wine and conversation.

"Braaing is so much a part of our daily life in South Africa that we even have a national holiday named for it," said Peter de Wet, owner and winemaker at Excelsior Wine Estate, speaking of National Braai Day, which is celebrated annually on September 24. "By hosting the BBQ to Braai contest, we will hopefully inspire the American grill master to learn more about historic tradition of cooking over fire, and win a chance to take part in authentic braaing with me at the Excelsior Estate."

Excelsior Wine Estate is located in the picturesque Robertson Valley in the shadow of the Langeberg Mountains approximately 100 miles east of Cape Town. The winery and vineyards have been passed down from generation to generation since 1859 when the De Wet family first purchased the land. Today, the fourth and fifth generations of the family maintain vineyards on nearly 500 acres, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. One of the most visible South African brands in the U.S. marketplace, Excelsior has established a winning track record of quality and value, consistently garnering "Best Buy" accolades.

"The concept of braai is about so much more than just grilling. It's a lifestyle, and a cultural bridge between our countries. To commune around a fire, bring loved ones together to share food and create memorable moments, is the essence of braai - and BBQ in the US, and what makes each of them special" commented Rob Bradshaw, President and COO of Cape Classics. "Braai is so ingrained in our cultural identity at Cape Classics, we were inspired to share it with America through this competition."

To enter, applicants should visit http://www.excelsior.co.za/bbq-to-braai to submit an original video, 60-seconds or less in length, telling Excelsior why they should be named America's First Braai Master. Entries will be accepted from September 1 through October 2, 2016. A two-week voting period will follow, and 10 finalists will be determined by popular vote. A team of judges will evaluate the finalists' videos for creativity, visual appeal, clarity of message (why the applicant should win) and the inclusion of South Africa, Braai or Excelsior. The winner will be chosen from the ten finalists and presented with the Grand Prize: two round-trip tickets to Cape Town on South African Airways, five days and four nights in South Africa including a two-night stay at the Excelsior Estate to learn braaing skills from the master himself, Peter de Wet. For a list of FAQs, visit http://www.excelsior.co.za/bbq-to-braai-faqs. Official rules can be found at http://www.excelsior.co.za/bbq-to-braai-contest-rules.

"South African Airways is proud to be part of this promotion, and we look forward to flying the winner to Cape Town for an authentic taste of the country" said Todd Neuman Executive Vice President, The Americas South African Airways. "Onboard, our guests will have an opportunity to enjoy gourmet cuisine paired with award-winning South African wines that are served exclusively by South African Airways."

To learn more about Excelsior Wine Estate, visit http://www.excelsior.co.za or http://www.capeclassics.com.

ABOUT EXCELSIOR WINE ESTATE
Excelsior Estate is an intriguing blend of vineyards and horses. The fourth and fifth generations of the De Wet family currently farm the land of their ancestors and continue an equine tradition dating back over a century. The estate turns out several full-bodied, fruity whites and lush, supple reds, and gives tribute to its horse-breeding origins with an equine-themed label.

ABOUT SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
South African Airways (SAA), South Africa's national flag carrier and the continent's most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has codes share agreements with United Airlines, Air Canada and JetBlue Airways, which offer convenient connections from more than 30 cities to SAA's flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 14 consecutive years.

ABOUT CAPE CLASSICS
Behind every farm, winemaker, bottle and grape lies an untold story. Collectively, we discover these tales and share them with our customers. Demanding authenticity, Cape Classics operates the "old-fashioned" way, with relationships and social responsibility at the forefront of our business. The 31 wineries we represent throughout South Africa and France embrace sustainable eco and social practices, doing their part to help preserve lands for future generations while improving the human condition now. Our wines are expressive, crafted with passion and perspective, and delivered with the same hallmark levels of service and professionalism since 1992.

As the U.S. importer of 19 South African brands, Cape Classics is proud to be a significant contributor to the growth of the South African wine category in the U.S. In the last 12-month period ending July 16, 2016, sales of wines from the country have increased by 14% in volume and 25% in value*.

Additionally, a portion of the global sales from our Indaba brand is allocated to the Indaba Education Fund (IEF). A fully accredited 501c3, IEF supports early childhood development by providing AMI Montessori infrastructure, learning materials and teacher training at schools established for wineland workers' children.

* According to Nielsen data

# # #