It’s a mark of trust

HE ANNUALDiners Club Winelist Awards presentation is an industry benchmark. KwaZulu-Natal particularly has made significant strides in improving the quality and variety of wines presented by the bottle or glass – and Diners Club must take some credit for those achievements by putting into the public domain the honour associated with making an effort.

The awards are based on the simple but accurate premise that the perfect meal is greatly enhanced by a matching fine wine – and they seek to encourage food and wine-serving establishments to improve the wine selections offered patrons.

Founded more than two decades ago, the awards have become a sought-after symbol of excellence and achievement. For patrons they showthe outlet offers a sound wine selection that is original and in harmony with the menu.

In this year’s KwaZulu-Natal event, 10 restaurants secured a diamond award, 16 awarded platinum status and 11 recognised with gold. It is not an exercise in finding wine lists littered with high prices, but rather one bound by creativity and choice.

In a nutshell, a good wine list does not have to be extensive, but must provide choice in price, producer and region.

There is also a growing emphasis on wine by the glass as it offers patrons the opportunity to try different wines with their courses and, in an era where we need more vigilance in regard to drinking and driving, the chance to