Platter’s Guide is delighted to announce the appointment of Jean-Pierre (JP) Rossouw as publisher, effective 1 November 2013. He takes over from Andrew McDowall who is retiring at the end of December 2013.

JP's journey into wine began nearly two decades ago when he began writing about food and wine, after gaining experience as an advertising copywriter at agencies including TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris and Net#work BBDO, locally and in New York City.

Previously food and wine editor for Condé Nast House & Garden and wine columnist for the Cape Times newspaper for 10 years, he has also been the restaurant columnist for Mail & Guardian, as well as being a regular contributor to international magazine titles.

Currently restaurant columnist for Business Day, JP has been a judge for the Diners Club Winelist of the Year Award for the past five years, as well as the Southern African Academy of the San Pellegrino Top 50 Restaurants. He has contributed to Platter's Guide and written a book on South African wine, Mixed Case, which was re-published by Penguin in 2010 as Tasting the Cape.

Seeking reliable and incisive information about South African restaurants and not finding it, JP launched Rossouw’s Restaurants guide in 2004 and, as publisher and editor, has grown it into the leading independent guide to dining out over the last decade. The guide has frequently been a best-seller on the retail shelves and the website has grown into a valuable resource, listing nearly 3,000 establishments.

Says JP: "When I started the restaurant guide a decade ago, Platter's was my icon. To now be able to take this position is therefore an honour, as well as being incredibly exciting. It is also wonderful to return to the world of wine and indeed to marry it to its natural companion - food."

Founded in 1980 by John and Erica Platter, and grown over many decades by Andrew McDowall, editor Philip van Zyl and a dedicated team, Platter’s Guide is now one of the world's leading wine authorities. Says Andrew: "After 29 years' involvement with Platter’s, I am confident the guide will continue to grow in stature and international reputation."

JP adds: "Moving forward, the opportunities are vast – the team and I have many ideas to develop the Platter's name. But at the same time, I am very aware of Platter's fantastic heritage and certainly aim to be its custodian."

On the culinary front, there are also great plans in store, with Rossouw's Restaurants now part of the Diners Club family. JP concludes: "South Africa's food and wine scene is sparkling and you can be sure Platter's will remain an invaluable guide through these taste adventures!"