Blog

Dive into the fascinating world of wine with insights and inspiration on a variety of topics. From exploring renowned wine regions and mastering tasting techniques to discovering perfect pairings and learning how to choose quality wines, this blog is your guide to all things wine.

Gain knowledge, spark your curiosity, and uncover the stories behind every bottle. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey, there's something here for everyone. Cheers to expanding your wine horizons!

Eight Wineries. Eight Perspectives.

Sometimes you don't need to explain the quality of South African wine. You just need to put the right people around the table. You want to know why?

Aljoe Beziek

2 days ago1 min read

I don't want South African wine to be known as “great value.”

We should start telling people why they should care about South African Wine.

Aljoe Beziek

Sep 81 min read

Wine means more to me than my wife. 🍷

You can spend your entire life learning about wine... And still have so much left to discover.

Aljoe Beziek

Sep 11 min read

Germany, I'm coming this October. Who's opening the first bottle from SA with me?

This October, I'll be visiting Germany, and I'd love to connect with fellow sommeliers and wine professionals - especially in and around Düsseldorf. As a South African winemaker and sommelier, one of my biggest passions is sharing the incredible diversity and quality of South African wines with the world. Every bottle tells a story, and I believe the best stories are shared around a tasting table. If you're a sommelier, wine buyer, educator, or simply passionate about discove

Aljoe Beziek

Aug 201 min read

The title and the truth

The title says "Best Young Sommelier." The truth is, it has made me feel more like a student than ever before. Over the past few weeks, one question has come up more than any other: "How does it feel?" The honest answer? It feels incredibly humbling. It's an honour that I'm deeply grateful for, and one that reminds me just how many people have invested in my journey - from mentors and colleagues to producers, sponsors, judges, friends and family. This title belongs to far mor

Aljoe Beziek

Aug 41 min read

Best Young Sommelier South Africa 2026

I am incredibly honoured and humbled to have been named the South African Best Young Sommelier 2026. 🍷 This title means far more than a competition result. It represents years of learning, countless hours of study, the generosity of mentors, colleagues and friends, and the privilege of working in an industry that never stops inspiring me. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to my fellow finalists, Benjamin Fast and Ayanda Magele. Competing alongside professio

Aljoe Beziek

Jul 22 min read