Between U & I’s Between The Toast returned for its second edition on 19 September, bringing together 80 guests for an intimate evening of food, wine and stories behind the brand in partnership with South Africa’s renowned Simonsig Family Vineyards.
Hosted by Nathan Valentine, Simonsig Winemaker, the evening offered guests a full six-wine flight, thoughtfully paired with a six-course menu designed to complement and celebrate the character of each wine.
From the first pour of Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut, paired with salmon blinis, dill crème fraîche and caviar, the evening unfolded as a progressive journey through Simonsig’s portfolio. The menu moved through a Needless to Say Rosé, paired with mixed olives, sun-dried tomatoes, focaccia crostini, whipped feta, olive oil and pine nuts; the showstopper of the evening, Jamala Gewürztraminer, was served alongside curried cauliflower tacos with coriander-cabbage slaw and a yoghurt garlic sauce; and Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc, paired with hot honey sliders and creamy chimichurri.
Guests were also welcomed with Between The Passion, a cocktail of vodka, passionfruit, lime and Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut, setting the tone for an evening where wine was as much a part of the conversation as it was the menu.
The evening continued with Simonsig Cabernet/Merlot, served with beef seswaa bitterballen and mustard, before concluding with Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar and Biscoff ice cream sandwich. Guests were also welcomed with Between The Passion, a cocktail of vodka, passionfruit, lime and Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut, setting the tone for an evening where wine was as much a part of the conversation as it was the menu.
For Between U & I, the second edition reinforces the vision behind Between The Toast: creating intimate, considered experiences that bring people closer to the stories behind what they eat and drink. “Between The Toast was created because we believe a great drink is more than something you pour into a glass. It carries a story, a place, a craft and the people behind it. Our role is to create the space for those stories to come alive around a table, through food, conversation and discovery. Having Nathan share Simonsig’s wines with 80 guests made this edition particularly special because guests were not simply tasting a flight of wines, they were experiencing the thinking, heritage and craft behind each pour,” says Uyapo Ketogetswe, Between U & I’s Event Curator. Nathan Valentine’s presence added another layer to the experience, giving guests the opportunity to engage directly with the winemaker behind the wines throughout the evening. His insight into the wines, their character and the thinking behind Simonsig’s winemaking made the six-wine flight an immersive experience rather than a traditional tasting.
Between The Toast is a new experience series by Between U & I, created as a more intimate counterpart to the brand’s signature Long Table Experience. While Long Table explores Botswana through destination, landscape, food and place, Between
The Toast brings the focus closer to the table, using exceptional wines, food and the people behind them as the starting point for connection and discovery.
The second edition with Simonsig continues Between U & I’s commitment to creating memorable culinary experiences that encourage guests to slow down, discover something new, elevate Setswana cuisine in exciting ways, and, most importantly, share a table.
