Learn about SA wines

COURSE: FIRST MODULE OF LOCAL AND LEKKER WAS HELD THIS TUESDAY

Make clever choices for every occasion.

One of South Africa’s biggest wine shows is keeping its spirit alive by going digital – for now. The show, that usually partners with Tsogo Sun as a venue host across the country, still has events planned for later this year, but, for now, it’s all Zoom-based.

South Africa’s largest travelling wine show – the Tops at Spar Wine Show – has taken the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown on the wine industry to heart by partnering with wine educator Cathy Marston to decant two accessible, fun and interactive online courses for wine lovers and the wine curious.

The inspiration for developing these two courses is rooted in a desire to keep the conversation around wine going, despite a ban on alcohol sales during lockdown, and ensuring the producers are still top of mind.

No wine left at home? No problem, says Marston. “We have taken the uncertainty around when South Africans can restock their wine supplies into consideration.

“These courses have been designed to ensure participants don’t have to have the actual wines – or break out the really good stuff – in order to learn something.

“The course material is highly informative and is presented in a very interactive format.

“One of my favourite parts is chatting to the enthusiastic wine lovers who stay online after the session!”

Each session is live which offers participants personal access to Marston, who is able to respond to questions in real time or the following day via email for those not comfortable participating live.

And if participants do happen to miss something during the session or want to refer back to the material, recordings of the sessions are available online.

Via the live chat function, which is enabled during each session, one participant of the almost 170 who signed up for the first course, commented: “This is more like an online wine club than a course. We have had so much fun!”

The Local and Lekker – Focus on SA Wine course, which started on Tuesday, is perfectly paired with wine lovers who yearn for a deeper understanding of the nuances of the Cape winelands.

In sessions 1 and 2 Marston explores and uncovers distinctively lekker local white and red wines, showcasing their flamboyant flavours and savvy styles in detail.

Session 3 puts a spotlight on sweet, fortified wines, and the fourth and final session celebrates the Winederlanders by showcasing South Africa’s finest

MCCs and bubbles.

So, if you are keen on learning how to make more informed choices, this course was created with you in mind.

You can still book your spot on www.wineshow.co.za/courses.

Wines are not included. – Citizen reporter