Demystifying wine for the Jozi crowd
New Joburg Wine Club aims to remove snobbery around wine
Wine lover Mary Lou Posch once said wine speaks to all the senses: “The eyes behold the color, tone, and shade; the nose, the bouquet, the fingers and lips caress the cool crystal; the ears delight in the subtle swishing of the liquid; the tongue rejoices in the reward of a rich harvest.”
Not only that, wine also expresses the sense of place and nature; and is about enjoyment of life with company or in solitude; and no less about the taste for finer things. This is the beauty and magic of wine, according to founders of the newly launched Joburg Wine Club, Mariette Du Toit-Helmbold and Annareth Bolton.
Both Du Toit-Helmbold and Bolton, who are influential personalities in the Cape winelands, said the idea behind the newest addition to Joburg’s wine circuit was to demystify wine and remove the snobbery around its appreciation – something that is contrived to make it the exclusive reserve of the elite.
The club has already hosted two tastings for its members – one at Once In Joburg in Braamfontein in November, and another at Buitengeluk in Fourways last Sunday.
Both events, featuring some household wine brands, have attracted a bevy of celebrities who add a bit of star power and glitz to the tastings.
No doubt the energy and vibe of Joburg make the city the pulse of South Africa – something that not even the much-vaunted beauty of Cape Town can match.
The Golden City accounts for approximately 60% of wine sales in the country.
A report of the SA Wine Industry Information and Systems (Sawis) said a total of R6.0-billion was generated through wine tourism in 2013, with 43% of all overseas visitors to the Western Cape wining, dining, shopping and staying in hotels in the Cape winelands.
“Being a member of the Joburg Wine Club gives you access to exclusive events, wine promotions, a monthly case of specially selected wine delivered to your door, travel deals and incredible prizes,” says Du Toit-Helmbold.
“Guests that sign up to the Joburg Wine Club at the launch event will stand a chance of winning the November Festive six pack of wine valued at R990 or a weekend away to the winelands, including flights, accommodation, meals and unforgettable experiences worth more than R15 000.”
Most interesting is that the club is exposing Joburg wine lovers to some largely undiscovered hangouts in the city.
Both the four-star Once In Joburg Hotel in Braamfontein, with its spunky Immigrant Bar, and the fabulous Buitengeluk in Broadacres estate, exude a sedative ambience. With its rollings lawns, Buitengeluk boasts one of the most wonderful laid-back settings for a Sunday brunch enjoyed with bubbly under umbrellas.
A huge attraction to the club events are brands such as La Motte, Boschendal, Nitida and Meerlust, whose owner Hannes Myburgh is always appreciative of the legendary status enjoyed by Meerlust Rubicon in the townships.
Last Sunday’s tasting at Buitengeluk sprung a few surprises in Diemersfontein Rosé (R65), Boschendal Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2016 (R105), La Motte Brut Sparkling (R305) and Diemersfontein Spumante (R55).