Former Miss Universe Michelle McLean

Michelle McLean

Crowned Miss Universe in 1992, businesswoman, television presenter and MC Michelle McLean is also the founder of the Michelle McLean Children's Trust in Namibia. Interview by Jeanri-Tine van Zyl.

 

What was the first bottle of wine that all made sense and why?
TJ 39 was my first celebratory bottle of wine at the end of my final year of school. It was made by my godfather, Nicky Krone, owner of Twee Jonge Gezellen.

What was your most memorable wine experience and why?
At a dinner in Monaco, just after my Miss Universe year, I saw for the first time how sabrage is done. I spent the evening drinking wine from all over the world with John Wayne's son Patrick, Jack Lemon and Neil Armstrong.

What was your last wine purchase?
It was a Dombeya from Haskell Vineyards in Stellenbosch. The property is owned by a friend of mine and the winemaker, Rianie Strydom, is phenomenal - one of the best in the world, in my opinion.

How big is your wine collection and where do you store it?
I don't have a cellar, so I buy wine as I entertain. I'm very fortunate to have many friends who own wine farms, so I'm spoilt for choice and supply.

Which are your favourite South African wine producers?
I'm a Méthode Cap Classique person, so I need to include bubbly producers Twee Jonge Gezellen (Krone Borealis), Graham Beck and Cabrière (Pierre Jourdan).

What was your most embarrassing moment to do with wine?
Prince Albert took me out to dinner at his favourite little Italian restaurant in Monte Carlo, and I knocked my glass of red wine over the table. I was very embarrassed but he assured me it was fi ne and at the end of the evening bought me a bottle of that very wine and signed it for me. It was sadly taken from me going through customs in France. They clearly knew its worth!

What do you like least about wine?
Wine does tend to have a fair amount of sugar in it - not the best thing if you are trying to stay in shape.

What is your favourite meal?
I love a great braai. Nothing beats the smell of firewood burning, friends laughing, music playing and corks popping.

Which three people would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
Madonna because she is a marketing genius, Bono because he appeals to the philanthropist in me, and Angelina Jolie because my trust has managed 10 of her Namibian projects using money that she donated after Shilo, her daughter, was born in Namibia. She is a beautiful, compassionate soul.

How do your relax?
I light candles, put on music and pour myself a glass of bubbles. Within minutes I am dancing up a storm, either on my own or with Andrew, my boyfriend. I find dancing to be a great stress release.