Separating The Grapes And The Wine 

There is a misconception that you can only get the best wine experience in the Cape. But the truth is that Johannesburg is certainly a contender when it comes to a fantastic wine experience.

If you like to sip a good glass of wine or enjoy a candlelit dinner completed with your favourite red or white, this is just for you.

Joburg has many wine tastings and wine journeys for you to explore.

Publik

Situated on a bustling street in Rosebank, Publik is a wine bar surrounded by creativity and art.

They have unique wine that always get patrons talking. But this is exactly what Publik is all about - starting a conversation about amazing wine. Their wine options change frequently, ensuring there is always something new for you to explore.

Stop by and try a pairing of their quality wine and delicious food, you won't be disappointed.

Address: 2 Bolton Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Great Domaines 

Great Domaines prides themselves on their fine wine. Their passion for this beverage shines through, offering some of the best wine from around the world.

This wine spot offers select rare wine from France, Italy, Lebanon and Portugal, among others. Their rare selection of wine includes a choice range of Chateaus as well as Northern and Southern Burgundy Domaines.

Address: 2 Jameson Ave, Melrose Estate, Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Ivy Champagne Garden

Champagne, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, stands out. This drink is not only for events and celebrations. Just as with wine, champagne should be enjoyed every now and then. Ivy Champagne Garden brings together Africa and Asia with their range of champagne.

This should definitely be on your bucket list if you are a lover of all things champagne.

Address: 3rd floor, 2 Arbroath Road, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Verdicchio Restaurant & Wine Cellar 

Situated at Montecasino, Verdicchio is a Tuscan-style Mediterranean restaurant offering a healthy choice of wine.

This restaurant is a great place for those looking to pair their meal with a delicious glass of wine. The ambience at Verdicchio completes the romantic and cosy setting.

Address: Shop 9, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Gallagher The Wine Garden

If you are looking for something that is secluded and allows you peace of mind then Gallagher Wine Bar should be your regular spot.

Part of a convention centre in Midrand, this is the spot to meet other wine lovers and enjoy good wine and delicious food.

Address: Gallagher Convention Centre, Richards Dr, Halfway House, Midrand.

Gerakaris Family Wines

Gerakaris is a winery that welcomes you to host events, such as corporate parties or birthdays. Situated near Delta Cafe, this is the perfect spot for any occasion as you can get the beautiful surroundings and exquisite wine of Gerakaris along with yummy food catered by the cafe.

Address: 20 Marlborough Avenue, Craighall Park, Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Reciprocal Wine Company

If you love the idea of getting home, putting up your feet and enjoying a good glass of wine, then Reciprocal Wine Company is the place for you.

This online store has a wide variety of brands to choose from. They also provide customised wine cellars, perfect for any wine connoisseur.

Address: 1 Rockridge Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Urban Cellars

Urban Cellars designs and builds wine rooms and basement cellars for those looking to start their own collection of wine. Whether you're looking to get a big or small wine cellar, this is the place to call.

Address: Johannesburg, Gauteng.

For more, check out these authentic experiences to add to your bucket list.

Tell us about your favourite place to wine down in the comments section below!

We have all heard endless amounts about beer gardens and secret gardens. But today, we decided to look at some hidden wine gems instead. These amazing places in Johannesburg give many wine lovers a chance to enjoy a good glass, or perhaps even a bottle, of wine.

For some, a champagne breakfast has become a habit, but others just like to sip away the afternoon with a good glass of wine. And for the incurable romantics out there, a candlelit dinner is absolutely incomplete without fine wine.

So let's check out these amazing champagne and wine gardens in Joburg.

Publik

Situated on a bustling street of Rosebank is Publik, a wine bar that boasts creativity and artistic surroundings.

They have unique wines that will have you speaking about it for days - and that is exactly what they want - to start a conversation about amazing wines that few have experienced before. Their wine options change all the time to ensure that you are always left with a new experience and taste in your mouth.

Their quality wines are paired with delicious food. This pairing should be on your bucket list, so pay them a visit. There's nothing quite like a good pairing by the best connoisseurs.

Ivy Champagne Garden

Champagne stands out during celebrations, both the alcoholic and the non-alcoholic. However, we don't have to drink it only during events and celebrations. This brings us to Ivy Champagne Garden.

Just as with wine, champagne deserves to be indulged, even on regular days. Ivy Champagne Garden has a twist, they bring together Asia and Africa. This is the first step to breaking boundaries.

This is one for all the explorers, who are always willing to try something new.

Gallagher Wine Bar

If you are looking for something secluded, then the Gallagher Wine Bar should be a regular spot.

This diamond in the rough is a part of the elegant Convention Centre, situated conveniently between Johannesburg and Midrand. Many Joburgers love going there to enjoy some good wine and nibbles. It is a breath of fresh air.

Gerakaris Family Wines

Gerakaris probably shocked when they opened their winery in Craighall Park. Yes! That's right, Craighall Park.

This amazing spot welcomes you to host events, whether they be corporate or casual. And they are situated close to Delta Cafe, who can provide catering. You have the convenience of killing two birds with one stone, for an awesome event.

Cheers to something different!

{Feature Image By Ivy Champagne Garden}

For the wine-lovers!

Gerakaris Family Wines

Gerakaris Family Wines is a great place to go for some wine tasting in Joburg. It's also the only open vineyard in Johannesburg. Started by Kath Gerakaris as a marketing company looking to bring Cape wines to Joburg, the vision quickly evolved into the company producing its own wine varieties. The tasting room is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and throughout the weekend.

Vaal Wine Route

If you don't mind taking a bit of a drive, the Vaal Wine Route is a great place to go and discover some new wines. This annual wine expo takes place over a six week period in winter and showcases many of South Africa's best wines. The 2018 festival hosted more than 30 wines from around the country. This unique wine route offers a number of ways to travel between wine venues, and it should be on every connoisseur's to-do list! It's also a great way to beat the winter blues!

The Wine School

The Wine School isn't your traditional wine tasting experience. They offer wine courses and a few events to drink wine for enjoyment. On offer are Uncorked One (for those looking to go from beginner to wine connoisseur) and Uncorked Two ( for those who've aced Uncorked One or just want to be a pro at everything wine). For those who just want to drink wine for the fun of it, there's Thirsty Thursdays, which usually takes place on the last Thursday of the month.

Not everyone is a fan of wine, but fear not — there are many other types of tasting experiences to enjoy!

For the Gin-lovers!

Time Anchor Distillery

The makers of the oh-so-delicious Mirari Gin range (and other gins), Time Anchor Distillery, is probably one of the only female run gin distilleries in Joburg. Located in Maboneng, they offer bespoke gin tasting events, where the co-owner and chief alchemist Shanna-Rae Wilby provides a lesson on gin. Their events usually happen once a month so keep an eye on their Facebook page for their next event.

Tonic

Tonic doesn't exactly do tastings but I put them on my list for their wide range of gins! The bar is literally a celebration of everything gin. Don't believe me? Well they stock over 150 gins from around the world and South Africa, so it's safe to say that they have range. It's definitely worth the visit but make sure you're prepared to fork out cash for their cocktails.

The Gin Box

The Gin Box doesn't offer gin tasting, but if you become a member they'll send you a box of gin and everything you need to mix your perfect gin cocktail every month. They also have monthly, bi-monthly or tri-monthly options to choose from so you don't have to pay every month.

If you're into Whiskey!

 

WhiskyBrother

WhiskyBrother Store sells some of the best Whiskey's on the market online, as well as at their Hyde Park store. They are Johannesburg’s first and only speciality whiskey store. What started as a Whiskey blog blossomed into a store offering more than 400 different Whiskeys. They also do many tasting events at the WhiskyBrother Bar. They also offer private tastings for groups and corporate events. No matter the size of the group, they have you covered.

The Whisky Rebellion

The Whisky Rebellion offers bespoke Whiskey tasting experiences, but they don't stop there! They do Gin, Tequila, Rum and Brandy/Cognac as well! You just select which spirit you want to learn more about and they do the rest! They do private and corporate events.

Cafe Hemingways

Cafe Hemingways is a New York bistro-style bar located a little further North of Joburg, in Kyalami. The bar, Bar Hemingways, offers bespoke Whiskey tastings and pairings. Tastings are usually offered for groups of 10 or more.

If Beer's your thing!

SAB World of Beer

Not only is SAB World of Beer a museum dedicated to beer, you can also taste some of the beers they produce. You can take a beer tour, get educated on beer at a beer tasting and enjoy some food from the Taproom.

MAD Giant Brewing Company

Mad Giant Brewing Company is one of those places that combines food and drink. The brewery is located right next to Urbanologi and brews their beers on site. The brewery offer tours of the brewhouse, which you can take with a cold brew in hand.

It's not just about alcohol!

Chocolate

Joburg has a lot more tasting experiences that go beyond just drinks, but my favourite is definitely chocolate!

Lindt Chocolate Studio

Our favourite Swiss Chocolate brand, Lindt, offers chocolate tasting at the Lindt Chocolate Studio in Joburg! They offer a range of Masterclasses as well as tasting classes for all ages. I mean, what's better than that? Their pairings also cater to different groups, with both tea & chocolate and wine & chocolate pairings. Probably one of the tastiest tastings on this list by far!