GOOD WINE, GOOD LIFE

ADOUBLE celebration took place this month on the rooftop of Hill on Empire, the new home of the Sunday Times. The occasion was the launch of Nederburg’s Heritage Heroes, a gourmet collection of handmade, ultrapremium wines, each named to honour a personality who has helped shape Nederburg’s history and reputation.

This was also the first Sunday Times Good Life Experience, an initiative that will offer readers many opportunities to hear fascinating stories, eat delicious food and drink fine wines.

Appropriate to this occasion, the speakers addressed facets of South African history. Historians Robin Binckes and Roger Webster spoke about events in 1791, when Philippus Wolvaart bought the farm that would become Nederburg, and, a century later, the early mining days in Johannesburg.

Specialist tour guide Jo Buitendach pointed out gems in the sparkling skyline of Johannesburg and told us why she loves the city. Good Life Experience ambassador and Sunday Times book maven Michele Magwood told the story of Johann Graue, who acquired Nederburg in 1937 and revolutionised winemaking techniques in South Africa, and writer Bridget Hilton-Barber paid tribute to Ilse Graue, wife of Johann, who planted Nederburg’s famous rose gardens.

Nederburg wine ambassador Chris de Klerk (pictured) talked guests through the tasting of each wine — The Anchorman, The Young Airhawk, The Motorcycle Marvel, The Brewmaster, and The Beautiful Lady — accompanied by canapés created by Lifestyle food editor Hilary Biller.

Look out for news about more Sunday Times Good Life Experiences.