If you can’t drink them, know them

Upset about not being able to indulge in your favourite red or white? Why not learn more about our local wines from an expert, so you can stock up wisely next time?

The TOPS at SPAR Wine

Show has taken the effects of the countrywide Covid-19 lockdown on the wine industry to heart. They have partnered with wine educator Cathy Marston to decant two accessible, fun and interactive online wine courses for enthusiastic wine lovers and the wine curious alike. No wine left at home? No problem, says Cathy, “We’ve taken the uncertainty around when South Africans can restock their wine supplies into consideration. These courses have been designed to ensure that participants don’t have to have the actual wines – or bring out the really good stuff – in order to learn something. The course material is highly informative and is presented in a very interactive format.” Each session is live, offering participants personal access to Cathy who is able to respond to questions in real time or the following day via email. If participants do happen to miss something during the session, recordings are available online. The Local & Lekker – Focus on SA Wine online course is perfectly paired with wine lovers who want a deeper understanding of the nuances of the Cape winelands. In session one and two, Cathy explores local white and red wines, showcasing their flavours and styles in detail. Session three puts a spotlight on sweet, fortified wines, and the fourth and final session showcases South Africa’s finest MCCs and bubblies. The course is packaged into four live 45-minute online Zoom sessions every Tuesday and Thursday over two weeks. Each session starts with 30 minutes of theory and concludes with an interactive, practical 15-minute “tasting session” with Cathy. So, if you are keen on learning how to make more informed choices when choosing wines to take along to social gatherings at some time in the future, book your spot for the next one starting on Tuesday, 12 May.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF

Local & Lekker – Focus on SA Wine wineshow.co.za/courses