Review by Sean Houghton, editor of Full Circle magazine - June issue

Manuka Fine Wine Boutique, situated in Steenberg Shopping Centre, has established itself as an authoritative provider of quality wines at very competitive prices.  Manuka is more than just a wine store though.  The proprietors have created an experience for lovers of wine, masters and novices to taste, learn about and enhance their enjoyment of wine.

Every Saturday Manuka hosts a free wine tasting focusing on a particular wine estate. These tastings are informative and fun. Once or twice a month they host a Meet the Winemaker Dinner and Wine Tasting evening. These events are so popular that wine estates have already booked until the end of 2005. Booking is absolutely essential for anyone wishing to attend and evenings are booked-out well in advance.

Full Circle decided to see what all the excitement was all about.

Groot Constantia was the featured estate on the evening we attended.  Guests were welcomed with a surprise glass of Tattinger Champagne.  This famous French product retails in excess of R800 a bottle in most restaurants and a glass would cost over R100.  That set the tone for what was to be a wonderful evening.

Groot Constantia Winemaker, Boela Gerber, then lead the guests through a range of six estate wines: Blanc de Noir 2003, Chardonnay 2003, a Sauvignon Blanc tank sample, Pinotage 2002, Merlot 2002, Shiraz 2001, Governeurs Reserve Shiraz 2001 and finally (after dinner) their Port 2002.

Using the wine tasting note sheets provided, guests were asked to score each variety, before a discussion was held and the Boela would answer questions and explain the characteristics of each.
The interaction between winemaker and guests was entertaining and very informative.

I am not a Cape Wine Master and will not even attempt to describe the wines to you, suffice to say they were all excellent.  Keep an eye out for the Sauvignon Blanc, it is going to be in demand.  The Governeurs Reserve Shiraz 2001 was the highlight of the evening.  If you love wine, this vintage could take your relationship to a whole new level!

The style, quality and class of the Groot Constantia wines were complimented perfectly by the dinners served by Manuka.  The main course is chosen when you book and Beef Medallions, fresh line-fish and vegetarian surprise were the three available dishes.

The chef must be and was complimented for the delicious fare.  All main courses were served at our table and all three received rave reviews.  The beef was tender and succulent, the fish was done to perfection: light and flaky, not overdone at all, and the vegetarian dish was so good it could make lions give up meat!

Throughout the evening Manuka offered specially sought gifts, specials and surprises to guests to further enhance the value of an already fine evening.  Considering the five-star food and the excellent wines on offer, a price of R99 a head means a Manuka Meet the Winemaker Dinner is very affordable and something anyone who loves their wine should do.

If you love fine wine, fine food and fine company pick up the phone now, 701 2046 and ask one of the team to put your name down in the next available space. You won't be disappointed."