Paarl may have the longest main street in the universe, but its also ground zero for SA brands: KWV, Nederburg, Plaisir de Merle, Druk my Niet. So it makes sense to report that big brands dominated our bimonthly WellsFaber Sommelier Selection which took place in the porter’s lodge of the Cape Town Club this morning. Sunday Times colleague and cultural phenomenon Lin Sampson was an observer but had little luck getting the club to turn down “too young to f*ck” blaring from the speakers which livened up the tasting. Bet that doesn’t happen at Veritas which is competing at the minute in Paarl. But without the African dimension.

The time has come for SA wine to decide whether it wants the above or below as a vision for the future.

I’d rather have Luvo, Greg and Joseph as they may soon list a Paarl wine at the One & Only, Twelve Apostles and La Colombe. For after all, isn’t this what its all about – shifting stock? In addition, you save on overseas airfares, hotels and get mega carbon credits to boot.

Our sommeliers fancied

Avondale Anima chenin 2014
KWV grenache blanc 2015
Plaisir de Merle cab 2012
KWV the Mentors Canvas 2014
Petit Plaisir shiraz 2013
Windmeul chenin 2015

All the wines will be available for tasting in the library of the club at 18 Queen Victoria Street from 5-7pm this afternoon. There is no charge to come along to taste, so its a no-brainer.