OPENWINE

“Openwine is an enoteca”, explains Raphael Paterniti, who co-owns the new inner-city vino haunt along with his partner Marta Gobbo. “It’s a place of wine, where the wine is at the centre and you’re invited to come inside and discover our wines.”

Tucked away neatly on Cape Town’s bustling Wale Street, Openwine – which officially launched in July 2016 – is an all-new Mother City wine-concept store that invites customers to indulge in a wide selection of proudly South African wines served with an Italian-cum-French flair. Dedicated to all things vino, Openwine is the ultimate wine-lovers paradise offering patrons a vino-experience like none other in the city. From the moment you step on the white ’flying carpet’ painted on the floor outside the site’s entrance, oenophilias are truly taken on a magical wine tasting-ride of some of the finest vintages known to the Cape.

Independently showcasing a wide range of South African wines (think Tamboerskloof, Kanonkop, Anthonij Rupert and Tokara, to name only few) all under one roof, Raphael and Marta selected Openwine’s first vino-offering owing to their personal experiences and love for each vintage. Their selection process is somewhat intricate as they not only wish to taste each wine and visit the winery but also meet its creator. “We really like to meet the winemaker so that we have a story to tell about the wines rather than just serving it – it’s important to build a relationship”, Marta explains.

Dividing the space into three sections; The Kitchen, The Lounge and The Cellar, Raphael and Marta wish to create an inclusive space to enjoy a glass (or two) of good quality local wine with a European-twist. “We only deal with South African wines”, Marta says. “The idea is to serve them in a French and Italian way.” (Raphael is originally French and Marta Italian.) “We also want people to be able to come here and read about our wines and discover a wine for them to taste”, Raphael adds.

The Kitchen area contains a bar-like counter compete with high stools as well as a wood-fired pizza oven. Guests are encouraged to sniff, swirl and sip in the informal setting whilst nibbling on some delectable bite-size treats prepared by Marta and Openwine’s expert kitchen team.

The Lounge offers guests a more comfortable setting: “You can have a seat on the couch and enjoy a glass of full-bodied red while watching our wonderful TV”, Raphael enthuses referring to the large open street-facing window. “The picture changes constantly”, he quips.