Top 10 Trending Wines [South Africa] 30 November

Holidays are in the air. Can ya smell them? Lots of wine shopping to do. Here's where to start...

TOP 10 TRENDING WINES for SOUTH AFRICA

#1   The Wolftrap Red by Boekenhoutskloof (2011) R38
#2   Alto Rouge by Alto (2009) R80
#3   Ratafia by Pierre Jourdan
#4   Special Cuvee by Springfield (2010, Sav Blanc)
#5   Classic Collection by KWV (2011, Sav Blanc) R44
#6   Brampton OVR by Rustenburg (2007) R52
#7   Petit Chenin Blanc by Ken Forrester (2010)
#8   Fat Bastard Chardonnay by Thierry & Guy (2010) R60
#9   Pinotage by Beyerskloof (2011) R55
#10 Three Cape Ladies by Warwick (2010) R112

Updates to the Leaderboard & Profile Page

Our dev team has released some little polishes to the Leaderboard and Profile which you might enjoy!

• We now differentiate between the 30 day Leaderboard (crazy Wine Fans that are SO HOT RIGHT NOW) and the All Time Leaderboard (our leaders and visionaries). You can switch between them at will.
• Your Profile Page now also includes a Performance Stat. Because we know you just can't start trying to beat your best! This shows your Best Month on Real Time Wine vs your Current Month. Falling behind? Review more! Share more!

TIP: How to play the game and improve the review system for the community. Have you tried voting YES or NO on the "Was this review helpful?" function? You'll find it just underneath every review.

We sort the reviews by the number of helpful votes they get, bringing the cream to the top and making the information more valuable for you. Oh, and you get 1 point every time you vote! Go on, it's worth it. For the sake of our winefathers.

Enjoy! 

Wino Andy.

COMPETITION: Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival (presented by MasterCard)

Finally! A dedicated competition for our Cape Town Wine Fans. Because we know this one might be popular, we're having an intense 1 day entry period. Closes at midnight tonight. We'll choose the winner tomorrow (29 November 2012). You can only enter on our Facebook Page by leaving a comment on the competition post. One entry per person. Must live in Cape Town. You'll find the answer in all the festival content below. As usual, you must be a Real Time Wine registered user to enter, bonus points for your Real Time Wine status level (1 for Empty Glass, 2 for New Grape on the Block and so on).

Question: Where will the Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival be held?
Prize: 2 tickets (1 double tickets) valued at R200 a ticket for 1 lucky Wine Fan to attend the Cap Classique and Champagne Festival with general access on Saturday the 1st December 2012.

Competition closing date: Wednesday the 28th November

Read on!

The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival, presented by MasterCard is set in the picture perfect Huguenot Monument Gardens in Franschhoek, this will take place over the weekend of 30 November to 2 December 2012.

Visitors will be able to taste some of France’s best Champagnes alongside the finest Cap Classiques to emerge from the wine cellars of South Africa. With the winemaking methods virtually the same in both regions, the success of a winemaker’s labours comes down to the terroir from which they source their grapes, and their finely honed skills - something that South African winemakers have mastered throughout the years.

Renowned wineries participating in this popular festival include Backsberg, Colmant, Graham Beck Wines, Krone, La Motte, Morena, Môreson, Pierre Jourdan, Simonsig, Steenberg, Topiary Wines and Villiera. World renowned Champagnes will be represented by brands such as Billecart Salmon, Tribaut and Veuve Clicquot.

Visitors to the festival will also be treated to a range of gastronomic delights presented by the local restaurants that have firmly entrenched Franschhoek’s status as one of the world’s premier culinary destinations. Some of the participating fine dining restaurants include well known establishments such as Babylonstoren and Le Quartier Français.


FULL PRESS RELEASE FOR REALLY INTERESTED PARTIES!

The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival, Presented by MasterCard

Get the festive season into full swing with this year’s social calendar highlight - the Franschhoek ‘Magic of Bubbles’ Cap Classique and Champagne Festival, presented by MasterCard. The festival is set in the picture perfect Franschhoek Wine Valley, an area rich with South African natural beauty and French heritage, and will take place over the weekend of 30 November to 2 December 2012.

Local Cap Classique producers, and their French counterparts from the Champagne region in France, will present their best bubblies over three fun-filled, festive days in a grand marquee situated on the manicured lawns surrounding Franschhoek’s famous Huguenot Monument.

“MasterCard is excited to be the headline sponsor for the ‘Magic of Bubbles’ Cap Classique and Champagne Festivals for 2012 and 2013 in Johannesburg and Franschhoek,” says Mark Hearne, vice president, marketing for South Africa, MasterCard Worldwide. “MasterCard is hosting the World MasterCard Gourmet Theatre, an exclusive tasting and dining environment that is exclusive to World MasterCard cardholders, at the Festivals.”

Visitors will be able to taste some of France’s best Champagnes alongside the finest Cap Classiques to emerge from the wine cellars of South Africa. With the winemaking methods virtually the same in both regions, the success of a winemaker’s labours comes down to the terroir from which they source their grapes, and their finely honed skills - something that South African winemakers have mastered throughout the years.

Renowned wineries participating in this popular festival include Backsberg, Colmant, Graham Beck Wines, Krone, La Motte, Morena, Môreson, Pierre Jourdan, Simonsig, Steenberg, Topiary Wines and Villiera. World renowned Champagnes will be represented by brands such as Billecart Salmon, Tribaut and Veuve Clicquot.

Visitors to the festival will also be treated to a range of gastronomic delights presented by the local restaurants that have firmly entrenched Franschhoek’s status as one of the world’s premier culinary destinations. Some of the participating fine dining restaurants include well known establishments such as Babylonstoren, Le Quartier Français, The Restaurant at Grande Provence, Bread & Wine, Mange Tout at Mont Rochelle Hotel, La Petite Ferme, Pierneef  à La Motte Restaurant, L’Ermitage, Monneaux Restaurant, The SalmonBar, Dieu Donné, Bistro Allée Bleue and Le Franschhoek.

A short wander down the main road in Franschhoek will uncover world-class shops and boutiques for an intimate and relaxed shopping experience, while the many winefarms within easy reach of the village add to the appeal of a weekend of celebrating Cap Classiques.

Those wishing to spend the night will be spoilt for choice with accommodation ranging from the finest bed and breakfasts to luxurious boutique hotels, all nestling in a picturesque and secure environment.

This year the festival will take full advantage of the Cape’s glorious summer evenings, with the festival open from 6pm to 10pm on Friday, 30 November, and then between 12pm and 5pm on both Saturday, 1st and Sunday, 2nd December 2012.

The theme for this year’s festival is black and white, with the emphasis on parasols and fans, and in keeping with a tradition that is now as much a part of the festival as is the bubbly, a prize will be awarded to the best dressed couple.

COST: Tickets cost R200 each, including access to the festival, a complimentary tasting glass and a MasterCard contactless payment card with 10 tasting vouchers. Further vouchers can be purchased on the day. Children under 18 years of age will be allowed free entry to the festival.
                  
BOOKINGS: Tickets can be purchased through www.webtickets.co.za, with a 10% discount if they are purchased using a MasterCard card, but hurry as tickets are limited. Once the marquee is full no further patrons will be admitted.

New-look Ten Day Stellenbosch Wine Festival Kicks Off In January 2013

25 January to 3 February 2013

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival, the flagship event of South Africa’s iconic wine region, stomps its way into a new era this January with an expanded ten-day program designed to showcase in a bigger, better and bolder fashion the delightfully diverse town of Stellenbosch from 25 January until 3 February 2013.

The Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes moved this annual highlight event from its previous mid-winter schedule to the new dates in order to capitalise on the unique assets and attractions this historic oak-lined town and its more than 150 wineries has to offer during the height of summer.

“We realised that it makes sense to showcase our world-class wines during a period when everything that Stellenbosch offers - its natural beauty, unique cultural heritage, excellent academic institutions and vibrant agricultural industries - is at its best and brightest. Perfect summer weather, the buzz of a new University year and the bustling start of the harvest season will all add new dimensions to the Stellenbosch Wine Festival experience. Our member farms are excited, the whole town is mobilised and we are sure that wine lovers and lifestyle tourists from all over South Africa and the world are going to be thrilled with what Stellenbosch is bringing to the table this summer,” says Annareth Bolton, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.

The new-look Stellenbosch Wine Festival, presented by Pick ‘n Pay, delivers a full flight of wine experiences for both casual fans and connoisseurs, including a ten-day promotion at many of the area’s award-winning restaurants, special cultivar evenings and wine farm tours.

Throughout the week, the public will be able to tailor-make their own festival experience by dining in town and estate restaurants offering special food and wine pairing menus as part of the festival’s “Wine & Dine” sensation or by visiting a myriad of farms offering unique tours and tasting programmes.

A festival highlight will be the Blessing of the Harvest and the Harvest Parade on Saturday, 26 January, as celebrants from Stellenbosch member farms march through the streets on a flotilla of tractors. For those more adventurous festivalgoers various sporting events will give enthusiasts a colourful taste of the Stellenbosch lifestyle.

It all culminates in a three-day Wine Expo, which will be located in the heart of the vibrant town, and feature interactive stands and tasting programmes from over 130 wine and gourmet food producers. The Wine Expo is set to take place from 1 to 3 February on Die Braak and will take full advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings with rustic tables, green décor and free-flowing Bedouin tents.  A central stage will play host to Sunset Sounds Concerts to keep festivalgoers entertained as they enjoy the fabulous vintages on offer.

A full Festival Guide will be published by the organisers in early January and details of the entire programme will be made available on the Festival website over the coming months.

Follow us on twitter @StellWineFest with the hash tag #StellWineFest and on Facebook www.facebook.com/StellenboschWineFestival to find out more about the participating wine farms, restaurants and festival activities as well as promotions and giveaways.

For more information, visit www.stellenboschwinefestival.co.za

5 Tips for Storing Wine [WINE 101]

Knowing what affects wine will help you store it properly. What you need to watch out for are heat, light, oxygen, low humidity and vibrations. That’s why wine cellars historically are cool, dark and even damp. 

Nowadays the decisive factor is how long you plan on keeping the wine and what you want to use it for. If you’re stocking up for your birthday next year, anywhere that isn’t too hot will do. If you bought a valuable red on auction at Sotheby’s and hope to make a return on your investment, you need to invest in proper cellaring too. 

Real Time Wine & WineStyle present: 5 Tips for Storing Wine.

For basic home storage, bear the following in mind:

1. Temperature
A constant, cool temperature of 14ºC to 17ºC is ideal. Temperature fluctuations will age your wine prematurely although you needn’t lose sleep over a dip or rise of one degree.

2. Light
Light, be it sunlight or artificial light, ages wine. Even if you’re only going to keep a wine for a month or three, it’s best to keep it in a dark place such as a cupboard. That’s why most red wines, especially if it’s meant to be aged, are bottled in dark green glass. This is no longer the case for white wine, especially those that are made to be enjoyed soon.

3. Vibrations
If a wine bottle is shaken, the wine can break down and it is a particularly bad idea to keep a box of wine on top of the microwave or tumble dryer. If you are going to splurge on a wine fridge, bear in mind that cheaper models usually vibrate, just like your kitchen fridge. A little extra will get you one that will keep your wine stable as well as at the right temperature.

4. Humidity
You will have to keep an eye on the humidity level and it needs to be between 50% and 80%. This is to keep corks from drying out. Dry corks will crack and shrink, letting air into the bottle. If it’s stored somewhere that’s hot and dry, the wine will evaporate too. Granted, a high humidity will encourage mould but that’s nothing good circulation can’t fix. And besides, a mouldy label on an old bottle looks impressive.

5. Flat vs. upright
While inside the bottle, oxygen is your wine’s biggest enemy. Laying bottles on their side will help keep the corks moist.

Which wines improve with age?

• Reds generally age better than whites.
• Good wines will improve and last longer than cheaper ones.
• Very tannic wines mellow and improve with age.
• Champagne ages wonderfully if it is properly stored as the carbon dioxide in the bubbles is a natural preservative.
• Aged wines are fragile and can deteriorate very quickly once open.
• Many dessert wines age well as sugar is a natural preservative.

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The Wine 101 series is a collaboration between Real Time Wine and WineStyle Magazine. Content originally produced by WineStyle. Subscribe to their great newsletter and wine deals here. And whatever wine you're drinking, it's better to share it with your friends using Real Time Wine, the wine app for everyone who enjoys wine, not just those who understand it!

Top 10 Trending Wines [South Africa] 23 November

Does it feel like the year is winding down? Or is that just summer winding up?!

Check out this week's shopping list :)

TOP 10 TRENDING WINES IN SOUTH AFRICA

#1   The Wolftrap Red by Boekenhoutskloof (2011) R37
#2   Fat Bastard Chardonnay by Thierry & Guy (2010) R60
#3   Three Cape Ladies by Warwick (2010) R112
#4   Pinotage by Beyerskloof (2011) R55
#5   Two Oceans Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot by Distell (2011) R34
#6   Reserve Terra Hutton by Darling Cellars (2011, Cabernet Sauvignon)
#7   Sauvignon Blanc by La Motte (2012) R50
#8   OVR by Brampton (2002, Blend)
#9   Sophie Te'Blanche by Iona Vineyards (2012, Sauvignon Blanc) R52
#10 Penny by Painted Wolf (2011, Viognier)

COMPETITION: Mastercard > The Gourmet Theatre @ FoodWineDesign JHB

Now this is a pretty sweet competition. Only for JHB folks unfortunately (the Cape Town lads and lasses get all the food & wine fun usually). Unless of course you're planning on being in Jozi - then feel free to enter. CRAZY prize of a double ticket worth R1600 to be wined and dined by local food wizards. Read on for how to enter - remember you have to be registered on Real Time Wine!

The Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard will make its second ever appearance at the FoodWineDesign Fair taking place at Johannesburg’s Hyde Park Corner from 23 - 25 November 2012.

A unique culinary and design experience, the Gourmet Theatre will feature the remarkable talents of Chefs Luke Dale-Roberts of The Test Kitchen, Reuben Riffel of Reuben’s Restaurant, and David Higgs of The Saxon Hotel . Each will present their signature dishes for lunch and dinner sittings that will take only 42 guests at a time on a remarkable journey of locally inspired tastes and flavours, presenting top end superior quality food in a novel and exciting environment.

The FoodWineDesign Fair is the second setting for the Gourmet Theatre, with MasterCard having launched this unique concept at the Johannesburg Cap Classique and Champagne Festival in August 2012.

Seats at the Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard at the FoodWineDesign Fair are primarily reserved for World MasterCard cardholders, but limited tickets are available to members of the public at R800 per person for selected lunch and dinner sittings with tickets available for purchase at www.webtickets.co.za.

Prize: 2 tickets (one Double) valued at R1600.00  to attend the Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard, with guest chef David Higgs of The Saxon Hotel, at FoodWineDesign Fair on the afternoon on Sunday 25th November 2012.

Question: Which Sandton Hotel did Chef David Higgs join after leaving Rust en Vrede in 2011?

Hint: click on the link to David Higgs.

Giveaway/competition closing date: 5pm 20 November 2012

HOW TO ENTER & Rules: Standard competition rules apply. Entries will be taken in the comments section of this blog, the comments attached to the Facebook post for this competition and on Twitter (directed to @realtimewine). One entry per person. Remember to tag your entry with #mastercard.

You need to be contactable on Wednesday 21 November in order to contact the prize otherwise we reserve the right to draw again.

Prizes will be a lucky draw. You must be registered on Real Time Wine to enter. Status levels get you bonus entries (ah, aren't you wishing you'd hit Social Spritzer by now!):

The Empty Glass: 1 entry
New Grape on the Block: 2 entries
Social Spritzer: 3 entries
Bottle Bandit: 4 entries
Wine Warrior: 5 entries.

Go Wine FANS!


Full press release below if you're interested in reading more...

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Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard Pops-up at FoodWineDesign Fair

Johannesburg, South Africa, 13th November 2012 – The Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard will make its second ever appearance at the Sanlam Investments FoodWineDesign Fair taking place at Johannesburg’s Hyde Park Corner from 23 - 25 November 2012.

A unique culinary and design experience, the Gourmet Theatre will feature the remarkable talents of Chefs Luke Dale-Roberts of The Test Kitchen, Reuben Riffel of Reuben’s Restaurant, and David Higgs of The Saxon Hotel. Each will present their signature dishes for lunch and dinner sittings catering to only 42 guests at a time. Artlogic, a Johannesburg-based intellectual-property company that creates branding platforms is curating the food, design, art and furniture aspects of the Gourmet Theatre.

“MasterCard and Artlogic have collaborated with Luke, Reuben and David to create this priceless experience that epitomises our premium card, World MasterCard,” says Mark Hearne, vice president, marketing and communications, South Africa, MasterCard Worldwide. “It characterises our promise of preferential access to a range of priceless experiences that are available to World MasterCard cardholders by invitation only.”

The FoodWineDesign Fair is the second setting for the Gourmet Theatre, with MasterCard having launched this unique concept at the Johannesburg Cap Classique and Champagne Festival in August 2012.

“The Fair is the perfect venue for the Gourmet Theatre, attracting South Africans who want to experience the best in local cuisine, leading boutique wines, and who want to furnish their living spaces with the works of top South African designers and artists,” said Hearne.

Crockery for the Gourmet Theatre has been commissioned from artisanal potter Tessa Gawith, and Katherine Glenday will supply bespoke water tumblers. The specially crafted oak tables, benches and chairs will be supplied by James Mudge Furniture Studios, and will be adorned with linen by Skinny laMinx creator, Heather Moore.

Artist Beezy Bailey has created a special edition of artworks entitled “Buckshot”, in line with the culinary themes of the Gourmet Theatre, and in keeping with the extraordinary quality of the concept, the chefs teams will weave their magic in a high-end custom-built kitchen created by The Culinary Equipment Company.

“The Gourmet Theatre is an exceptional showcase of South Africa’s finest culinary talent,” continues Hearne. “We have briefed the chefs to craft meals that will take our guests on a remarkable journey of locally inspired tastes and flavours, presenting top end superior quality food in a novel and exciting environment.”

Seats at the Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard at the FoodWineDesign Fair are primarily reserved for World MasterCard cardholders, but limited tickets are available to members of the public at R800 per person for selected lunch and dinner sittings with tickets available for purchase at www.webtickets.co.za

The Gourmet Theatre presented by MasterCard will make its next much anticipated appearance in the Western Cape at the Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival from 30 November to 2 December 2012.

5 Tips for Serving Wine [WINE 101]

The way we serve our wine is directly proportionate to how much we enjoy it. Serving wine at the right temperature is not just for wine geeks, it really tastes better if you do it right. So read these few tips and hopefully your next glass of wine will taste so much better.

Real Time Wine & WineStyle present: 5 Tips for Serving Wine.

1. Temperature
Wine constantly changes. As its temperature and environment (bright vs. dark, humidity and stability) change, so does a wine’s chemistry. If you want to get the most enjoyment from your wine, it is therefore important to get the temperature right as this will really improve the aroma and taste of the wine. Fortunately, this is not difficult.

Find out about the best place to find a new wine refrigerator. Drink your wine at the perfect temperature for the best taste.

Type of wine / Serving temperature
Sparkling wine: 4-8˚C (ice bucket temperature)
Rosé: 8-10˚C (just out of the fridge)
White wine: 8-10˚C (just out of the fridge)
Wooded white wine: 10-14˚C (after 20 minutes outside the fridge)
Red wine: 16-18˚C (colder than SA room temperature; give it 20 minutes outside the fridge)
Port: 18-20˚C (room temperature)

2. Taste
Even if you aren’t a vinophile, it is important to taste a wine before serving it. If it tastes “off” to you, it will taste “off” to your guests.

3. Decant
While decanting often is considered the domain of the truly pretentious, it actually does do a lot to improve the way a wine tastes. Except for old wine, you don’t even need a special decanter. Any container will do.

If you’re serving a young or an old red wine, or port, decanting almost always is a must. Port and old red wine will usually have built up sediment in the bottom of the bottle. Slowly pouring it into a decanter will ensure that you serve the clear wine only.

Decanting wine also exposes it to oxygen, which, in turn, helps release the wine’s aroma. (Just uncorking a bottle does not let in enough air and oxygen to have the desired effect.) It is for this reason that red wine glasses are bigger than white wine glasses – the wide mouth lets in more oxygen.

4. The right glasses
After the correct temperature, the right size and shape glass will do most to improve your wine. This is less important when sipping an easy-drinking white next to the braai. But if your wine is a good red that you’ve been nurturing for years, the glass will make a huge difference. You’ll get the best results with a “fat” glass with a wide mouth. White wine, on the other hand, can happily be served in glasses that are narrower and have smaller mouths.

5. Fill height
Wine glasses should never be more than two thirds full. In fact, half full is even better – any fuller and it will be impossible to swirl the wine and release its bouquet. If you’re hosting a proper wine tasting, filling the glasses to a third is ample. The rest will be a waste.

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The Wine 101 series is a collaboration between Real Time Wine and WineStyle Magazine. Content originally produced by WineStyle. Subscribe to their great newsletter and wine deals here. And whatever wine you're drinking, it's better to share it with your friends using Real Time Wine, the wine app for everyone who enjoys wine, not just those who understand it!

Top 10 Trending Wines [South Africa] 16 November

Summer is here. Which is why it's odd that a red wine is trending at #1. But hey, apparently James Bond is going to drink it in the next movie. He's so hard, he could drink red wine in the desert. Anyway, we digress. Some new Chardonnay's this week - and some VERY well priced wines to try. 

This week's shopping list!

Top 10 TRENDING WINES in South Africa. 16 November.

#1   Three Cape Ladies by Warwick (2010) R112
#2   Terra Hutton Reserve by Darling Cellars (2011, Cab Sav)
#3   Sophie Te'blanche by Iona (2012, Sauvignon Blanc) R52
#4   Five Climates by Boland Cellar (2009, Cabernet Sauvignon) R35
#5   Chenin Blanc by Simonsig (2011, Chenin Blanc) R39
#6   Two Oceans Cab Sav Merlot by Distell  (2011) R34
#7   Millennium by La Motte (2010) R79
#8   Baronne by Nederburg (2011) R43
#9   Wild Yeast by Springfield (2009, Chardonnay) R140
#10 Chardonnay by DMZ (2012) R100

Competition (November 2012): Friend's Don't Let Friends Drink Bad Wine

It's our first REFER A FRIEND competition. And we're excited :) Get started by clicking the amazingly big, bold and in-your-face green button below or read on for rules and stuff.

HOW TO ENTER

Refer as many friends as possible to Real Time Wine. Winos like to congregate afer all. Get them to:

# enter this competition
# download the app (click the logo above for instructions)
# register an account

... and you could win a case of wine from our generous sponsors. You get 1 point for entering and sharing via this link and 3 (yes, THREE!) points for EVERY friend you refer that registers on the app. GO WINOS!

PRIZES

Round #1 lasts for 2 weeks (ends 27 NOVEMBER 2012). At the end TWO winners will be chosen.

First place: The most referrals (i.e. points)
Second place: Random draw from all entries. Remember 1 point = 1 entry. The more points, the more entries, the more chances to win.

Each winner gets...

Round #1 of this competition is proudly sponsored by Nitida. Winners will be snacking and sipping on their delicious Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Nitida have regularly featured in the Top 10 on Real Time Wine's Trending List - it's good stuff - we promise. Search for "nitida" on Real Time Wine if ya don't believe us :)

5 Tips for Ordering Wine in a Restaurant [WINE 101]

Ordering wine in a restaurant can be frightening. If you’re in a smart restaurant, it’s usually a snooty French guy who looks at you like you just fell out of a tree if you ask a simple question. And if you’re at your local down the road, the waiter usually says something inane like: “I don’t know, I only drink Breezers”. So here are a few tips on etiquette and how to navigate your way around.

Real Time Wine & WineStyle present: 5 Tips for Ordering Wine in a Restaurant.

1. Corkage Always check whether a restaurant will allow you to bring your own wine and how much corkage they charge before arriving there with your wine in hand. Your wine should be rare or unique, or it shouldn’t appear on the restaurant’s wine list – otherwise you will simply look “cheap”. If it’s a truly special wine, it is considered etiquette to offer the sommelier or waiter a taste after it’s been poured.

2. Be accommodating
Ask your guests what style of wine they would like. If their tastes are too disparate, there is nothing wrong with ordering by the glass or ordering two or three different wines; you can always take the leftovers home.
 
3. Be considerate
If you’re going Dutch, keep your guests’ budgets in mind when selecting a wine. When consulting a sommelier, show them which wine you have in mind and ask whether he would rather recommend another. A good sommelier will immediately note the price you are looking at and won’t recommend a wine that is much more expensive.
 
4. Ask advice
Sommeliers and wine waiters are there to help. If you phrase your questions correctly, you will win them over. For instance, don’t just ask for a wine that will go with your pasta. Instead, ask for a wine that will stand up to the acidity of the tomato sauce without being overwhelming. Also tell him what your preference is, say, a full red or a wooded white wine. However, if the waiter is merely there to take your order and barely able to tell a red from a white wine, you’re on your own.
 
5. Approving
Well-trained waiters or sommeliers will first present the wine to you, or the host at your table, by showing him the label. This is simply to confirm that it is the correct wine. If vintage is important, this is the time to check it. He will then open the bottle and put the cork on the table. Do not smell it; it means nothing. The waiter will then pour a little wine for the host. Swirl, smell and taste it to make sure that the wine isn’t spoiled. Once you’ve given it the nod, he will pour for the rest of the table, working clockwise to the right and starting with the ladies. The host’s glass will be filled last.

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The Wine 101 series is a collaboration between Real Time Wine and WineStyle Magazine. Content originally produced by WineStyle. Subscribe to their great newsletter and wine deals here. And whatever wine you're drinking, it's better to share it with your friends using Real Time Wine, the wine app for everyone who enjoys wine, not just those who understand it!

Top 10 Trending Wines [South Africa] 9 November

Another week, another Top 10 Trending Wines (aka A Good Shopping List for a Wine Fan!). Let's hit it. Lots of new entries this week and quite a few expensive ones. Evidently the "approaching Christmas" wallets are open!

TOP 10 TRENDING WINES IN SOUTH AFRICA 

#1   Three Cape Ladies by Warwick (2010) R112
#2   Baronne by Nederburg (2011) R43
#3   Terra Hutton Reserve by Darling Cellars (2011, Cab Sav)
#4   Signature Red by Jean Daneel (2008)
#5   Cabernet Franc by Raka (2008) R105
#6   Brut Rose MCC by Graham Beck R95
#7   Chenin Blanc by Cederberg (2011) R79
#8   Estate by Rust en Vrede (2009) R350
#9   Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon by Stark-Conde (2009) R260
#10 Land's End Sauvignon Blanc by Hidden Valley (2010)

Top 10 Trending Wines [South Africa] 2 November

Bubblies are back baby! In fact, they're taking over. It's a little scary really :)

Let's get into it...

South Africa's Top 10 Trending Wines. 2 November 2012.

#1   Brut Rose by Graham Beck R95
#2   Chocolate Block by Boekenhoutskloof (2011) R180
#3   Chardonnay Pinot Noir by Haute Cabriere (2011) R70
#4   Pierre Jourdan Tranquille by Haute Cabriere R55
#5   Syrah/Grenache by Creation (2010) R148
#6   Pinotage by Rijks Private Cellar (2007) R125
#7   Three Cape Ladies by Warwick (2010) R112
#8   Synergy by Beyerskloof (2009) R77
#9   1682 Chardonnay MCC by Steenburg (2011) R128
#10 Brut Imperial by Moet & Chandon R360

And it's a special week for Real Time Wine. Wino's around the world celebrated as THIS community's work (and the work of our agency, Prezence Digital) got recognised by the Bookmark Awards. Cheers!