Why start a Wine Club?

I started the Wine-of-the-Month Club in 1986—long before the days of online wine buying. Wine in South Africa was considered a snobbish beverage. Most people didn’t understand or know how to enjoy wine or which food to enjoy wine with—let alone how to buy wine. 

Wine Lovers were then, and still are, very keen to learn about wine. But getting started can be intimidating. It became my goal to make wine accessible—and an adventure—to all who are interested.  

How best to do this? Put together a panel of experts. Let them assess all the wines—in blind tastings. That way you judge according to what’s in the glass—not according to label, reputation or price. Select only the best value-for-money wines.

But don’t stop there. Get the panel’s descriptions of the wines, when-best-to-drink dates, and wine/food accompaniment suggestions. By providing you with background information on wine, and how and when to enjoy it at its best, you too can become a connoisseur or wine expert!

So, next time a friend asks you about the differences among red wine—such as Shiraz, Merlot, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon—or among white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, you’ll know exactly what to say. More importantly, you’ll be able to tell them which are the best wines to drink!