How do you like your wine? Sweet or dry, red or white, fizzy or flat? It doesn’t matter! If you’re a wine connoisseur, we encourage you to raise a sophisticated, sassy glass to one of the most loved, special days – Wine Day!

Sandton Central is ready to unwind with a glass or two because… like we need an excuse!? Whether it coincidentally happens to be that you’re celebrating a religious ceremony or simply livening up a gathering on Tuesday, 25 May 2021, or not, add a splash of wine!

It’s a firm favourite across the world, but let’s call a spade a spade – South Africa produces the best wines compared to other countries. We’ll let them think otherwise, but we know the truth. What makes our wine so great? Well, everything about it, of course!

5 Fun Facts About Wines From South Africa

1. South Africa is home to one of the oldest wine countries outside Europe, as our winemaking history began well over 350 years ago. The first vineyard was planted in 1655, and the first recorded vintage was released in 1659. Since then, South Africa’s grape industry has grown to more than 10,000 producers, more than half of whom produce wine grapes.
2. South Africa’s fertile soil allows for a wide variety of wines to be available, including Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon are currently the most widely planted varietals in our country, but Pinotage is the only one that is unique to South Africa.
3. Though Stellenbosch is undoubtedly the most widely known wine-producing region in South Africa and should be a must-visit stop, many other regions produce incredible wine worth checking out, such as Constantia, Franschoek, and Paarl.
4. Don’t just do wine tastings; learn how to make it. Many farms will gladly take you on a tour on how to grow wine grapes and make wine itself. The University of Stellenbosch offers the same in its close association with the South African grape and wine industry.
5. Brandy used to be king as it has played an essential role in the South Africa economy for a very long time. Wine on its own would turn to vinegar while on long sea journeys. Distilling the wine and creating brandy would preserve the wine, making it drinkable for months. A lot has changed; however, the South African brandy industry is still going strong and has a place among the world’s great brandy producers.

Wine Day in Sandton Central

It’s pretty obvious, visit any of Sandton’s restaurants or establishments for a few glasses of reds or whites. Bring along some friends, and remember to book an Uber!

Look like an expert when pairing wines with meals by using this quick guide –

• Bitter wines are best balanced with fat.
• White wines are best paired with meats that have light intensity, for example, chicken or fish.
• Red wines are best paired with bold-flavoured meats, for example, red meat.
• The wine and the food should have the same flavour intensity.
• The wine that you choose ought to be sweeter than the food.
• The wine should be more acidic than the food.
• Usually, red wines will create congruent pairings.
• More often than not, rose, sparkling, and white wines will create contrasting pairings.
• Instead of matching the wine with the meat, it is better to match the wine with the sauce.

Whatever your choice, be sure to raise a glass in celebration and enjoy responsibly, Sandton!