The TOPS Classic Wine Tasting has become one of the regular highlights on the St Francis calendar. Last week’s event was a full house, with people from the village and beyond, gathering to enjoy an evening of wine with good company and delightful music. Despite it being a relaxed evening, it carried the sense of occasion that comes when friends gather to celebrate something special.
A SHOWCASE OF TWENTY ESTATES
This year’s tasting was made all the more special by the fact that the wines were poured by the very people who are part of the process of their creation. Twenty estates were represented. Not only by staff but by owners and winemakers who shared their stories firsthand. Guests could taste, ask questions and hear directly about the work and craft that goes into every bottle. It gave the evening something special, that set it apart from larger impersonal tastings.
PINOTAGE TURNS 100
One of the talking points on the night was the celebration of Pinotage’s centenary. The varietal, first created in 1925, is a proudly South African grape. It has carried the country’s wine story into the world. Reflecting on the milestone, Richard Moolman, owner of TOPS St Francis, said, “It’s an honour for us to celebrate the centenary of Pinotage in St Francis in this way. Pinotage represents the resilience and creativity of South African winemaking. Showcasing at our event is a privilege and our way of acknowledging its important role in South Africa’s wine history.”
A COMMUNITY GATHERING
Although the wines were the centrepiece, the atmosphere was about much more. The sound of glasses being raised went hand in hand with conversations at every table. Old friends caught up, and new introductions were made. There was no rush, only an easy flow as guests moved between tastings, enjoying the chance to share the evening together.
Alongside the conversations and clinking glasses, the River Club in St Francis Bay ensured that no one went hungry. Their fabulous spread of snacks kept the evening flowing. They drew plenty of praise from guests, adding another layer of enjoyment to the night.
THE ST FRANCIS SETTING
What stood out was not just the quality of the wines but the way the event reflected the spirit of St Francis. This is a village where people enjoy being part of shared experiences. Whether that’s a walk on the canals, a local market, or a night like this. The wine tasting carried a character that exuded friendliness, openness, and the spirit of a warm welcome.
A SOCIAL CALENDAR FAVOURITE
The Classic Wine Tasting has built its place on the calendar over time. This year confirmed why it matters to so many. The range of wines was extensive, covering some of the country’s best-known labels alongside new discoveries. Moolman explained, “We are delighted that this tasting has become a highlight on the St Francis calendar. Bringing together such a wide range of estates and offering our guests the chance to engage with the best South African wines is something we value deeply. It’s more than a tasting, it’s an experience.”
LOOKING AHEAD
As the evening drew to a close, conversations carried on and plans for next year were already being made. The TOPS Classic Wine Tasting has grown into a gathering that local wine lovers look forward to, leaving lasting impressions that linger long after the last bottle has been poured.
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