Erica Taylor: ”Cape Townians are spoilt for choice”

Erica Taylor.

Erica Taylor is a sommelier and wine judge who works with PR and marketing for wine-related products with her brand Uncorkified. Now she is also Star Wine List’s new ambassador in Cape Town.
”We have four top wine bars within one block, all with a different vibe and run by some really fun and knowledgeable people,” she says about the city’s wine scene.

Erica Taylor’s journey into wine actually started in the fashion business. After an internship for the famous Betsey Johnson, she realized that design was not for her, and instead, she stumbled on the world of PR and marketing. And, in 2016, she decided to throw herself headfirst into wine.

”I’ve always been a wine drinker but didn’t officially get into studying wine until 2016, and my first job at a vineyard was outside of Mumbai. Not the typical place to start. Then I moved to Cape Town in 2017 and just threw myself into all things wine.”

Today she works with consulting and writing through her brand Uncorkified. She is also the event coordinator for the South African Sommeliers Association and on the Women in Wine Expo board. And, as of now, Star Wine List’s ambassador in Cape Town.

”Cape Townians are spoilt for choice. We have four top wine bars within one block, all with a different vibe and run by some really fun and knowledgeable people. It’s the perfect time for new wine lovers to get out of their comfort zone and discover new styles and producers. Restaurants are also starting to realize they can’t have just the same copy and paste wine lists, so we are getting a chance to see more boutique producers on more lists,” she says.

I love writing about wine and even better if it’s helping people discover our gems when they visit the city

What are the most significant trends when it comes to wine bars/restaurants right now? Any specific wine styles, regions, countries?
”Skin contact whites and pet-nats are definitely on the rise.”

Anything you would like to see more of? Or less of?
”I am keen to see more pet-nats. Cap Classique has ruled the sparkling game here for a long time. It’s nice to have a chance with these lighter styles. Less: copy and paste winelists. I wish every restaurant would employ a sommelier, even if just to do a once-off list for the menu.”

How does it feel to be part of the Star Wine List family? And what are you looking forward to as a Star Wine List ambassador?
”I am super excited. I love writing about wine and even better if it’s helping people discover our gems when they visit the city. I think also when we start travelling again, it will be nice to host other ambassadors and give them the inside tour!”

Published 14-April-2021
Interview / South Africa

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