Although we are devoted winelovers, I will also be the first to admit that I’m no expert by any stretch of the imagination. There is always something new to learn, whether it is about food pairing, terroir, rating wines, etc. The list is actually endless!
So I was thrilled to hear that I would be one of the very first participants in the newly opened The Private Hotel School in Rosebank’s “Wine and Food Pairing” short course. Exciting huh??
But first, a little bit more about The Private Hotel School. This prestigious institution, with the original school based in Stellenbosch, recently opened its doors in Rosebank, Johannesburg and is expected to welcome its first intake of students in July 2018.
Check out www.privatehotelschool.com for all the details about the courses and qualifications on offer, etc. And the good news: The Private Hotel School plans to offer various short courses in future, very similar to the “Wine and Food Pairing Course” we attended.
The course covered:
- Introduction to wine growing and making: (Corlien Morris from Wine Menu did a stirling job presenting this section (as well as the next one – Wine Styles, Storage and Service) I seriously could listen to her for DAYS!
- Tutored wine tasting (Taste sensations & cause and effect tasting): presented by Susina Jooste (the very knowledgeable owner and Director of Academic Development of The Private Hotel School)
- Three-course food and wine pairing lunch (prepared by the students of the Capsicum Culinary school, sharing premises with the TPHS). One of the best wine pairing meals I’ve had this year – the food was absolutely delicious! Well done guys and girls.
- Champagne, Sparkling Wine and how to Sabrage: last, but definitely not least! A few of us also had to opportunity to sabrage a few bottles of bubbly as a grand finale, under the careful and patient guidance of Susina Jooste.
I love the triumphant look on Lloyd Loots’ face (right above)!
This is such a fantastic day, we’ve learned SO much! And what a privilege to be attending the very first “Food and Wine Pairing” short course at The Private Hotel School Rosebank. I will treasure my certificate and page through my course material OFTEN! Thank you everyone involved!
Cheers! Wishing you the best of luck with this brand new journey!
Note: Watermarked photos credited to Marius Stols from The Private Hotel School