What started as a dream bigger than its budget has blossomed into something extraordinary. The SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast has officially reached its 20th episode milestone, marking a moment of reflection, celebration and inspiration for its founder, lifestyle writer and storyteller, Renate Engelbrecht.
To celebrate, a bonus episode will be published this week, just because… “Well, why not?” Engelbrecht says. “I am incredibly proud of this milestone. Not because it’s huge, but because it’s a step toward a dream that sometimes feels bigger than me. It’s my ode to any entrepreneur who has ever taken the leap without knowing where they’d land, yet still chose to believe in themselves when others cast doubt. To some, it may seem like a small achievement, but for me — as a working mother and a wife — the unwavering, and at times even frightening, determination it has taken makes this moment truly extraordinary. There’s no stopping now!” she exclaims.
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Launched with nothing more than willpower, a pair of easy-to-travel RODE mics, and a passion to share stories that matter, the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast has quickly become a valuable extension of the already established lifestyle, travel, fashion, food and wine blog by the same name. Today, SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY stands as a multi-faceted storytelling platform that continues to grow and inspire readers and listeners across South Africa and beyond, while Engelbrecht also writes for numerous other publications. Her work has been seen in publications such as Private Edition, Conde Nast House & Garden SA, Embassy Direct, Prestige Magazine, wine.co.za, Gourmet Guide, Taalgenoot, Rooi Rose and many more.
“This podcast has been about daring to try something new and challenging myself, even when the odds felt too big and the resources too small,” says Engelbrecht. “It’s proof that following your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem, is always worth it. Plus, I’ve gained some confidence in public speaking along the way, too, which is never a bad thing!”
A podcast for travellers, foodies, fashionistas, wine aficionados and those high on life
The SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast is for anyone who believes in living life to the full. Whether it’s through celebrating life’s little pleasures of slow living, family life and making your house a home, or diving into its bigger, more transformative travel experiences, culinary and wine adventures or fashion finds, the podcast connects with those who value intentional living and who know that memories and experiences are what truly matter.
With themes spanning lifestyle, travel, fashion, food, and wine, the podcast invites inspiring voices from across industries and walks of life to share their journeys, insights and stories. From renowned adventurers and entrepreneurs to creative thinkers and hospitality leaders, each episode is designed to spark curiosity, reflection and joy while encouraging listeners to explore more.
Within the first collection of episodes, Engelbrecht hosted an array of inspirational guests, including cellarmaster, Johan Jordaan from Spier Wine Farm; the founders and chefs from Cape Town’s Seebamboes Restaurant; Photographer and Lifestyle Influencer, Amanda Wiggill; Sommelier, Moses Magwaza from Prosopa Restaurant; Lauren and David Eastaugh, the founders of Amaya and Too Wild; Cruising expert, Gaynor Neill from Cruise Vacations; children’s book author and publisher, Kelly Kaschula; fashion designer, Lezanne Viviers and creatives, Nisha and Justus van der Hoven; Chiefs Tented Camps’ director, Lysta Stander; international best-selling author, Dana Grant; ocean conservationist and adventurer Chris Bertish; and Saxon Spa Steyn City’s Tanya Lopes. Engelbrecht has even convinced her husband, Wikus Engelbrecht, to join her on the show, diving into the topic of how travel has changed their perspective on family life.
More than just a podcast
The SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast is not just about conversations – it’s part of a greater storytelling movement. Adding facet to what the blog already offers, it builds on Engelbrecht’s mission to create a platform where authentic stories are told in ways that connect, uplift and inspire. Ultimately, it’s her way of raising a glass to life.
An invitation to collaborate
As the podcast celebrates this milestone, brands and individuals who align with the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY ethos are invited to join the journey. From collaborations to sponsorships, there are opportunities to grow alongside a platform that champions intentional living, meaningful experiences and the art of storytelling.
“Even though the podcast has started small, it is something that has a lot of potential to grow, especially in the travel and hospitality marketing space. I look forward to building authentic relationships with brands that see the value in storytelling, in learning and growing together and in being real,” Engelbrecht says. “It’s my dream to see this podcast soar; to let it grow into a leading storytelling platform within the lifestyle space where like-minded brands and individuals can share their stories, inspire others and build real connections in a fast-paced world where so much goes unnoticed.”
The SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast is available on Spotify and YouTube as a video podcast, and an audio version can be found on most other major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music and more. Episodes drop every Tuesday.
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