I recently had the opportunity to join the famous tribe of the well-known “travelling winemakers of the world” for a few weeks when I represented Vrede en Lust in Europe and the United Kingdom. In the emerging social media era hashtags and handles related to travelling, wine enthusiasts, winemakers and even travelling winemakers are becoming more popular and trendy!  Following these on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram might take you on a wine journey from a local, small town like Malgas to the most beautiful, well-known sites of Napa Valley.

During August I had the opportunity to meet with some of our importers in different countries, including Birmingham, Belgium and Germany. The aim of my visit was to mainly do trade visits and to present some lovely food and wine pairings to the citizens of the UK and EU.

My first stop was in Birmingham, UK. I conducted a tutored Food and Wine pairing at Little Blackwood Restaurant in Moseley, a village known for its cosmopolitan community and vibrant social scene. Brought to you by the award-winning chef, Ben Taylor, Little Blackwood Mosley is his first restaurant back in his hometown. Some of the pairings included the Vrede en Lust Viognier 2016 paired with pan seared Monkfish, Mango and Pineapple salsa, smoked Chili Mayonnaise and Garlic Pak Choi. An amazing gastronomical experience it sure was!!