Learning can be fun

“A fun, engaging and educational way to learn…” That’s how David Clarke of Ex Animo describes his wine school – a new extension to his boutique-wine business in Woodstock, Cape Town – that will kick off in July with a course about ‘The Basics of South African Wine’. Entertaining, no official acreditation, no exams, four midweek evening sessions. “By the time we’re finished you’ll be a certified wine drinker!”

Whereas the Cape Wine Academy‘s one-day or two-evening introductory South African Wine Course in Johannesburg and the Mother City takes you on a trip around the country, highlighting the regions of the Cape winelands, touching on wine styles as well as food-and-wine pairing, exploring vineyard and winemaking practices, distinguishing between various red and white grape varieties with guided tastings, plus covering the basic etiquette of wine service and how to store wine properly. The course concludes with a theory exam and, for those keen to know more, it’s followed by a Certificate course, Diploma course and eventually a Cape Wine Master qualification.

At the KZN School of Wine at Abingdon Wine Estate in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, winemaker, top sommelier and accredited lecturer Laurie Cooper presents various courses for those with an academic interest and those working in one or other sector of the wine industry. However, the ‘Beginners Guide to Wine’ is described as “perfect for those wanting a stress-free, exam-free, wine-filled day”: how to tell varieties apart, how to taste wine like a professional, how to pair wine with food.

And then there’s the International Wine Education Centre in Cape Town which offers various internaionally-recognised WSET courses. Pretty serious stuff catering to industry professionals as well as cognoscenti and aficionados aspiring to become a Master of Wine. Although, heading up the team is Cathy Marston, author of the ‘Love Your Wine’ publication: “A no-nonsense, entertaining guide to everything you need to know about wine but were too scared to ask.”

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