Tawanda Marume is Star Wine List's new Johannesburg ambassador
Top sommelier Tawanda Marume, who previously has been on the Star Wine List jury panel, takes on the role of our new ambassador for Johannesburg, South Africa. He has updated our guide to the city's best wine bars and wine restaurants.
"It feels overwhelming. I love the industry and this is a great opportunity to tell the story of the dining scene in Johannesburg. I'm looking forward to experiencing different offerings in the Johannesburg market, and seeing the evolution of the dining scene in the city," says Tawanda about his new role.
Tawanda Marume’s wine journey started back in 2008 when, while working for an insurance company in Zimbabwe, he was tasked to source wines for an event. Since then, things have moved quickly for him. Last year he was voted as one of the Top 100 Most influential people in the African Food Industry by African Food Network.
Tawanda is also the Vice Chairman of the Sommeliers Association of South Africa, in charge of Gauteng and the Northern territories. He also holds the inaugural Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe 2020 title. Since 2018 he also runs Expression Wines Africa, an agency that represents boutique wine producers from the Cape. The company not only offers sales and marketing but also wine service training and education to hotels, restaurants, lodges, and retailers.
Currently, Tawanda is the Vice Chairman of the Sommeliers Association of South Africa, in charge of Gauteng and the Northern territories. He also holds the inaugural Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe 2020 title. In 2023 he competed in Paris, France for the ASI Best Sommelier of the World contest where 68 candidates from 65 countries participated, with only 4 from Africa.
There is a growing interest in wine bars, wine-focused restaurants and fine dining
How would you describe the dining and drinking scene in Johannesburg at the moment?
"It has evolved rapidly in the last few years. There is a growing interest in wine bars, wine-focused restaurants and fine dining. Although the latter is still a long way from being successful in Johannesburg, there is definite growth potential. The drinking scene used to be dominated by almost the same brands, but the market is slowly opening up to new brands and new experiences."
How much has changed in recent years and what have been the biggest changes?
"Wine list management. A while back wine lists used to be done only once a year and in some cases twice, but nowadays there are a lot of establishments with in-house printing which allow them to update the wine lists frequently. At wine shows you can also see a growing interest in the desire to learn more about wine."
What are the emerging drinking trends you are seeing?
"Whites in winter and reds in summer. There is a trend towards lighter wines, and low alcohol wines."
What wines, styles and regions are most in demand?
"Sparkling wines, mostly Champagne."
Anything you want to add?
"The wine-drinking scene is heading in the right direction. The Star Wine List awards are also being received well and have resulted in better-updated wine lists."
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