A South African Wine Tasting Adventure in Bournemouth

Sam Burden
Oct 12
5 min read

Four wine glasses with red and white wine, a cheese board with crackers and grapes, a dish of yellow rice, and a red elephant figurine.

As a wine enthusiast living in Bournemouth, I’m always on the lookout for unique wine experiences that go beyond simply sipping a glass. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a South African wine tasting hosted by Sobo Sommelier, and it turned out to be an unforgettable evening. From exploring the distinctive terroirs of South Africa to pairing wines with cheeses and traditional dishes, and even experimenting with glassware and music, this event was a masterclass in both taste and culture.

It’s remarkable to realise that even locally, in Bournemouth and Dorset, you can experience something so globally inspired, all while enjoying the intimacy and attention to detail that smaller wine events provide. For anyone seeking a wine & dine experience in the UK, Sobo Sommelier offers a truly immersive journey.

Sobo Sommelier

Sobo Sommelier is not your typical wine bar. Located in Southbourne, Bournemouth, it provides a relaxed yet sophisticated setting, perfect for an intermediate wine & dine experience. The atmosphere allows guests to focus on the wines, the food pairings, and the sensory experiments in a comfortable, intimate environment.

What struck me immediately was how the event was structured. Unlike traditional European wine pairings, where multiple wines may accompany a single dish, South African wine culture generally pairs one wine per dish. This approach allows the flavour profile of each wine to shine, providing a clearer understanding of its character and complementing food.

Tasting and Exploring Typical South African Wines

The tasting began with two white wines, followed by two reds. Among the whites, Chenin Blanc was aromatic with apple, pear, and tropical fruit, and Sauvignon Blanc was zesty with citrus and green herb notes. For reds, Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, was smoky and fruity, while Shiraz (Syrah) and Cabernet Sauvignon were full-bodied with rich berry and spice flavours.

South Africa sits on a parallel similar to the Mediterranean, giving it a warm, dry summer and mild, wet winter—ideal for grape cultivation. Combined with diverse terroirs, from coastal vineyards cooled by sea breezes to hotter inland regions, this climate allows winemakers to produce wines ranging from light and crisp to rich and complex.

Tasting these wines highlighted why South Africa is celebrated for its unique styles, each reflecting the region’s climate, soil, and grape varieties, setting them apart from European and New World wines.

Pairing Wines with Cheese and Bobotie

While most participants enjoyed Bobotie, a traditional South African dish of spiced minced meat baked with rice and a custard topping, I opted for a vegetarian alternative. I was offered a selection of cheeses from various regions, including smoked gouda, gorgonzola, brie, and a truffle-infused cheese.

Plates of rice with meat pies and small South African flags, surrounded by glasses of red and white wine on a wooden table.

Pairing the softer cheeses like brie with the white wines enhanced the subtle citrus and floral notes, while the stronger cheeses complemented the bold reds beautifully. To my delight, I was also served the rice from the Bobotie dish. It was fragrant, slightly spiced, and surprisingly versatile with both white and red wines.

I also experimented on my own with additional palate cleansers, such as grapes and biscuits. These simple touches helped highlight subtle differences in the wines’ flavour profiles and allowed me to savour each sip more deliberately.

Cheese and cracker platter with grapes and wine glasses on a table, red elephant figure, and plate of yellow rice in the background.

Exploring South African Wine Regions

During the tasting, we explored the diversity of South Africa’s wine regions, focusing on areas like Stellenbosch. The sommelier explained how soil, climate, and elevation influence the taste of the wines. Coastal breezes, warm days, and cool nights all contribute to the balance and complexity of the wines, making each region unique.

Map of South African vineyards displayed on a screen, showing regions in various colors. Text includes vineyard names and a scale bar.

Learning about the South Africa wine country map provided a visual understanding of the country’s geography and wine-growing zones. It’s fascinating how altitude, soil type, and microclimates create such variation across relatively short distances. This insight added depth to the tasting and made me more aware of the thought and care that goes into each bottle.

Fun Experiments: Glassware and Music Pairing

One of the most memorable aspects of the evening was the sensory experimentation. We compared tasting the same wine from smaller versus larger glasses. The differences were remarkable: the larger glass allowed the wine to breathe, releasing more aroma and complexity, while the smaller glass intensified certain flavours. It was a hands-on demonstration of how wine perception can change depending on context and presentation.

Two wine glasses, one with red and one with white wine, on a table. A person in a patterned shirt is in the background. Glasses display "DWF".

We also conducted a unique experiment by pairing one of the red wines with music. Listening to classical music brought out a smoother, fruitier profile, whereas jazz highlighted deeper, more robust notes. It was a playful and engaging way to explore how our senses interact and how external stimuli can subtly influence the tasting experience.

Dessert: Milktart

To finish, we enjoyed Milktart, a traditional South African dessert. This custard-filled tart, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, offered a sweet, comforting end to the meal. Paired with the remaining wine, it provided a final opportunity to savour the flavours of South Africa, leaving a lasting impression of both the cuisine and the wine.

A slice of cake with cinnamon and a yellow flower on top, on a white plate. Wine glasses are visible in the blurred background.

Encouraging Local Wine Exploration

One of the most inspiring aspects of attending this event was realising that incredible wine experiences are available locally. For anyone in Bournemouth or Dorset, there are numerous wine houses and local venues hosting tastings and curated events. Attending these events not only deepens your knowledge and palate but also supports local businesses and helps build a community of wine enthusiasts.

Going to unique events like this in Bournemouth offers the chance to try wines you might never encounter otherwise, while also enjoying the social and educational aspects of a guided tasting.

Attending a South African wine tasting in Bournemouth was more than just an evening of sipping wine. It was an educational, sensory-rich journey through flavour, culture, and history. From learning about the similarities between South African and Mediterranean climates to pairing wines with cheese, traditional dishes, and even music, every moment was engaging and insightful.

This experience reminded me that even locally, in Dorset, you can access world-class wine events that inspire curiosity, learning, and a deeper appreciation for global wine culture. It also sparked a desire to visit South Africa in person, explore its famous wine farms, and experience its diverse wine regions first-hand.

For future events at Sobo Sommelier, you can explore their official events page to stay updated on upcoming tastings and courses. These events are ideal for anyone in Bournemouth or Dorset interested in discovering wines from around the world.

How to Get There

Sobo Sommelier is located in Southbourne, Bournemouth, making it easily accessible whether you’re driving or using public transport.

By Car: There is on-street parking available nearby, and Southbourne is just a short drive from Bournemouth town centre. Using a GPS or map app, simply enter “Sobo Sommelier, Southbourne, Bournemouth” for the most direct route.

By Train: The nearest station is Pokesdown Station, which is approximately 1 mile away. From there, you can walk in about 15–20 minutes or take a short taxi ride to reach Sobo Sommelier.

By Bus: Multiple Morebus services connect Southbourne with surrounding areas:

M2: Poole to Southbourne via Upper Parkstone, Branksome, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Boscombe
N2: Poole to Christchurch via Upper Parkstone, Branksome, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Boscombe, Southbourne, Tuckton
1B: Bournemouth to Burton via Boscombe, Southbourne, Cranleigh Road, Tuckton, Christchurch
1C: Bournemouth to Somerford via Boscombe, Southbourne, Tuckton, Christchurch, Mudeford or Hunt Road
33: Bournemouth to Christchurch via East Cliff, Boscombe, Littledown, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Southbourne
Unibus U3: Southbourne to Bournemouth University via Boscombe, Charminster, Winton
788: Highcliffe to Bournemouth Grammar Schools via Christchurch, Southbourne