In this day and age of mass-market commercialism, it’s a refreshing change to stroll into Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar on Strand Street in Cape Town, and soak up the atmosphere. As a “purveyor of fine wines since 1979″, Caroline Rillema has been keeping South Africans stocked up on local and international wines.
The wine shops stock around 1,500 wines, from SA and further afield. You can also get your hands on some interesting looking grappas, sherries, brandies and whiskies. Private and public wine tastings give you a chance to try before you buy.
Find out a bit more about the personality behind the shop
1. How did you get involved in the wine industry?
I started out as a wine steward at the THREE SHIPS RESTAURANT at the 5 star CARLTON HOTEL in JHB.
2. What do you currently do?
I run my two retail stores in Cape Town, as well as a mail order division called Caroline’s Quarterly.
3. What is your favourite SA wine?
Yesterday, it was Morgenster’s flagship red blend 2004*. Today…..who knows what will take my fancy!
4. What is your favourite food and wine pairing?
A finely-oaked Chardonnay with a good fresh fish dish prepared in a creamy white wine sauce. (The sauce should be prepared with the same wine that I am drinking)
5. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the SA wine industry?
Global warming; and we have to sharpen our pencil when it comes to “value for money” for export wine, across all price brackets.
6. What do you think is the biggest advantage the SA wine industry and SA wines have?
We have abundant sunshine and our growers have thousands of kilometres of land which can still be developed into prime vineyards which terroir has been chosen specifically for certain cultivars.
7. Who, in your opinion, are the most significant movers and shakers in the SA wine industry at the moment?
David Nieuwoudt of Cederberg; Graham Beck team; Emil and Dale den Dulk; Wayne Gabb at Lomond; Conrad Vlok at Strandveld Vineyards; David Trafford; Kleine Zalze; the Rust en Vrede and Ernie Els team.
8. Talk to us about organic and green when it comes to wine.
I think we have a long way to go, and trial and error is the order of the day. Best to ask those who know, like Avondale.
* Look out for my review of the Morgenster vertical tasting held at Caroline’s last Thursday. I’ll be publishing it later this week.
