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 After criss-crossing through the traffic and the polluted air, it was a breath of fresh air as the guard let you inside the residence compound through the drive way, to a spot where special arrangements had been made for al fresco dining on the sprawling lawn of the farm house, the official residence of the South African High Commissioner H.E. Mr. F.K. Marule.
The lawns were lit up with beautiful coloured lights that were dazzling but pleasant for the naked eye but not necessarily to the camera eye as the social media addicts were to discover later. The staff members of the High Commission and the Big Boss welcomed the guests personally and warmly. It took us merely a few seconds to adjust to the new ambience- far from the usual sanitized, diplomatic events and everyone felt at ease, thanks particularly to the host who chatted with each new arriving member as if they were old friends meeting after a long time.
There were waiters serving both red and white wine poured generously in big goblet stemware from the bar where Nederburg wines (imported by Aspri) were being served. There were a couple of tables where 7-8 wines from Boland Cellars and Rooiberg were being offered for tasting with plenty of delicious snacks.
Welcoming the members of Delhi Wine Club and other guests from the High Commission and specialty travel trade, His Excellency said that the evening had been organised especially for the members of the Delhi Wine Club as special guests where everyone could just socialise and network over different wines. He hoped that in a few months they would organise a bigger event with more producers showcasing their wines.
It was an honour for the Club when the High Commissioner invited Subhash Arora, President of the Delhi Wine Club to say a few words- not an easy job when there is so much to talk about the South African wines and the strides they have taken in terms of quality during the last decade or two. Andrea Mullineux, the winemaker of Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines had just been chosen by the US-based magazine Wine Enthusiast as the ‘Best Winemaker of the Year.’ She is the first South African chosen for the coveted title during the last 17 years of the Awards. South Africa is high on wines as the wines of the evening would justify through the event.
‘I am reminded of similar moments about a decade back when the then High Commissioner, Mr. Francois Moloi had invited us to taste Zorgvliet wines at his residence in 2007. Talking about the similarity between the two cultures, he had said that Indians don't know that they were South Africans in their previous life and the South Africans don't know they will be Indians in their next life! I had then been asked to talk about South African wines and present the wines of the evening,’ said Arora.
 Giving example of the strides made by the South African wine industry during the last 10 -15 years during which he has been to South Africa several times including judging at 4 competitions including Michelangelo, Arora said that South Africa was now producing several value-for-money wines of good quality that had taken a quantum jump. Fortunately, the prices had not risen commensurate with the quality improvement and so it made good sense to buy and drink these wines and he hoped more importers would be adding them to their value-for-money portfolio.
The proof of the pudding is in always in the eating. Wines from Boland Cellars and Rooiberg Winery opened, indeed left a mark on the guests who were most impressed by at least a couple of wines-especially the aromatic, fruity and well balanced Pinotage and a Sauvignon Blanc from Rooiberg.
Sundru Pillay of Fresh Gold Consultants in South Africa was not a very happy man though. He had met me at my residence earlier in May this year to talk about KWV wines in India. He is on a mission to promote Borland Wine Cellars of Paarl this time. The sample lot was couriered 3 weeks ago to be poured today to a diverse audience. But the customs department has been non-benevolent and the wines are still stuck in customs. However, he and his colleague representing the company had hand carried 6 bottles each-a smart move because the wines tasted were appreciated a lot –especially the Chenin Blanc and Pinotage- a good indicator that these wines could become popular in India (the usual rigmarole of imports-costs and high customs duties notwithstanding). Rooiberg Sauvignon Blanc was another popular wine during the evening.
 South Africa produces not only good value for money wines but also premium wines at reasonable prices. It offers good opportunity to Indian importers to add to their portfolios. The beautiful vineyards with most having beautiful mountains in the back drop offer excellent wine tourism opportunities for connoisseurs and travellers alike. Hanneli Slabber, Head of Tourism for South Africa Office came from Mumbai for the occasion. Both the High Commission and the Tourism Office deserve appreciation and applause for a memorable evening.
Participation of 5 wineries at BRICS 2016 Conference in India last month, followed by the wine tasting and dinner from the 3 wineries this evening, with a plan fermenting to hold a big event of South African wines early next year, the High Commission is getting quite wine-active and giving a push that is much needed. It used to be WOSA (Wines of South Africa) which promoted Wines of South Africa in India for a few years earlier in the millennium but stopped supporting the Indian market because of the paucity of funds and dismal end results.
The enthusiasm and the current revival by the High Commission would really help the cause of South African wines and wine tourism to their beautiful, mesmerizing country. We left on a high note with Sundru Pillay promising a special deal for the members of the Delhi Wine Club, surely garnishing support from Hanneli Slabber’s office. It would be a great gastronomical experience if and when it becomes a reality. We shall look forward to that and say...Jai Ho!
South African Wineries at the BRICS 2016 Trade Fair in Delhi
Subhash Arora
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