Most of us would agree with Ernest Hemingway when he said: “Wine is one of the most civilised things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” But imagine having a glass of wine with no idea what wine it is because you’re visually impaired?

Innovation for the Blind’s recently launched The Blind Tasting Wine encourages wine lovers to close their eyes and open their minds to experience it as the blind would. According to Corrie Malan, Fundraiser at Innovation for the Blind, tasting a wine blind is the only way to formulate an unbiased opinion. “Any pre-conceived knowledge that you have about a wine can cloud your judgement, from the colour to the label to the producer. So are your perceptions or your reality more powerful? We dare you to investigate.”

Produced specially for Innovation for the Blind, The Blind Tasting red blend contains aromatic layers of cranberries, spicy dried herbs and fruit cake, with undertones of cinnamon and dark chocolate. The palate is well rounded with nuances of cedary oak on a juicy tannin structure, extending to an elegant finish.

Malan explains: “The Blind Tasting is an exquisite blend of Shiraz and Cabernet, which was aged on oak for two years. At only R40 per bottle, valued at R80, wine lovers are invited to take up the challenge of closing their eyes, opening their minds and enjoying a blind tasting with friends.

“We want you to test your senses – taste, smell and knowledge of wine – in support of the blind. By removing your one sense – sight – which normally works the hardest, you may just experience a whole new world. The Blind Tasting is a unique wine concept in partnership with KWV and Bravo Design. The bottle comes with a bracelet, threaded by the visually impaired with additional disabilities, which you can wear with pride, knowing that you’ve given someone dignity. Then close your eyes again…and say thank you,” Malan concludes.

All funds generated through this project will be channelled towards the care and support of visually and additionally, impaired adults cared for by Innovation for the Blind.

Order at [email protected] or visit www.innovationfortheblind.org for more info. You can also contact Rachael on 023 347 2745.

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