Tawanda Marume on the “untapped potential” of Gauteng’s wine lists

By Rachel Fellows

Published 02-July-2025

Interview / South Africa

As he adds seven Red Stars across Gauteng, we ask ambassador Tawanda Marume about his first year on the Star Wine List team.

Sommelier Tawanda Marume has just added four Red Stars in Pretoria and three in Johannesburg, where he lives in the northern suburb of Northgate (you’ll often see him enjoying a glass of wine at The Prawnery, Mr. Pants and The Saxon Hotel, or a beer at a local pub).

The first ever Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe (2020), Tawanda is Vice Chairman of the South African Sommeliers Association and currently preparing for his Cape Wine Master’s examinations, which are scheduled for the end of the year. He also runs a wine bar in Boxpark Helensvale, Zimbabwe, which he says is “progressing well and shaping up to be an exceptional establishment.” Another potential wine spot for our audience, then!

Take a look at our updated guides to Johannesburg and Pretoria, and hear more from Tawanda, below.

It's been a year since you joined the Star Wine List team as an ambassador. How have you found it?

“The past year as an ambassador for Star Wine List has been a rewarding and insightful experience. It has provided me with the opportunity to critically evaluate wine lists and uncover exceptional wine destinations in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Additionally, I have enjoyed collaborating with fellow sommeliers to inspire more diverse and engaging wine offerings. The Star Wine List team has been incredibly supportive, fostering a sense of community and progress within the industry.”

Have you noticed any changes in the wine scene within that time?

“The progression within the wine scene has been gradual but noteworthy. Increasingly, younger demographics are exploring wines beyond mainstream brands, while a significant portion of the market continues to favour off-dry and sweet selections. Champagne remains the preferred choice in the sparkling wine category, though Prosecco is steadily gaining popularity. Wine-related events are attracting a curious and engaged audience, although the sales figures at these gatherings do not always reflect a consistent upward trend in overall wine interest.”

What are you really noticing across wine lists or service right now?

“Established brands and major distributors continue to dominate most wine lists in Gauteng. However, several new establishments have emerged, focusing on offering a diverse and intriguing selection of wines to appeal to the region's increasingly curious market. While wine service is gradually improving, progress remains slow. There is a significant need for enhanced training in wine service, particularly for waiting staff, as Gauteng faces a shortage of qualified sommeliers.”

Do you have any pet hates in service?

“One of my key frustrations in service is the lack of proper etiquette, such as the failure to use a tray when carrying drinks or clearing glasses from a table.”

As such a prolific wine-producing country, do you see a strong commitment to South African wines on wine lists, or are tastes more international in Johannesburg and Pretoria?

“There is a noticeable commitment to featuring South African wines on most wine lists within Gauteng. However, the inclusion of international wines often remains limited to well-known Champagne houses or large-scale producers from Italy, Spain, or Portugal at entry-level price points. This suggests untapped potential in catering to Gaunteng’s increasingly sophisticated and curious wine enthusiasts, who are likely to appreciate a broader and more diverse selection of global offerings.”

You mentioned last year that the wine-drinking scene is heading in the right direction – what direction is that and is it still the case?

“Indeed, this positive trajectory continues. The wine market within Gauteng is experiencing notable growth, moving beyond a preference for predominantly sweet wines. Increasingly, wine events reveal an engaged and curious consumer base that is expanding at a remarkable pace.”

What would you like to see more of or change?

“The implementation of superior wine glasses, enhanced service training for staff, the inclusion of a more diverse selection of international wines on wine lists, and establishments offering an extensive wine-by-the-glass program would significantly elevate the wine-drinking experience.”

What are you looking for in a wine list?

“Diversity is paramount when evaluating a wine list. An exemplary wine list should showcase a broad spectrum of wine styles, regions, and price points to accommodate a wide array of preferences and demographics. Furthermore, it should serve as an educational tool, carefully curated to reflect the tastes of the local market while maintaining a thoughtful balance with the sommelier's perspective. Including a selection of international wines adds depth and a sense of global sophistication to the offering.”

How can a restaurant/wine bar impress you?

“An extensive wine-by-the-glass program is particularly impressive, as it offers me the opportunity to sample a variety of wines during a single visit. Including multiple vintages adds depth to the experience, allowing us to explore the evolution of a wine over time. Additionally, occasional curated food and wine pairings stand out as a mark of thoughtful service and enhance the overall dining experience.”

Discover the Star Wine List guides to Johannesburg and Pretoria.