Cape Town sits in the heart of South Africa's premier wine region, making wine service knowledge essential for hospitality professionals. Here's what you need to know.
Basic Wine Knowledge
Understand the main grape varieties:
- Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz
- Whites: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Proper Temperature
- White wines: 7-10°C
- Light reds: 12-14°C
- Full-bodied reds: 16-18°C
- Sparkling: 6-8°C
Opening and Pouring
- 1Present the bottle to the guest, label facing them
- 2Cut the foil below the lip
- 3Insert corkscrew and remove cork smoothly
- 4Wipe the rim
- 5Pour a small taste for the host
- 6Once approved, pour for other guests, host last
The Pour
- Standard pour: 150ml (about 1/3 of the glass)
- Fill champagne flutes 3/4 full
- Never fill wine glasses more than 1/2
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling glasses
- Serving wine at wrong temperature
- Touching the rim when pouring
- Forgetting to present the bottle first
Building Your Knowledge
Consider wine courses to enhance your skills. WSET and Cape Wine Academy offer excellent programs for hospitality professionals.
Working in Cape Town's hospitality scene means engaging with world-class wines. Mastering these basics will serve you well throughout your career.
