Given the slick wine bar setting, the tattooed Danish somm’s approach to wine was not the one I had been expecting. Before stepping into the original PublikWine Bar many vintages ago, wine was one of two extremes for me: cripplingly intimidating from both complexity and price stances, or cheap, sweet rosé from that-producer-who-shall-not-be-named, downed vigorously in typical student fashion.
I had also never paid more than R50.00 for a glass of wine before. For someone who spent eight years at university, thatwas unchartered territory. Thankfully since then both my taste buds and purchasing power have evolved - as has Publik’s business, which now includes two wine bars in Cape Town and Joburg, as well as a distribution company supplying restaurants and retail (including Port2Port, of course) with some of the country’s most eclectic and sought-after wines. Owners David Cope and David Nel (or Smokey, as he’s affectionately known by his peers) were clearly ahead of the curve, being the first in South Africa to advocate for sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking, paired with a healthy dose of aesthetic.
Publik made wine cool. It taught me that wine is something to be valued, but not feared. It connected me with a rich community of wine growers, makers and lovers alike - who, without getting too soppy, have made my wine journey that much more worthwhile.
Nothing can replace real, human connection - which is why the Publik Wine Fair taking place on the 23rd of June is an occasion I would be loathe to miss. Last year marked the inaugural event, and this year’s fair promises to be every drop as good, with 30 of the most interesting (and did I say nicest?) wine producers you’ll ever meet, pouring their wares. I couldn’t resist asking David Cope himself for a preview of this year’s event, so here you have it, unfined and unfiltered:
What makes the Publik Wine Fair different from other wine events?
DC: I'd say four things: the focus on independent artisan producers, the number of wines made from unusual grape varieties, wines made from vineyards in lesser known areas, and lastly, the audience: we have a more youthful urban audience of eager wine drinkers than most other wine events. This year we're hosting the event downtown in Harrington Street at the Just Like Papa store and Wulfchiptegnik workshop space, a unique space for a wine event!
Any new producers in the mix this year?
DC: Yes, three producers that weren't at the previous Cape Town event: Jasper Wickens will be there pouring his Swerwer wines. He's definitely one of the most exciting winemakers in the Swartland and has some superb new wines planned. Donkiesbaai wasn't at last year's event in Cape Town and will be showing their full range, including the exceptional Steen 2018. And then Blackwater Wines, made by the prolific winemaker Francois Haasbroek. His Omertà Carignan has been a wine we've been in love with since we opened the original wine bar back in 2013!
Broad trends to look out for?
DC: Visitors will definitely notice the trend for lighter, fresher styles of red wines being made, which we're super happy about. Grenache, Cinsault, Pinot Noir and red blends that express varietal character but are highly drinkable on release. Then the irreducible quality of old vine Chenin Blanc as a base for white blends is another strong trait.
Any specific new offerings from producers who have exhibited previously?
DC: With the new producers and previously unreleased wines from winemakers that were pouring previously, there's almost 50 new wines that weren't shown last year, so plenty for repeat visitors to discover. And the wines are just 50% of the reason to attend - chatting with the winemakers themselves in an event where they have time to engage is a big part of what makes this tasting special.
Wine lovers abroad would pay (and have paid) a small fortune to spend an afternoon under the same roof as some of SA’s most innovative winemakers: we are truly privileged to have this kind of access to them at less than the cost of a nice bottle of wine. So whether you are able to attend the fair or not, I hope, like me, that you see the value in going Publik.
WIN 3 Pairs of Tickets to this SOLD OUT EVENT.
As you may or may not be aware, this event is currently SOLD OUT.
Our friends at Publik however were kind enough to make 3 pairs of tickets available to the very first respondents on this note.
Write us a mail motivating just WHY you should be so lucky to go to this sold out event next Sunday and we’ll announce the winners on Tuesday morning (it’s a long weekend after all.) E-mail df@p2.group with your plea.
WHEN:23 June 2019. 12pm - 5pm.
WHERE:Just Like Papa, 73 Harrington St., East City, Cape Town.
TICKETS: SOLD OUT
SHOP: Publik’s full portfolio available on Port2Port
