Living in the Winelands

The philosophy of the Living brand is to offer 'global style, local application and regional beauty', which will apply to similar titles to be launched by Johncom in the coming year.

"In essence, this is one national magazine brand that caters to local tastes," explains business manager Mike van Eck.

Aspirant lifestyle

As with its sister publications, Winelands Living is an aspirant lifestyle magazine with features covering local personalities, produce, fashion, décor, entertainment and activities ranging from leisure to sporting. It is edited by Leigh Robertson, previously the deputy editor of Good Taste magazine.

"Winelands Living is upbeat and conversational in tone, and should prove to be an enjoyable read, packed with insider information on who's doing what, the best spots to frequent and all the good stuff that makes locals tick," says Robertson.

"The Winelands is home, if not full-time then at least for certain periods of the year, to a wide range of interesting and high profile people - not only those in the wine industry, but also sports stars, captains of industry, artists, celebrity chefs and more. What they have in common is their ardour for the region and the lifestyle it offers, which we aim to promote to readers near and far."

First to launch

The first of the Living magazines to launch was Garden Route Living in 2003. "The Garden Route has become a bustling and fashionable holiday seaside destination attracting local and international visitors all year round," says editor Peter Owen.

Sunshine Coast Living, in its fourth edition, is edited by Port Elizabethan Kathryn Chadford. The vast Eastern Cape, which includes popular destinations such as St Francis Bay, Jeffrey's Bay, Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred and Grahamstown, is shaking off its reputation as the country's poorest province to be its fastest growing province.

"Despite fast paced development, the region boasts vast tracts of un-spoilt 'Africa,' pristine beaches and top rated game parks," explains Chadford. "Talented people are prolific in the Eastern Cape, which is home to entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, world-renowned athletes and top leaders."

Praise singer

She adds that Sunshine Coast Living has taken on the role of praise singer to the Eastern Cape, and the province's natural beauty, wealth of human resources and wide variety of lifestyles provides ample subject matter.

Although regionally focused, Winelands Living, Garden Route Living and Sunshine Coast Living are all on sale nationally, and can be found on the shelves of retailers, including Exclusive Books, CNA, Spar supermarkets and Engen Garages.