South Africa is a diverse country with undisputed natural beauty, abundant wildlife, over 9,600 plant species and multi-cultural citizens. Its wines are equally diverse, from Cap Classique (sparkling) and Chenin Blanc (South Africa has the most plantings in the world) to Bordeaux and Rhone varieties and the unique Pinotage.

Wines of South Africa (WOSA), a non-profit industry organisation that promotes the exports of all South African wine in key international markets, hosted the first large-scale South African wine tasting event in Hong Kong and Guangzhou at the end of June.

The trade tasting had three sessions. ʻPearls of the Capeʼ demonstrated the versatility of South African whites – Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, and sparkling wines. The nine wines were paired with typical Cantonese cuisine including siu-mai, steamed chicken and abalone. Guests were impressed how seamlessly South African wines match with the Hong Kongʼs favourites.
ʻGenerations and Heritageʼ highlighted the hundreds of years of winemaking history in South Africa.

The ʻFlagship Redsʼ featured 12 South African wines presented by winemakers including Eben Sadie from the Sadie Family, Boela Gerber from Groot Constantia and Razvan Macici from Nederburg.

Stay tuned as Winebuzz will be hosting a South African wine tasting event open to our readers in the very near future. Register here so you hear about it first!

Anthony Petit, a France native now living in Hong Kong, has a mind-blazing world of French wines to show you.

He is presently devoting his time to the development of the Wine Education Center and is a part-time wine instructor at Hong Kong University Space.

The course is focused on casual learning – you won’t find an angry Frenchman throwing fits but a refined gentleman teaching you the arts and crafts that you seek. The course focuses on learning the fundamentals of french wine in a french way. There will be formal wine tastings with French descriptions and 3 wines will be served.

The meeting time will be on September 22nd from 7pm-10pm (3 hour workshop) at the Admiralty Learning Centre. The language will be English and the Fee is HK$450. If you’d like an application (or have any other questions), then click here.

Anthony earned his first degree in wine studies in Bordeaux where he was also a member of the student wine association. He often organized wine tours in the Bordeaux Region and learned vast amounts from the local producers. Later he was sent to Hong Kong where he further pursued his wine studies. In 2008, he set up his own business in Hong Kong offering customized tours in France and particularly the wine regions.

There are 4 key aspects to tasting red wine can be put together as the 4 S’s: See, Smell, Sip and Summarize. This is what professional wine tasters always do and in the video above you can follow some simple guidelines to get the very best out of your next tasting. Which is hopefully tonight since its Friday!

Wine Spectator magazine has a really good website with videos on all aspects of wine, if you haven’t spent time there click here to check it out.

Berry Bros & Rudd is organizing a complementary Bordeaux tasting at their shop in Lee Gardens, Causeway Bay on May 15, 2009.  The only catch is, it starts at 3.30pm, so unless you’re in the business or the boss, nipping off early for a wine tasting at 3.30pm may be a little tricky. Nevertheless we hoped that we’ve given you ample time to plan ahead!

Details

• Venue: Berry Bros & Rudd, 307- 308, The Lee Gardens, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay. Hong Kong.
• Date: Friday, 15th May 2009
• Time: 3.30pm-5.00pm
• Price: complimentary