List of retailers carrying non-SA wines

A handful of retailers – hats off to them – stock a handful of foreign wines, some even less. The list is not comprehensive yet, so please let Cathy van Zyl know if you come across other retailers that deserve to be here.

Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar

Caroline Rillema is passionate about Italian wines so it comes as no surprise to find a healthy selection of gems on her Cape Town shelves (many imported by herself), but there are also wines from the Loire, Burgundy and Bordeaux as well as numerous Champagnes.

Contact: Any staff member will be able to help you

Tel: +27 21 419 8984   +27 21 425 5701

Email: carowine@mweb.co.za

Web: www.carolineswine.com

Chapmans Peak Wine & Spirits

Lidia Nobrega keeps a small selection of imported wines in her Hout Bay shop including Champagnes, Madeiras, Ports and Sherries.

Contact: Lidia Nobrega

Tel: +27 21 790-1088

Email: lidian@iafrica.com

Checkers

Keep an eye open for foreign wines when glancing along the Checkers supermarket shelves. There are not very many but if you see one, why not ring the changes?.

Frogitt & Vonkel

This is a small but busy wine merchant that only sells the wines it represents via telesales. Specialising in interesting lots or 'parcels' of South African wine and selling most of this upcountry, from time-to-time it imports a pallet of Champagne, Bordeaux or Burgundy - at very good prices.

Contact: John Woodward

Tel: +27 21 886 6566

Fax: +27 21 886 6568

Email: jw@pullthecork.co.za

Web: www.pullthecork.com

La Cotte Inn Wine Sales

Ludwig Maske regards La Cotte (in Franschhoek) as specialists in ‘European Wines’ and certainly holds an impressive – in quality if not always in quantity – list. He’ll happily email a list to anyone interested in making a purchase.

Contact: Ludwig Maske

Tel: +27 21 876 3775

Fax: +27 21 876 3036

Email: info@lacotte.co.za

Makro

The Makro chain doesn’t import any wines itself but several of its stores stock a fair selection sourced from Reciprocal Wine Trading Company, Adriatic, Wines of the World & Corne Deli. While Woodmead, for example, has the best variety, all stores do stock Champagne. Best to call before you visit.

Contact: Carolyn Barton

Tel: +27 11 208-9092

Email: cbarton@makro.co.za

Web: www.makro.co.za

Norman Goodfellows

Anyone working in this well-stocked Johannesburg pleasure palace could assist you pick out foreign or local gems but, if you want healthy repartee, ask for Carrie or Solly. They’ll likely talk you into spending far more than you intended but you’ll have a wonderful time doing it and the wines you leave with will thrill you.

Contact: Carrie Adams

Tel: +27 11 788-4814

Fax: +27 11 442-8868

Email: carrie@normangoodfellows.co.za

Picardi Rebel Fine Wines & Liquors

This national chain of 23 stores has the exclusive distribution rights to Pol Remy sparkling wine and Cattier champagne. It may broaden its selection of foreign wines in the future but certainly not in the short term.

Woolworths

This chain carries a number of foreign wines – mainly Italian. There is no list available as the wines rotate regularly during the year. Have a look next time you’re in a store.