The KayaFM and Wade Bales Wine and Malt Whisky affair is slowly earning itself a spot as the appetiser tasting event in Joburg. This event seems to attract a particular type of Joburgers known as  Afropolitans, which is no surprise considering the event organisers.  None the less, it was an event worth attending, and this is beside the wine on display, but more the company of Afropolitans that made an appearance. It made me realise that since the establishment of the Soweto wine show, we now have a real demand to boast about and perhaps enough to justify a packed calendar for wine makers. Even more, the establishment of more wine clubs in Joburg to keep VATS and RATS company. It was a lovely winter evening and that was a beautiful kick start to a fantastic weekend. It also coincided with the announcement of the Old Mutual 2013 Trophy wines, of which some where present at the tasting  such as the beloved Rijks 2008 Reserve Pinotage. I found myself stuck at their stand for most of the night besides the fact that it was the best red on show that day. A wine im sure will raise the flag for a gold medal on behalf of south african wines on the international stage. I must have dreamed about it for week afterwards. So if you are planning a special night this winter, I strongly suggest you get this wine on your shopping list.

None the less Joburg came out in numbers to express their passion for the finest liquid ever discovered. I’m even tempted to say the “The best thing since sliced bread” is wine. I spent most of the evening sharing life stories through wine glasses while the reds dominated the night. There was a couple of surprises for me such as the Sumaridge Pinot Noir 2010 vintage. I have been hung on the Hammilton Russell Pinot but Sumaridge produced a beautiful wine this time around. It had me longing for the summer sundowners in parks, so please add this to your list for keeps so you break open spring with that crisp Pinot. Cudos to Gavin Patterson and team for a well crafted wine. As time swiftly slipped away between the “hellos” and “OMG where have you been“, I had to dash and could therefore not complete my mission to share with you what the top 10 wines for the evening were. I apologise and promise to do a better job next time. So till then keep entertaining those palates.

Writer: Nico Sebolai