SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY

Renate Engelbrecht

A podcast that serves as an extension of the blog, Suitcase & Chardonnay, on which host, Renate Engelbrecht talks about all things life, food, wine, travel and fashion. Prepare for a 'theatre of the mind' experience as Engelbrecht dives into interesting lifestyle conversations with her specially selected guests. Whether it's a winemaker, a chef, a fashion designer or a travel guru, the aim is to share some of life's best experiences with you. So, get ready to journey with your host and her guests from wherever you are!

  1. Sep 2

    S2 E28: South African Road Trip Style - What to Wear & What to Pack

    South African Road Trip Style: What to Wear & What to Pack There’s something wonderfully freeing about a South African road trip - choosing your route, turning up the music and setting off in search of new landscapes, unexpected stops and memorable experiences. But what should you wear and pack for a South African road trip? In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, we talk South African road trip style, from comfortable outfits for long drives and practical layers for changing weather to versatile shoes and travel-friendly pieces that can take you from a Karoo town to a wine farm lunch or a beautiful lodge. Discover how to build a versatile travel wardrobe, what to pack for a South African road trip, how to dress comfortably without compromising on style, and why versatility over volume is the key to smarter packing. Whether you're planning a South African weekend getaway, Karoo road trip, Cape Winelands escape, luxury lodge stay or longer South African adventure, this episode is packed with practical travel fashion and packing tips to help you enjoy the journey - without filling the entire boot. In this episode: South African road trip outfits • what to wear on a road trip • South Africa packing tips • travel wardrobe essentials • travel style • capsule wardrobe for travel • road trip shoes • layering for travel • Karoo travel • South African travel • luxury travel South Africa • weekend getaways in South Africa. For more tips, visit SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, your guide to travel, fashion, food, wine and lifestyle. Subscribe, share the episode with your favourite road-trip companion and join the journey. Travel well. Dress well. Enjoy the journey. Cheers! 🥂 VISIT THE SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY BLOG: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/ FOLLOW SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ PINTEREST: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/

  2. Aug 26

    S2 E27: Meet Michael Roets - Winemaker & Farm Manager at Lanzerac

    With a history dating back to 1692, Lanzerac is one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine estates, renowned for its rich heritage, award-winning wines and its role in shaping the country's wine industry. Michael shares insights into the philosophy behind Lanzerac’s winemaking, the challenges and rewards of managing both vineyards and cellar operations, and what it takes to steward a brand with such a remarkable legacy while keeping an eye firmly on the future. Lanzerac is, of course, the home of the first-ever bottled Pinotage, which makes it even more unique.Pour yourself a glass of your favourite wine, settle in and join me for a conversation with Michael Roets from Lanzerac Wine Estate. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome to SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY01:22 A Journey into South African Wine Country04:00 Meet Michael Roets of Lanzerac05:08 From Pretoria to the Winelands05:50 The Moment He Fell in Love with Winemaking06:53 Lanzerac & the Jonkershoek Valley07:23 300+ Years of Lanzerac Heritage08:36 Pinotage & a Piece of Wine History09:29 The Heritage Behind Commemorative Pinotage10:54 Chardonnay, Cabernet & Lanzerac's Wine Story12:15 Adapting to Climate Change13:30 Farming for the Future16:28 What the Next Harvest Might Bring18:04 Learning from Generations of Farmers20:14 Beyond the Wine: The Lanzerac Experience21:55 Exploring the Estate & Cape Winelands23:36 The Story Behind Every Bottle VISIT LANZERAC'S WEBSITE: https://lanzerac.co.za/ VISIT THE SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY BLOG: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/ FOLLOW SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ PINTEREST: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/

  3. Aug 19

    S2 E26: The All-New Sandringham Private Game Reserve by Sabi Sabi Collection

    In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, we head into the Greater Kruger to discover the story behind a remarkable new chapter for the Sabi Sabi Collection. Renate Engelbrecht chats to Jacques Smit, Marketing Manager of the Sabi Sabi Collection, about Sandringham Private Game Reserve – a former hunting reserve being transformed into a protected wilderness and luxury safari destination. Jacques shares the vision behind the Sabi Sabi Collection, the importance of conservation and community upliftment, the restoration of the Sandringham landscape and what the future of responsible luxury travel could look like. A conversation about safari, sustainability, regeneration and creating meaningful experiences that go beyond luxury. CHAPTERS: 00:00 A New Chapter for Sabi Sabi Collection02:33 Welcome to Sandringham Private Game Reserve03:17 Two Camps, One Wild Experience04:28 Four Rivers & a Wilder Landscape06:32 From Hunting Reserve to Rewilded Wilderness07:48 The Art of Slowing Down09:29 South African Wine & the Flavours of Limpopo11:13 The Personal Touch at Sandringham13:08 Bringing the Vision to Life14:49 Sleeping in the Wild: N'weti & Shisaka16:02 "It's Not a Place, It's a Feeling"17:24 Sandringham House18:30 Why Sandringham Stays With You19:03 Planning Your Sandringham Stay19:19 From the Greater Kruger to Cape Town19:59 The Bigger Story: Conservation & Community20:36 Final ThoughtsVISIT SABI SABI COLLECTION ONLINE: https://www.sabisabicollection.com/ SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY BLOG: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/ FOLLOW SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ PINTEREST: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/

  4. Aug 13

    S2 E25: The Creative Alchemy of Groot Phesantekraal & The Flavourist

    Wine doesn't always have to stay in the wine glass. In this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY, Renate Engelbrecht chats to Groot Phesantekraal winemaker Richard Schroeder and Julian Short, aka The Flavourist, about their exciting collaboration bringing together the worlds of winemaking and mixology. The duo has created a collection of cocktails using Groot Phesantekraal wines, with each creation offering a different perspective on the character and versatility of the estate’s wines. With National Shiraz Day taking place on 21 August, Groot Phesantekraal’s restaurant is putting the spotlight on the Syrah Sour this month - a layered cocktail combining Irish whisky, honey, fresh lemon and a float of Groot Phesantekraal Syrah. But behind this drink and the other cocktails they’ve created is a much bigger story: one of friendship, creativity and craftsmanship. Richard and Julian talk about their shared curiosity, the journey from vineyard to bar, and why respecting the integrity of the wine is at the heart of their collaboration. We also chat about the inspiration behind the cocktail series and what’s coming next - including September’s refreshing Farmhouse Spritz, made with the estate’s MCC. A conversation for wine lovers, cocktail enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys discovering a new way to experience South African wine. VISIT GROOT PHESANTEKRAAL: https://grootphesantekraal.co.za/ VISIT SIN+TAX BAR: https://sintaxbar.com/ VISIT THE SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY BLOG: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/ FOLLOW SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ PINTEREST: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Welcome to SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY01:44 – Meet Richard & Julian03:48 – How the Collaboration Started06:36 – Six Wines, Six Cocktails08:30 – Inspiration from the Farm10:00 – The Art of Creating a Wine Cocktail16:48 – Flavour, Texture & Finish17:22 – Making Wine Cocktails Accessible19:42 – The Monthly Cocktail Experience22:08 – Creating the Perfect Guest Experience23:57 – Wine Meets the Cocktail Industry28:24 – Why Wine Belongs in Cocktails29:14 – Innovation in the Wine Industry30:00 – Rethinking Wine & What's Next

  5. Jul 29

    S2 E23: How Marine Dynamics Is Protecting South Africa's Oceans

    Discover one of South Africa's most unforgettable marine adventures in this episode of SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY. Wilfred Chivell, founder of Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai and Kleinbaai, shares how shark cage diving, whale watching and marine eco-tourism are helping fund world-class conservation efforts - from protecting African penguins on Dyer Island through the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary to educating younger generations on protecting our oceans and the marine animals that call it home. Whether you're planning a Western Cape holiday, looking for unforgettable wildlife encounters, or are passionate about ocean conservation, this conversation offers an inspiring look at how travel can make a lasting difference. Find Marine Dynamics here: https://www.marinedynamics.co.za/ Find SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY here: Blog: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction: Adventures with Marine Dynamics 01:48 – Meet Wilfred Chivell & Marine Dynamics 03:05 – How Marine Dynamics Began 05:19 – Tourism Funding Marine Conservation 06:15 – The Challenges Facing South Africa's Oceans 08:12 – Inspiring Ocean Conservation Through Tourism 10:58 – Teaching Children to Protect Marine Life 12:54 – Why the Next Generation Gives Hope 15:08 – Leaving a Better Ocean for Future Generations 17:42 – Shark Cage Diving & Whale Watching in Gansbaai 18:15 – The Story of the Stranded Fin Whale 20:13 – Why Everyone Should Experience Whale Watching 21:18 – Final Thoughts: Travel That Protects the Ocean

  6. Jul 22

    S2 E22: The Art of Wool - Inside Wool World at KWWF 2026

    What happens when fashion, art, architecture and one of South Africa's oldest natural fibres come together? In this special episode of the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, recorded during the Karoo Winter Wool Festival 2026, we step inside Wool World: Karoo Kraal - an immersive exhibition curated by Viviers Studio and Hoven Design. More than an exhibition, Wool World: Karoo Kraal is a celebration of South African wool, craftsmanship, innovation and storytelling. Inspired by the vast Karoo landscape, the exhibition explores the remarkable journey of wool - from the sheep grazing across the Karoo plains to the skilled hands of farmers, shearers, designers and artisans who transform this extraordinary natural fibre into timeless fashion, interiors and contemporary design. In this episode, we explore: • The inspiration behind Wool World: Karoo Kraal • Why South African wool is considered one of the world's most sustainable luxury fibres • The intersection of fashion, architecture and interior design • The importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovation • How natural fibres are shaping the future of sustainable fashion • Why supporting local artisans and South African design matters more than ever • The stories woven into every thread of wool Whether you're passionate about slow fashion, ethical design, interiors, South African creativity or simply love discovering the people and stories behind beautiful things, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of sustainable luxury. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who loves fashion, design and meaningful travel. Follow SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY for inspiring conversations about travel, fashion, food, wine, sustainability and slow living: BLOG: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ PINTEREST: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/ #KarooWinterWoolFestival #SouthAfricanDesign #SustainableFashion #NaturalFibres #SouthAfricanWool #SlowFashion #ViviersStudio #HovenDesign #WoolWorld #SuitcaseAndChardonnay

About

A podcast that serves as an extension of the blog, Suitcase & Chardonnay, on which host, Renate Engelbrecht talks about all things life, food, wine, travel and fashion. Prepare for a 'theatre of the mind' experience as Engelbrecht dives into interesting lifestyle conversations with her specially selected guests. Whether it's a winemaker, a chef, a fashion designer or a travel guru, the aim is to share some of life's best experiences with you. So, get ready to journey with your host and her guests from wherever you are!