Looking for a way to justify drinking wine on a Tuesday afternoon? If coronavirus isn't enough of a reason to drink, then an online class on the History of South African Wine sure is! Hosted by Cape Wine Tasting, these ninety minute sessions take you on a journey from the very first vines planted in the 17th century, to the modern and innovative wineries spread across the country today.
The class was led by Manfred Levesque of Cape Wine Tasting and Tawanda Marume of Expression Wines Africa, two experts who brought knowledge of wine tourism, history and science together for a holistic overview of the industry. While we sipped our Stellenbosch Chenin Blancs and Franschhoek Pinot Noirs we were regaled with stories of the first settlers, and how each region of South Africa produces a different style of wine.
As well as wine history we covered terroir, climate, imports and exports, politics and leisure. Each story was accompanied by images of the stunning Cape Winelands and the multi-million rand wineries with their impressive architecture, award-winning restaurants and panoramic mountain views. It made me miss Cape Town very much!
The class was very relaxed and well put-together, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and input our own stories. Some of us had absolutely no wine knowledge and a few had a basic understanding of South African wine, but everyone got something from the session and got full marks in the pop-quiz at the end! All in all a fun and affordable way to spend an evening in good company.
