We live in a country that’s renowned for its wine. As citizens, we should all be superior wine snobs but that’s not always the case. I barely know my Shiraz from my Chardonnay but I’m very proud of our country’s status in the realms of viticulture. South African wines are revered worldwide – that’s why I like supporting local and celebrating our vineyard varieties (especially after a long day at the keyboard).

These are my top five reasons for loving South African Wines:

Celebration

Whether it’s clinking that glass at the end of a long day or raising a toast for a job well done, that little goblet is made for celebrating. And really, we do have a lot to celebrate in this beautiful country. A crispy white at a braai with friends, or a deep Merlot on a winter’s evening truly add a little something special to those wonderful occasions.

Shop Local

If there’s one thing we can do in our daily lives to support our country’s economy and inspire entrepreneurs, its shop local. Supporting South African wineries is easy – simply flip that bottle over, read the label and make sure you’re purchasing a wine of SA origin. Shop local and be lekker – it’s really easy.

Heritage

Wine is intrinsically attached to our country’s history. And with a long and winding South African heritage that’s created a well-respected wine industry, it’s not hard to see how a glass of the best can be a trip down memory lane. Do a little research on the wine farms that make your favourite wine, and you’ll probably find they’ve been around for generations! Nearly every single one of our esteemed wine farms have a story behind them – find out about your favourite wine farm’s history.

Our global trophy

South Africa has many wine routes, and is home to the longest wine route in the world. Yes, the whole world. Take that, everywhere else. Even more importantly, more than 450 million litres of our wines are exported every year. Now that’s a tiara our country can wear with pride.

Pair up, perfectly

Cheese and wine evenings and chocolate and wine pairings have become pretty standard in South Africa, as it’s easy to find good wines to go with great nibbles. Wine and cheese pairings feel so indulgent for me and, thanks to the fantastic wines we make right here, there’s always a new one on the shelf to sample.

Don’t forget folks, while you’re celebrating or indulging, it’s most important to drink responsibly. Alcohol is for adults, so remember, no under 18s allowed. If you’re heading out, leave your car at home and take an Uber to and fro. If you’re having friends over for dinner, don’t let them drive if they’re drinking. Tell them to pack a pillow and turn your parties into sleepovers so you can carry on the jol with a super breakfast the next morning.

The best way to honour our wonderful wines is to enjoy them well, and enjoy them responsibly. For updates on wines and beverages, be sure to regularly visit the International Hotel School blog.

Image sources: www.telegraph.co.uk, www.tapcorknyc.com