*Pictured above is Samantha O’Keefe from Lismore Wines
Words: Lucy Sarah O’Connell | Images: Supplied
As the owner of Wine Menu, a specialist wine retailer in Illovo, Corlien Morris is as passionate as she’s educated about the world of South African wines, spirits, and beers.
“The aim of Wine Menu was always to showcase South Africa’s best wines. With my roots in the Cape and strong relationships with the winemakers and farm owners, I’m able to source not only the best, but also the often lesser-known wines from boutique producers. The store features many wines that aren’t available anywhere else in Gauteng and the selection is ever changing.”
Keeping with her determination to bring the best in the drinks industry to centre stage, this month Corlien and the Wine Menu team will be launching Women of Wine SA – a celebration of female wine, beer and spirit makers.
Though WoWSA started on a smaller scale last year, 2018 will be the first time it’s hosted under its new name. “I see it growing year on year as more and more women enter this industry on different levels. There are so many women who need this kind of exposure and deserve the celebration of their efforts,” says Corlien. Although all drinks need to be created by a woman to qualify for the event, Corlien is quick to stress that this isn’t the only criteria. “I carefully select the wines. They are chosen on merit and not only because the person who made them is female. They’re some of the best in the country if not the world!”
Taking place on Sunday, 12 August, at the Candlewoods Boutique Venue in Centurion, Corlien believes that there’s far more that could be said of the incredible female creators in South Africa. “Women around the globe are playing an increasingly influential role in the wine, beer and spirit industry, once a male-dominated domain. I think that the wine industry in South Africa has come a long way to include and respect women who are clearly making some of our best wines. I respect these women and would like to continue supporting and celebrating them.”
Bring your picnic blanket and the whole family for an incredible day out.
Wine Menu
011 440 5498
winemenu.co.za
Women of Wine SA
bit.ly/2v2kbUl