Words: Zena le Roux | Images: Anna Pepper
The Thyste Traveller’s intimate series aspires to bring the Winelands to Pretoria through a sensory journey of Thyste (“taste”). Each monthly event is a unique experience, as guests are “transported” to a featured wine estate, where they can savour delectable food and exquisite wines – every course perfectly and artfully paired. Owner Martine Dalziel de Kock tells us more.
How did your business start?
I decided to create the event series to allow great food and wine lovers to experience the boutique and family-owned wineries from across the country. The Thyste Traveller’s name was chosen to honour my great-grandfather, who was a true inspiration. He travelled the globe to explore and experience the world’s culinary offerings, among many other things. I wanted to honour his memory by bringing people together to enjoy good food, wine and company. What makes these pairing evenings unique is that only boutique, family-owned wineries will be showcasing their wines here. The menus are carefully selected by the chosen chef of the evening, to perfect the experience. Each month of the travellers’ stops will have a different feel to the evening, where I will try and create an ideal representation of each of the wine farms.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
The beautiful venue where we hold the events used to be my great-grandfather, Thys’s, home. No 16 Private Estate is also home to Blank Canvas Studio. The venue is based in Lynnrodene, which is centrally located and are close to schools, shopping centres and restaurant hubs.
How did you find your premises?
It was an easy decision to use his premises to host my events as the estate has been in the family for many years.
Why are they ideally suited to your business?
The venue has a certain magic to it that perfectly suits The Thyste Traveller. The place allows people to feel at home and brings a sense of nostalgia to the events.
Who are your neighbours?
As the estate is in a suburban area, we have a few residential homes as neighbours.
What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area?
As Lynnrodene is a major developing area, the prices are quite upmarket.
How many people visit your business each day?
This is a monthly event, and about 30 to 40 guests attend each time.
Do you have any expansion plans?
Yes, I plan to expand the travels on an actual tour around the Winelands.
Do you operate online as well?
Yes, we do some marketing via online social media platforms Facebook and Instagram (@thethystetraveller).
What’s your most popular service?
Our events! The success of the events is not only determined by ticket sales, but also by the wine sales on the evening and traction that the events gauge.
The Thyste Traveller
083 944 8075
facebook.com/thethystetraveller
