I was invited to a wine tasting which is something I haven’t done in ages so jumped at the chance to see what was in store. The Southern Sun Hotel on Church Road holds this free event every penultimate Friday of the month. I have been there twice, and the setting has been different each time from a social wine tasting to full set up of brandy and chocolate pairing.

The event starts at about 7 pm and lasts an hour. When you walk in you are offered some bubbly and are asked if you would like to be entered in a draw to stand a chance to win some of the prizes which are part of the presentation.

The first time I went the theme was Sparkling Wines and Champagne, the night was a more casual feel of socialising and tasting none of that swirl your glass, take a sniff, sip, swish, and then spit. You were free to sip and walk around the room, get to know the people there which was rather interesting. I found out a that Scottish Whiskey is now being bottled in Simonga, Livingstone and sold on the Zambian market. They had to go to Scotland to get all the rights, seals and recipes sorted for it to be bottled here.

The second-time round was all about Brandy and chocolate pairing. I knew absolutely nothing except for the name had no clue about the brand KWV either, it was all very educational, and I was enlightened. Lourens Stander the Spirits Manager at KWV Brandy is very passionate and knowledgeable walking us through the 5 types there were laid out to taste from the 5, 10, 15 and 20-year olds, including all the flavours and scents that come through. Found that the 15 year old paired really well with the Lindt dark chocolate due to the intensity of it all.

Also learnt that traditionally you do not swirl your brandy glass like wine and taste it at room temperature because it is slightly warm with the holding of the glass cupped in your palm.

Both events were very well presented but I will stick to pouring the brandy over my Christmas pudding.