An Idiot’s Guide to Wine is bringing stand-up and wine tastings to Mandela Square

If your idea of a wine tasting involves stiff rooms, intimidating jargon, and swirling a glass while pretending to smell "undertones of leather and fresh asphalt," it is time to throw out the rulebook.

The globally acclaimed Australian comedy sensation, An Idiot’s Guide to Wine, has officially landed in Johannesburg. Taking over the iconic Hard Rock Cafe at Nelson Mandela Square, this unique 70-minute experience strips away the snobbery of the wine world and replaces it with unfiltered laughter and excellent pours.

High comedy meets high-quality pours

The concept is beautifully simple: a professional stand-up comedy show seamlessly paired with a curated tasting of six completely different wine varietals from around the globe.

While the tone is strictly hilarious, the pedigree behind it is entirely legitimate. The show was written by Merrick Watts, famously known as the only comedian in the world to boast a WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 3 qualification. That means you are learning real, foundational wine knowledge between punchlines, giving you just enough liquid courage and trivia to impress your friends at your next dinner party.

According to the creators, the hardest part of the entire evening isn't mastering the tasting notes; it’s trying not to spill your glass while laughing.

What you need to know before you go

Whether you are looking for a unique date night, a night out with friends, or a solo adventure to meet fellow foodies and comedy fans, here is the essential breakdown:

The event takes place at the Hard Rock Cafe (Mandela Square, Sandton) and runs for a crisp, fast-paced 70 minutes. The experience is hosted entirely in English, and because alcohol is being served, it is strictly for those aged 18 and older. Your ticket gets you entry to the stand-up show along with all six distinct wine samples.

If you prefer to skip the wine, alcohol consumption is entirely voluntary, and non-alcoholic alternatives can be purchased at the venue for an additional fee.

A no-phone zone

To keep the performance intimate and protect the material, the organisers maintain a strict no-recording policy. Guests who attempt to record the show will be asked to delete the footage, and failure to comply could result in an early exit from the venue. So, put the phones away, enjoy the wine, and live in the moment!

Tickets are available via Fever, and because of the show’s massive success overseas, seats at Mandela Square are already selling out fast, so don’t delay if this is up your alley.

Essential details

• Where: Hardrock Cafe Nelson Mandela Square
• When: Friday 14 August and Saturday 10 October
• Tickets: Available on Fever from R610