A glass of wine with Seth Rotherham
Seth Rotherham
Seth Rotherham is perhaps South Africa's most popular blogger, commenting on all aspects of pop culture via his blogsite, 2oceansvibe. He advocates an utterly hedonistic lifestyle, his motto being: "Work is a sideline, Live the holiday." This he achieves effortlessly, glass of wine in hand, all day, every day. By Jeanri-Tine van Zyl.
What was the first bottle of wine that all made sense and why?
The full bottle of Tassies that Mark "Chuck" Berry downed in front of me at Naughties. I didn't realise it was possible. I hadn't given wine a chance before that moment.
What was your most memorable wine experience?
Trying Marcus Brain's homemade red wine at his dad Michael Brain's pile - set bang in the middle of the Groot Constantia vineyards. Incredible juxtaposition.
What wine that you have not yet tasted do you most want to?
Montevino [a cheap, boxed house-wine sold to the industry].
What was the last wine that you bought?
De Grendel Rosé. They're one of my sponsors and my personal supplies were low (due to there being a shortage) as my mother arrived in town from France. So we went to that Kloof St bottle store and bought every last drop of the stuff. It looks like there is a shortage now! A self-fulfilling prophecy, if you will.
How big is your wine collection and where do you store it?
It's pretty big. It's not as big as my beer collection, which is usually about five cases packed in the garage. It depends when the De Grendel wine and Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut are delivered.
Which are your favourite South African wine producers?
De Grendel, Boschendal, L'Ormarins, Seven Steps Sav, Chateau Libertas and, when no one is looking, Drosty-Hof Dry White extra-light box wine with tons of ice (and hot dogs on the side).
What was your most embarrassing moment to do with wine?
Asking Steve Leith for his last bottle of Bonne Esperance. KWV quota wine.
What do you like least about wine?
How too much red wine upsets my tummy and how Chardonnay turns women into psychopaths.
What is your favourite meal?
"The Rotherham" pizza from Butlers. Also anything made with NoMU spices. Not that we should forget about the "Dreamy Burger" at Caprice, served by Lara or Justine or that other little blonde cutie. Or Amy. Or Carmen. Or Shammi.
What is your current state of mind?
I'm stoned. How else do you think I got myself round to doing this goddamn questionnaire, with emails coming in from Jeanri at WINE magazine asking if it's done yet. "Is it done yet? Can you do it? Are you going to do it? Do you mind doing it? Is it finished?"
What is your most treasured possession?
My CA 3 number plate and my bottle of 1787 Chateau Lafite.
What is your greatest extravagance?
My underage Filipino house boys.
How do you relax?
I beat them.
Where did you spend your last holiday?
Besides the constant holiday we live in Cape Town? With Pauly Shore in Los Angeles, shooting our series (available on DVD from 2oceansvibe).
What is your favourite city in the world and why?
Are you kidding me? Cape Town. After that, Menerbes (in Provence), New York and Los Angeles.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A world where everyone knows how to text and email. A world where phonecalls are either planned or expected.
