The Premium South African Masterclass

New to our programme and inspired by the huge leap in quality and popularity of South African wines, this course brings together exciting newcomers and long-established estates to show just how far these wines have come.

Level

Beginners

Duration

2.5 hours

Location

The Punch Bowl, Mayfair
Duke of Sussex, Waterloo

Menu

Tapas-style Wine & Food Matching 

Price

From £169 per person

Welcome to The Premium South African Masterclass

Explore the unique Cape terroirs - from sweltering Stellenbosch and Swartland, to cool and quiet Hemel-en-Aarde.

South African wine has travelled nearly all over the world – especially all the way here to London. You might have seen something called “Pinotage” on a bottle store shelf? Or perhaps even some “Old Vine Chenin Blanc”? The London Wine Academy is here to decode these secrets of South African Wine and more.

Why is South Africa such a hot topic now?
The UK wine scene is buzzing with excitement about South Africa, yet many of the best bottles are still found only in top restaurants and specialist shops. This masterclass gives you a rare chance to taste them all in one sitting.

These wines represent one of the best quality-to-value ratios in the fine wine world, which is why the UK’s leading critics can’t stop talking about them.

With Cape Town voted the world’s best tourist destination and friendliest city, travel to South Africa has never been hotter. This session is the perfect way to pick up wine knowledge and tips before your next trip – making those vineyard visits even more rewarding.

With our Director’s South African roots and frequent visits, you’ll gain first-hand insight and the very latest from the Cape – plus a preview of what’s coming next: our accompanied South African wine tours launching next year.

What will I learn during the Course?

During the Masterclass, you’ll taste 8 premium South African wines – from acclaimed Cap Classique Sparkling’s and elegant whites, to bold Cape blends. Alongside the wines, you’ll meet a new wave of winemakers, right up there with iconic producers of long-standing reputations. Join the London Wine Academy as we introduce these stalwarts and students of an almost unknown region and bring them to the echelons of world renown.

You’ll see why South African wines combine Old World finesse with New World energy – and why they consistently over-deliver for the price. Worldwide, you will find no better bang for buck than the South African winelands. A truly unique combination of passion, incredible terroir, and a spirit of hard work.

Our talented tutors will explain why critics like Tim Atkin MW and Jancis Robinson are championing these wines as some of the best-value, fine wines in the world and why you should also be paying attention.

South African Masterclass Agenda

Start times of this wine workshop may vary. Please check your chosen date for the correct start time.

Kindly arrive 5 – 10 minutes before the start of your class to meet and greet the London Wine Academy tutors who will be guiding you along your journey.
Arrive at one of the London Wine Academy partner venues and meet up with our excellent experts, ready to divulge all their hard-won knowledge in social and easy-to-understand environments. Taste through eight exquisite South African wines – white, red, rosé, and Sparkling – and understand them all on a deeper level through your new knowledge of the Systematic Approach to wine tasting.

Enjoy an unhurried and delicious bite to eat with the London Wine Academy tutor, as well as all the other South African wine enthusiasts you will meet at this masterclass.

Frequently Asked Questions

All the London Wine Academy tastings and masterclasses take place at central London venues with easy transport links. Each course page lists the location.
Yes –  all our courses include food, whether that’s a main course, tapas-style dishes, or a multi-course menu depending on the format. Details are on each course page.
You will be tasting seven or eight premium wines during the day.

Wines tasted are typically between £18 and £50 a bottle retail.

The Punch Bowl

Famously previously owned by Guy Richie and Madonna, The Punch Bowl is one of Mayfair’s most historic and celebrated pubs.

The Duke of Sussex

The Duke of Sussex is a reflection of the needs of the local community - the food is simple and harks back to the days when the British Pub first came about.

Wine Courses

From £129 per person