This past weekend at the Star Wine List of the Year awards, Matt Manning’s Culture Wine Bar struck gold three times, picking up the Best Medium-Size Wine List (200 – 600 references), Best Sparkling Wine List, and the prestigious Grand Prix award (overall winner).
Established in 2018, Star Wine List of the Year recognises the top wine lists across the globe, with a presence in 33 countries.
This year sees the second South African edition of the awards, in partnership with the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA).
- This year’s jury was comprised of sommelier champions, including ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2019 Marc Almert; several times Best Sommelier of Ireland and ACI Best Sommelier of the World 2016 Julie Dupouy-Young; Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe Tawanda Marume; and ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2023 Raimonds Tomsons.
Dupouy-Young shed light on what led to Culture’s slam-drunk at this year’s awards: “A wine list that has depth, width and personality. It ranked highly in all categories and seduced our judging panel on more than one occasion. A lot of knowledge, skill, care and passion have gone into it.”
Matt Manning’s restaurant Grub & Vine, located in the same building as Culture at 103 Bree Street, also picked up the title of ‘Best Short List’, for establishments with lists of under 200 references.
Of this win, Tomsons remarked: “Grub & Vine is a great example and proof that a great wine list does not necessarily have to be long. Exciting and fun layout headlining different grape varieties and playful styles, great selection by the glass, and a list that features not only cult classics from South Africa but also a fine selection of well-known French wines.”
Manning said the full 103 Bree Street contingent was thrilled with these accolades. “When we opened Grub & Vine in December 2018, we started with a wine list of around 60 references, which we were able to present on a single sheet of paper. We’ve poured enormous time, energy and love into developing and deepening our lists over the last few years – for both Grub & Vine and Culture Wine Bar (which opened in 2020) – and we’ve come a long way.
“Our vision has always been one of inclusivity, and this applies to both our range and the people we want to attract. We strive to offer something for everyone, whatever your taste or preference.
“We want not only to give our patrons access to an incredible range but also to showcase just how well SA stands up against the rest of the world when put on a level playing field. A pivotal part of this is the Wanderlist, a collaboration with Radford Dale Imports, which is a collection of some of the best wines from around the world – and at very attractive price points.
He added: “Wine is our Culture and reason for being, and we are honoured to be recognised by Star Wine List for doing what we love to do.”
