Let’s face it, the wine community can be a little stuffy sometimes, and that can leave a lot of wine-curious people (like me) on the fringes. Thankfully, local wine retailer Vinosity is on a mission to change that with their upcoming “Bring a Bottle” gathering.
On Friday, November 7, the team from Vinosity joins forces with Glory for a relaxed, family-style “Bring a Bottle” gathering in the leafy Glory Courtyard at 44 Stanley.
The idea is deliciously simple: every guest brings a bottle (or magnum, if you’re feeling generous) of wine they love, something worth sharing with fellow wine enthusiasts. Glory’s kitchen will take care of the rest, laying out a spread of wine-friendly dishes designed for communal feasting.
“Having sold wines to collectors for years, one of my biggest frustrations was getting everyone together to actually drink them,” says Harry Overvoorde, owner of Vinosity. “So I started hosting small lunches for my clients who’d become friends along the way. This is just the next stage, opening it up to a broader audience of wine lovers.”
Wine without the worry
Unlike traditional tastings, where the goal is to sell bottles or showcase a single producer, this event is about building a community. “Normally there’s a set menu of wines to taste, often from a particular farm,” says Harry. “This is more about developing a wine culture in Johannesburg, relaxed, informal, and social.”
For the vibe, Harry promises spontaneous toasts, new friends swapping stories, and a few surprise pours you’ll be talking about long after the night ends. “The magic of wine is that by the end of the bottle, strangers become friends,” he says.
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No bottle? No problem
For those who can’t decide what to bring, Vinosity has you covered. Their ‘Lucky Dip’ option means you can pre-book a mystery bottle, handpicked from their shop. “It adds an element of curation,” explains Harry. “We’ll choose something at least to the value of R300, along with a bit of info about the wine, it keeps things interesting and balanced.”
As for the food, expect a feast that pairs effortlessly with whatever’s in your glass. Chef Nick from Glory is preparing a range of vibrant, wine-loving dishes, nothing too fussy, just great flavours that play nicely with reds, whites, and everything in between. “He’s a genius when it comes to cooking for (and with) wine,” Harry laughs.
For the wine curious and the wine obsessed
Whether you’re a collector with a cellar full of vintages or someone who’s just starting to explore beyond supermarket shelves, everyone’s welcome. “My hope is that from the most ardent collector to the newest novice, everyone tries something they haven’t had before, and learns at least something,” says Harry.
His advice for first-timers? “Bring a bottle you’re passionate about. If you turn up with something you love and can talk about, you’ll find people want to share their favourites too. That’s where the real fun begins.”
So, grab your friends, your favourite wine, and an appetite for discovery; this is Joburg’s most sociable wine night in the making.
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