The recently opened Dalla Cia Grappa Distillery at Bosman's Crossing in Stellenbosch carries on a three-generation family tradition.

The first Dalla Cia distillery was founded in Friuli in Italy in the 1920s.

As a winemaker at Meerlust, Giorgio Dalla Cia started a Grappa distillery on the property at a time when Grappa was virtually unknown in South Africa.

His son, George, took over the running of the distillery on Meerlust and, after 10 years, it was moved to its present position at Bosman's Crossing.

Dalla Cia Grappa has received huge acclaim internationally, and its success may have frightened the EU producers into introducing new legislation banning the used of the name "Grappa" for anything, but the Italian product.

This is why the Dalla Cia's spirit is now labelled simply, "Dalla Cia G".

For those who find the fiery spirit too harsh for delicate palates, there's a gentler, wood matured version with a lower alcohol level (40%) known as their "Premium G."

The distillery has a comfortable tasting and sales room where the products can be sampled.

Many visitors to the distillery will enjoy a few relaxing moments in the Pane e Vino food and wine bar next door. This little home of Italian cuisine is owned and run by George's wife, Elena, who offers a selection of home-made Italian foods as well as a range of wines (all available by the glass) produced by Giorgio.

This little corner of Italy is well worth a visit on your next outing to the Stellenbosch winelands.

For first-timers it may be a little hard to find Bosman's Crossing. You have to drive around Oude Libertas into Distillery Street to get there.

For further information call the Distillery on 021-888-4120 or Pane e Vino on 021-883-8312.

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I was delighted to hear that Monis Vintage Muscadel 200 had won one of very few gold medals awarded at this year's Muscats du Monde Competition in France.

Only 25 wines, out of more than 200 entries from 23 countries, were given gold medals.

This delicious, wood-matured Muscadel recently won a Platinum Award in the annual South African Muscadel Association's competiton.

Platinum awards are given to wines of gold medal standard, which also show innovation and style in their packaging.

The French award should come as no surprise to Muscadel lovers like myself.

Its predecessor, the Monis Vintage 1992 Muscadel, was voted the Best Muscadel in the World at the first Muscats du Monde competition in France in 2001.

It's good to know we're up there with the world's best when it comes to fortified wines. I have often said that our industry should make these the "flagship" wines of South Africa.

We really do make good ones.

Monis winemaker, Dirkie Christowitz, recommends serving the Muscadel ice-cold on crushed ice, summer or winter. It is available in elegant 500ml bottles at about R58 a bottle.

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The recently-formed Breedekloof wine route will celebrate the coming of spring with a weekend of wine and nature on August 31 and September 1.

Participating wineries will offer fynbos walks, picnics on the riverside and a selection of rosé and sparkling wines to celebrate the coming spring.

For more information e-mail Breedekloof Wine and Tourism on info@breedekloof.com or simply call 023-349-1791.