Culture Wine Bar Wins Best Medium-Sized Wine List

On Tuesday 4 October, we were awarded the Star Wine List’s Best Medium-Sized List in SA, which recognises establishments with 200 – 600 references on their wine lists.

This was announced at the inaugural South African edition of Star Wine List’s annual global wine awards, which serves to recognise the best wine offerings across the world.

Among the category’s nominees were some of SA’s most prestigious restaurants and hotels, including the Western Cape’s Ellerman House and FYN Restaurant, as well as Gauteng’s Marble Restaurant, Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel and Signature Restaurant. As Chef Matt says, “As the only wine bar on the shortlist, it was an incredible honour to have been nominated among some of the country’s best establishments – many of them SA institutions.

“We have put a great deal of time, love and effort into curating a diverse wine list that we believe showcases an extraordinary variety of fantastic wines from our much-loved local producers, as well as hidden gems, cult classics and more.

“A pivotal part of our offering is the Wanderlist, a collaboration with Radford Dale Imports. This black leather-bound menu features a collection of some of the best wines from around the world – and at very attractive price points.”

We also offer more than 45 wines by the glass, and were a finalist in Star’s By-the-Glass List category.

With an international jury consisting of the likes of Heidi Mäkinen (Master of Wine & President Finnish Sommelier Association), Marc Almert (Best Sommelier in the World 2019), Piotr Pietras (Master Sommelier) and Tawanda Marume (Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe 2020), we are extremely proud to have been recognised by an esteemed panel of global industry leaders.

Of our list, jury member Pietras remarked: “Fantastic wine list with loads of fun and discoveries. Blend of quirky and well-known wines. A lovely representation of local and international producers. Tradition meets the modernity. Well done!”

We would like to extend our congratulations to all of yesterday’s winners, specifically Aubergine which was awarded the Grand Prix title, a category for those with over 600 listings. Says Chef Matt: “Aubergine is one of Cape Town’s longest-standing restaurants renowned for its world-class culinary and wine offering, and it is rewarding to see another chef-owned establishment achieving such recognition.

“The marriage between food and wine is as old as time itself. You cannot separate one from the other, which is why all our offerings housed at our 103 Bree Street destination retain a focus on both.

“Thank you to all the incredible people that have been a part of our journey: our staff, partners, members, wine producers and merchants, and of course, our customers. This win is not just for us, but for the thriving wine culture in SA – what an exciting time to be part of it!”