Exceptional Food and Wine Experiences

Then there are ideas or concepts in support of things we love and enjoy… like food, wine, and Cognac.

A Century in a Glass: The Art of Genius Experience

Imagine being fully immersed in a multi-sensory journey through a century of craftsmanship—the making of Louis XIII Cognac. Hosted by Jorg Pfutzner of Louis XIII and Goodman Gallery, Cape Town, The Art of Genius was an extraordinary experience blending art, gastronomy, and storytelling in a way never seen before.

Guests embarked on this exclusive journey, designed by artist Robin Kirsten, produced by Shereen Amos of Sugarbird Studios, and brought to life through the exquisite flavor interpretations of Chef Harald Bresselschmidt of Aubergine Restaurant.

The experience unfolded across four immersive zones, each capturing a defining element of Louis XIII’s legacy—time, place, blending, and mastery. The first zone represented a century back in time. A black-and-white film installation transported guests to France, 100 years ago, the era when the Louis XIII they would taste that night was first conceived. The second zone represented the art of blending, showcasing the meticulous blending of 1,200 eaux-de-vie that define Louis XIII. This zone featured a kaleidoscope film and a 1200-string divider installation that symbolized the precision of the blending process. At the centre stood an intricate display of 120 bottles, each filled with a different shade of liquid, representing just 10% of the material composition of Louis XIII. The third zone represented the intensification of flavour over time – the dinner demonstrating how flavour deepens and amplifies over time. Finally, zone 4 represented the future where the journey concluded with a cinematic film and immersive sound experience, evoking the next 100 years of Louis XIII. All in all, an unforgettable encounter with the King of Cognac.

Savour the Flavour: A Remote Celebratory Dining Experience

In 2021, as Gen Re marked its 100/175th anniversary, COVID restrictions made traditional celebrations impossible. Instead of letting distance dampen the occasion, we created a unique, remote dining experience—and so, the magnificent Savour the Flavour project was born.

To bring this celebration to life, we collaborated with chef Karen Dudley and sommelier Higgo Jacobs to craft an exquisite four-course food and wine pairing menu. Each Gen Re client received a beautifully curated Savour the Flavour box, prepared by DishFood&Social, filled with the freshest prepped ingredients, recipe cards, and perfectly paired wines. These boxes were then hand-delivered across South Africa, Europe, and Asia, allowing clients to prepare and enjoy a gourmet dining experience from the comfort of their homes.

To guide the journey, we produced a delightful video series, where Karen and Higgo took clients through the menu step by step—bringing warmth, expertise, and effortless enjoyment to the evening. Clients loved the experience, celebrating not just the delicious flavours but the thoughtfulness and generosity of the occasion.

The Sugarbird Showcase

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