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GEORGE NEWS - Are you missing out on one of life's greatest pleasures? Have you ever wondered what all the fuss around enjoying a glass of wine with or without food is all about? Maybe you've tried, but didn't enjoy it?
Yet you keep wondering why others do.
It's a simple fact of life that the more you understand something, the more you will appreciate it. Enjoying a glass of wine is no exception.
If you live on the Garden Route and are looking for an opportunity to begin your journey of understanding wine, the Wine & Whatever Experience in proud partnership with Vodacom is the perfect place to start.
The problem with most wine festivals is that one tastes all the cultivars (wines made from different grape varieties) from one producer before moving on to the next producer. This results in an information overload and a dull palate; enough to kill anyone's enthusiasm.
Instead, the Wine & Whatever format will explore, step by step and in depth, single cultivars from multiple producers. This will allow you to educate your palate to detect the subtle differences between the same cultivar, grown and aged under different conditions.
Find out whether you prefer red or white; a varietal wine (one made from a single cultivar) or a blend of different cultivars; a dry wine or a sweet wine.
Educate your nose to appreciate the multitude of aromas produced by different wines.
Drinking and tasting are two very different experiences. When you quaff a wine you deny yourself all the subtle aromas and flavours. Consider wine tasting as an art; a skill that anyone can develop with practice.
When you can decide that you prefer a Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch to another from the West Coast, you will be well on your way to becoming a connoisseur.
Educating your palate does not happen overnight, but once you have learned the basics you begin a lifetime journey of discovery into all the wonderful combinations an ever-changing climate dishes out.
The back story of each wine is often fascinating, like the story of Pinotage, South Africa's biggest success.
Learning about wine is in itself a wonderful experience. But the best part comes afterwards, when you've learned a few basics and these change your love of wine for ever. The best way to learn about wine is to drink it!
You're invited to join us on a journey to educate yourself and your palate so that you too can experience the joy of an almost limitless feast for the senses.
Distributors and producers include Brand Republic, Vinimark, Urban Cellar, Herold Wines, Jakkalsvlei, Baleia Wines, Meridian Wine Merchants, Boplaas, Boland and Spar Tops. Red wines that will be under discussion are Pinotage, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, the white wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Rosé and Chardonnay and fortified wines will be Red Muscadel and Port. There will also be a number of blends as well as craft beer and liquor for your enjoyment.
At the launch of the Wine & Whatever Experience last Thursday evening are, from left: Alewijn Dippenaar, Mimi Finestone, Russel Kuhn (Augusta Grill), Natasha Potgieter (Brand Republic), Gideon Hugo (regional director of Tygercellular & Vodacom local franchise), Francois Lamprecht (chairperson of the Parents Association Glenwood College) and Kevin Kieswetter (winemaker / owner of Houtbosch Wines).
Details
The Wine & Whatever Experience in proud partnership with Vodacom takes place at Fancourt's conference venue on 9 and 10 August.
Time: 11:00 to 18:00 on both days.
Tickets are available from the various Vodacom outlets listed below at R80 per day, or online at R70 per day. The event will run from 11:00 to 18:00 on both days.
• Vodacom Shop 34 York Street, George 044 874 1667
• Vodacom 4U Garden Route Mall 044 887 0125
• Vodacom Shop Garden Route Mall - George 044 887 0145
• Vodacom Shop Oudtshoorn 044 272 0338
Tickets available online: https://www.ticketrush.co.za/event/wine-and-whatever.
The Bryan Adams Tribute Show starts at 18:00 for 18:30 on 8 August. Tickets are R150 pp or R1 500 per table of 10, and are available at https://www.ticketrush.co.za/event/bryan-adams-tribute-concert. Bring own picnic basket or order one from Glenwood School.
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