There are some stains you hardly have to worry about right away and then there are those that need to be taken care of right away. Red wine stains would be in the latter category.

From painstakingly washing the fabric by hand to simply tossing it into the washing machine, effective methods are available for getting rid of those dreadful red wine stains.

Things You’ll Need

• Landry detergent, laundry pretreatment or dish soap
• Clean sponge
• Washing machine
• Paper towels
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Towel or washcloth

Instructions

1.Blot the stain immediately with paper towels. If it is a dry clean only garment do not pretreat the stain and get it as fast as you can to the cleaners. Pretreatment of the stain can cause irreversible damage and the dry cleaner may not be able to remove the stain.

2. Combine 1 teaspoon laundry soap or pretreatment  and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. Soak a clean sponge in the mixture, squeeze it halfway dry, then gently blot the stain.

3.Place a dry towel or washcloth between the front and back of the garment if the stain has not penetrated through to the back of the fabric. This will prevent staining on the back of the material.

4.Review the washing instructions on the label of the fabric. Heed any special care instructions.

5.Wash in cool water and air dry if the fabric is machine-washable.

6.Wash gently in the sink with a mild detergent if the fabric is hand-wash only.

Source: ehow.com

Kwa-Zulu Natalians are in for a treat this weekend. On the one hand, the men in Black and White will try to beat the Crusaders in their own back yard with the whole of SA behind them.

On the other hand Kwa-Zulu Natalians will be able to taste Versus wines at few retail venues this weekend.

Here is the schedule, so if you are in the area joins us for a wine tasting.

We’re having another Market Day wine sale at our Welmoed cellar door in Stellenbosch.

 Dates: 2 June -5 June 2011

Venue: Welmoed Cellar door.  Directions to Welmoed

The following wines will be on sale:

If you’d like more details regarding the sale, please contact the Zoliswa at our cellar door on 021 881 8062

The Gugulethu Wine Festival is new and exiting event on the South African wine calendar.

The Gugulethu Wine Festival is the brainchild of Lungile Mbalo and Mzoli Ngcawuzele.

Mzoli is best known as owner of the successful restaurant called Mzoli’s Place and as a property developer constructing the first mall to be built in Gugulethu – The Gugulethu Square Mall..

Join Versus for a glass of wine at this year’s festival 27 – 28 May.

For more info about the event visit gugulethuwinefestival.co.za

Lovers of wine brands Welmoed and Versus can expect to sample their favourite tipple at the 10th annual SA Cheese Festival, this year hosted at a brand-new venue.

Cheese lovers are expected to descend on Sandringham, just off the R44 between Stellenbosch and the N2, from 29 April to 2 May for this popular festival. Visitors can look forward to a vast array of cheese, oysters, olives and braaivleis to suite every taste, and of course, Versus and Welmoed will be there to wash down the nibbles.

“We have been involved with this festival for many years now,” says Corné Oosthuizen, Brand and Business Development Manager: SA and SADC for the company of wine people™. “It’s such a jovial family festival. We can’t wait to be involved again.” 

As most epicureans will know, wine is one of the best known partners for cheese delights.  Versus Wines, which aligns itself with unusual, fun and interesting events will have a wide variety of styles to complement the various cheeses. Try a sip from their uncomplicated Naturally Sweet range of White, Rosé or Red with a tangy chevin, or if a drier style is preferred, match their Original Range to your favourite cheese.

For the traditionalist, a glass of carefully crafted Welmoed should go well with some of the bolder, more intensely flavoured cheeses. Their range of single variety vintages includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz.

* Please enjoy our wines responsibly. Not for sale to persons under legal drinking age. For more information about the Cheese Festival, visit http://www.cheesefestival.co.za.

Here is a great wine yoga cartoon clip

Imagine a live action version of this yoga… It will be messy but funny.

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*Versus is a fun wine to be enjoyed in moderation.

Good Fellas is a hassle free alternative to drinking and driving and it is the preferred choice of thousands of responsible South Africans.

They started in 2004 in Port Elizabeth and have expanded to all the mayor South African cities. With the festive season in full swing, there are plenty of opportunities to use a service like this. This service is available in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London.

For more info visit www.gfellas.co.za or Contact the National Call Centre on (0) 861 433 552 .

We support this initiative and urge consumers to make use of this service.

Everyone wants to have a party that rocks or at least remembered. So do you want your birthday bash to be really memorable? Give it an unconventional theme.

Never have a bland get-together again with these delightful party themes.

Arch Nemesis Party- Dress up as your arch nemesis and parody what they say and do all night. Steal their clothes if you have to. Just make sure they’re not there. Maybe if you spend time in your worst enemies shoes, you’ll understand them a little better… or just hate them more. Also, if you are lacking an arch nemesis, feel free to make one up.

Your Mom’s Pajamas Party- Raid your mom’s pajama drawer. Add alcohol and music. Shake well, and end up with an amazing evening of maternal proportions. Note: this is not an excuse to show up to a party naked.

Truman Show Party- Choose a friend, and let the fact that everyone at the party is spying on them become entirely conspicuous. Plant fake secret cameras. Have everyone at the party be quiet as soon as they walk by, giving that “i know you were just talking about me” feeling. Be completely artificial. Bust out into random advertisements.

Flop Party- Come dressed as a character from any memorable movie flop. Ideas include Catwoman, Hudson Hawk, a young Hannibal Lecter, or Ben Affleck… as himself.

Monocle Party- Wear a monocle. And a vest. Speak in a British accent; say things like “poppycock” and “hip hip hooray”. Be sure to serve brandy…. the English have very refined palates.

Worst Fears Party- Face your fears by dressing up as them. Come as a spider, or a masked, threatening man with a weapon, or the girl from ‘The Exorcist’ in my case. If you’re afraid of heights, come on stilts. If you’re afraid of change, come to the party dressed in a way you never would and don’t talk to anyone you’re already friends with. If you’re afraid of death, come covered in fake blood and funeral clothes. If you’re afraid of loneliness, come to the party and leave immediately (get it?).

Amish Party- Wear a bonnet, or suspenders, and generally unflattering clothes made popular by the Amish. Make sure there’s no electricity at the party… in fact, the party should optimally take place in a corn field. Roll up in your Conestoga wagon with some barrels of ale and you’ll be sure to bag some wholesome wenches.

Read more:

Unconventional wine brand, Versus, will make your party even more memorable. So, let the good times roll.

Cocktails and punches are one of the key elements in hosting a great party.  But sometimes , when you’re hosting a large party,   the last thing you want is to be stuck behind the bar shaking cocktails. This not only takes some of the fun out of the party for you, but it also takes you away from your guests.

The Viva Versus  punch  are a wonderful party potion that are filled with flavour. With a little creativity, the punch bowl can be dressed up to fit any occasion. It’s the perfect solution to easily serve large groups.

Ingredients

3 cups Fruit Juice ( Red Grape Juice)

3 cups Lemonade

The juice of 2 oranges

750 ml – bottle of  Versus Red

200ml Vodka

Instructions

Mix and pour over ice in large punch bowl. Add lemonade or soda water to taste. The idea is not to be afraid of what you add or what it looks like afterwards, because a punch which is a standard base will taste great with any well thought additions.

Versus supports responsible drinking-  ARA  

Source: barnonedrinks.com

Wine cocktails are an undiscovered field and it I’m having a blast creating new cocktails. My new party potion is the Versus Apple Max Cocktail.

This is a simple cocktail with basic ingredients and it’s really delicious. You can determine the strength of the drink by varying the amount of Appletizer.

The Versus Apple Max cocktail

Ingredients

• 25 ml (1 shot) white rum
• 25ml (1 shot) Apple Schnapps
• 125 ml Versus Rosé wine
• Appletizer or lemonade   (as per your liking)

Instructions

Add both the shots of rum and schnapps to the Versus Rosé wine , stir well and then top with Appletizer.

Last night I discovered a true gem of a cocktail.  This party potion is deliciously unconventional and is bound to be a party sensation.

The Versus Grape Escape cocktail

Ingredients

• 5 seedless red grapes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 30 ml pineapple juice
• 80ml Versus White wine
• Splash of lemon juice
• Skewer of  litchi fruit or grapes for garnish

Directions

Mix the grapes with sugar. Add pineapple juice and wine, then a splash of lemon juice.

Pour with ice into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Pour into glass and garnish with a skewer of litchi or grapes.

The harvest is in full swing and it seems that wines are coming along nicely. Here are a few interesting facts about wine and wine making

DID YOU KNOW?

• The sugar content in grapes is equal to the amount of alcohol a wine will have. The higher the sugar content, the more alcoholic a wine.
• Certain vines are not watered for over a month-and-a-half pre-harvest. This brings down the sugar content in the grapes.
• A lush green bush of vines does not mean a great crop. Brown leaves signify better quality grapes.
• The lesser the number of grapes per plant, the better the quality of wine.
• Whites are served chilled but reds are served at room temperature (of France)  best between 15-20 degrees.
• The higher the percentage of alcohol in a wine, the more tears (the trickle that you see after you have swirled a glass of wine).
• The higher the percentage of sugar in a wine, the lesser the tears.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

The characteristics of some wines have been described in many interesting and sometimes unappetising ways.

Would you consider drinking a wine with one of the following olfactory descriptions:

• Dumb: Muted but promising, closed.
• Nutty : Found in mature White Burgundy and Amontillado.
• Wet Wool : When there is too much sulfur in the wine.
• Stewed : Like leaving a tea bag in your mug too long.
• Petrolly : Found in mature riesling.
• Cat Piss : Found in the varietal aroma of Sauvignon Blanc.
• Skunk : Do you need an explanation ?

The lovely Versus White has fresh lime and guava aromas on the nose which is very appetising when it is compared with the other/above aroma notes.

Source: greekwine.gr

Congratulations to Alisa Human. She is the lucky Facebook winner of our 2nd  Valentine’s competition. Enjoy the wine Alisa!

Thanks for all the entries.

To celebrate the month of crazy love we are giving away Versus wine prizes.

All you have to do is leave a corny love comment / quote on our Facebook page or blog and maybe you’ll win some wine for Valentine’s Day.

Cheers!

Love is in the air and people are doing (and saying) way out things. To celebrate the month of crazy love we are giving away Versus wine prizes.

All you have to do is leave a corny love comment / quote on our Facebook page or blog and maybe you’ll win some wine for Valentine’s Day.

Cheers!

Sometimes the beauty is in the simplicity as my new summer cocktail is super simple yet outrageously delicious.

The Versus Ginger Rogers cocktail is a great drink to celebrate and embrace summer.

Ingredients:

60ml Versus Red

100ml Ginger ale

Directions:

Pour both ingredients over ice in a large wine glass. Garnish with slices of lemon, lime and orange, and serve.

The grapes are arriving and we are looking forward to producing this year’s Versus Wines. A journey of a thousand memories start with one single ‘grape’… and we’re off.

Here is an image of some of the our first grapes of the season.

Have you ever wondered why people get so ‘clever’ after a glass or two of wine? A recent study found that moderate wine drinking stimulates the brain.

This Norwegian study made some interesting findings but as a wine lover I can add that wine set the mood for great conversations. So it can be the wine or the guests or even the great host that make dinner parties a relatively intellectual affair.

So for a great ( and informative) evening invite interesting people , open a bottle of the great South African wine , Versus , and relax.

Want a funky and refreshing summer drink?

Look no further as I have discovered this amazing cocktail recipe.

 It is easy to make and is sure to impress and refresh your friends.

The Versus Kiwi cocktail recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 peeled kiwi fruit
• 60ml  tropical juice
• 1 tablespoon of sweet basil
• 100ml of Versus White
• Kiwi slice for garnish

Directions

Muddle kiwi. Add tropical juice, basil and wine into a shaker and shake vigorously.

Pour into a highball glass and garnish with a kiwi slice.

Although we do not have a white Christmas a summer festive season has its benefits. The beach and outdoor parties as well as a variety of great summer drinks are some of the advantages of a summer New Year’s season. 

 Here is an awesome cocktail and the ideal New Year’s drink.

The Versus New Year’s delight

Ingredients

• 200g cranberries
• 50g caster sugar
• 150ml fresh orange juice
• 100 ml Versus Rosé wine
• 1 bottle chilled sparkling wine

Method

Place the cranberries, sugar and orange juice in a small pan and bring to the boil. Cover the pan and simmer over a low heat for 5 minutes until soft, then press through a fine mesh sieve and leave to cool. You should have about 200ml of thin purée. Cover and chill.

Give the purée a stir, then spoon a rounded tablespoon into six glasses. Add a tot Rosé wine per glass.  Fill up with fizz and give it a quick twizzle to blend.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

What does her wine say about her character? Is she interesting and affectionate, or does she have a selfish streak as wide as the Mississippi? Take this quiz to find out!

THE QUIZ

For a great way to enjoy the festive season before making your New Year’s resolutions about getting into shape and losing the Christmas kilos, try some of these delicious puddings made with wine. These delicious recipes will ensure an unforgettable traditional Christmas meal as it’s all about indulgent decadence

It’s important to remember that not only is wine the key ingredient in these recipes, but you also have to pair your puddings with the right wine. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that the wine is sweeter than the dessert it will be accompanying. If you have a tart pudding, try an acidic wine to bring out the flavour.

It isn’t an easy task matching wine and desserts as the desserts have a diverse variety of flavours. Here’s a simple guide:

• Custard – pair with a sparkling wine or MCC
• Fruity – pair with a Sauvignon Blanc
• Cream based tart or pie – pair with a spicy red like a Pinotage

Tip: Balance is key Acidity and sugar levels must be balanced in both the food and wine. If not balanced, the very sweet dessert will make the wine seem more tannic, less sweet and more acidic. Work with the aromas and flavours of the wine to get a good match for pairing desserts.

If you aren’t into pairing puddings and wines, here are some recipes that have wine in them so the job is done for you!

Fruit and wine: Fresh fruit simmered in wine

Ingredients:

• Fresh fruit (pitted cherries, sliced strawberries, blueberries etc)
• Red wine – try: Kumkani Pinotage
• cinnamon sticks and cloves in cheesecloth sack
• sugar to taste

Method: In a large pot, cover the fruit with the wine. Bring to the boil, the reduce heat to low simmer. Add the spices. Continues to simmer until fruit becomes slightly tender. Remove spices and serve warm or refrigerate overnight, then remove spices and serve cold. Sprinkle sugar on top to sweeten and taste for something decorative add sugar syrup to the plate and serve with wafer biscuit.

Blanched Almonds

Ingredients:

• Finely ground almonds
• powdered ginger spice
• sugar
• salt to taste
• pastry dough
• oil
• honey
• a slightly sweet white wine – try: Arniston Bay Reserve Chenin Blanc

Method: Mix almonds with sugar, ginger, and a little salt – this should be a sweet, slightly spicy blend. Roll out the pastry dough. cut out circles of dough, placing filling in the middle, and folding into a half-circle make sure the edges of the pastries are securely sealed.

Fry the pastries in hot oil until lightly browned; remove from oil and let drain.

In a pot, bring the honey to a soft boil, and then reduce heat. Skim off the residue as it rises. Add just enough wine to make a thick sauce. Thoroughly coat the pastries in the wine sauce, and then place on a baking sheet. Bake in a hot oven for several minutes. The pastries may be basted with additional sauce during baking or immediately afterward.

Serve with a dollop of cream.

Wine bread pudding (update on the classic bread pudding)

Ingredients:

• Macaroons
• sponge cake
• 500ml white wine – try: Welmoed Heydens Courage White
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 3 egg yolks
• 3 teaspoons of sugar
• 3 egg whites
• ½ cup of chopped walnuts

Method: Place sponge cake into an ovenproof dish (½ full). Add a few macaroons; heat the wine in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Mix the cornstarch and sugar together and slowly add the wine. Beat the yolks of eggs and add to wine mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes. Pour over the cake and let cool. When its cool cover with the stiffly beaten egg whites and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Bake at 180ºC for 5 minutes until golden brown. Serve cold.

Wine prices: Welmoed Heydens Courage White – R38.99 per bottle Arniston Bay Reserve Chenin Blanc – R46.99 per bottle Kumkani Pinotage – R66.99 per bottle All wines available at Checkers.

Drinking and Driving over the Festive Season? Then it’s time to ask Goodfellas to the party.

Cathy Marston writes  “Sadly, I realise that this is not the norm here in SA. The drink-driving stats in this country are horrendous with alcohol being blamed for 50% of the 18,000 deaths on our roads every year – yes, that number is correct – 18,000 deaths a year. A massive sea-change is needed in people’s attitudes to drinking and driving, and one company which is providing a real alternative to this is Goodfellas. They offer a membership service which you can call after one too many drinks and they will come to wherever you are and drive you safely home in your own car.”

According to Alison Brussow, marketing manager for Goodfellas, all the drivers have to pass stringent background checks, driving tests on both manual and automatic cars and undergo regular training by the company. Both Morell and Mogamat had branded uniforms and ID cards and we were given their names by the call centre when we rang to book the service so there was no possibility of any mistakes. And we felt completely safe in their hands – much more so than when we pick up a random taxi from the rank, something which is an added boon for women going home on their own as well.

Drinking and driving is a complete social no-no in the UK – if ever I contemplated getting behind the wheel after a few drinks, then the thought of my friends’ total disgust and disapproval is always enough to change my mind. I have heard various excuses over the years such as “Well, we have to drink and drive in SA because we have no public transport!” or “I’m a really good driver so alcohol doesn’t affect me like other people” and really folks, enough is enough. The choices are simple -

• – Drink, but don’t drive
• – Drive, but don’t drink
• – Call Goodfellas or somebody like them.

and with the Festive season in full swing, there are plenty of opportunities to use a service like this and I fully intend to do so. After all, if it’s good enough for the Sharks, for South African Breweries and for Bob Skinstad, then it’s good enough for me too.”

www.gfellas.co.za

Tel:   0861 433 552

Source: food24

Versus Wines  supports this initiative and urges consumers to make use of this service.

Summer is a great time to get together with neighbours and friends who may have been hibernating all winter. Have everyone over for a ‘Party on the Porch’ – or Patio, or just in the backyard.

Good food, fun and drinks; that’s all you need for a successful event.

Delicious food is one of the most important parts of any party. Depending on the time of day, you can serve anything from appetisers to desserts. If you don’t care about a specific menu, make it potluck since everyone likes to contribute to a party.

Interesting party drinks or punches are always a winner at summer parties.

This Versus Sangria will be the perfect beverage for your ‘Party on the Porch’. 

Versus Sangria Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 bottle Versus Red wine
• 1 lemon cut into wedges
• 1 orange cut into wedges
• 25 ml  brandy or  vodka
• Sliced seasonal fruit (peaches, strawberries, apples)
• 2 table spoons sugar
• 2 cups orange juice
• Ginger ale (optional)
• Ice

Directions

Pour the wine into a jug, squeeze the citrus fruit into the wine, and then add the wedges. Add the sugar, brandy and remaining fruits. Chill overnight and serve with plenty of ice and ginger ale to taste.

Source:  party411.com