Opening Africa to SA wines
Swashbuckling Nigerianborn Adetunji Omotoso is a man of many parts who has established a strong base in South Africa in the past decade – a PanAfrican affairs TV commentator, director of African Wine Circle, founder of the Joburgbased Nigerian Diaspora Television news channel on YouTube; and holder of a few qualifications from the Cape Wine Academy.
What motivated African Wine Circle?
African Wine Circle is a wine lifestyle consultancy which deals with matters linked to wine, especially fine dining and crafting of wine, events and the sale of under-premium wines across the continent.
Has forming this wine club been worth the effort?
Absolutely, indeed. When we formed the African Wine Circle around 2010 we had realised that everywhere around the continent – from Lagos to Accra to Kigali and Kampala and Lusaka – the quality of the wine was not so good compared to South Africa. I remember the first time we hosted a wine event in Accra in 2008, the hotel had only co-op wines and it was difficult to even get the right type of glasses in Ghana. We had to import glasses from Woolworths.
What type of wine grabs your attention?
I have a penchant for wines which are bold and heavy and well oaked so Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux style wines are my favourite. I also enjoy wooded and unwooded Chardonnay. I am not obsessed with labels and paying vast amounts for a good bottle.
What is the most delicious SA wine you have tasted?
Without thinking, it must be the Radford Dale Gravity 2005.
How do you wind down after a hard day's work?
I enjoy going out quite a bit; and also love playing tennis and reading. I settle for a good Cabernet Sauvignon or sometimes a Merlot or red blend, preferably from Stellenbosch.
What is your idea of a perfect holiday?
Sitting on an island, listening to jazz and sipping on a glass of bubbly with an oceanic view.