Liz McGrath
Woman of the Year and Owner of Three Hotels
Relais & Châteaux Woman of the Year Liz McGrath owns three hotels, The Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia, The Marine in Hermanus and The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay. This grand dame of South African hospitality knows the value of good investments – whether in South Africa, property or wine. Interview by Jeanri-Tine van Zyl.
What was the first bottle of wine that all made sense and why?
Old vintages of Dom Pérignon, tasted in the “holy of holy cellars” at Moët & Chandon’s Château de Saran in Epernay.
What was your most memorable wine experience?
Tasting my own first vintage of Van de Hohenort, made for me by Kevin Arnold at Waterford.
What wine that you have not yet tasted do you most want to?
The original Vin de Constance, as drunk by Napoleon and mentioned in Jane Austen’s novels. Klein Constantia now makes a replica.
What was the last wine that you bought?
I love Champagne, so every now and then I indulge in a special bottle of Pomeroy.
How big is your wine collection and where do you store it?
I have a small collection of very old Bordeaux and also a collection of old Meerlust at my home in Sandton. My husband (Gerald McGrath) was in the record industry and used to swap wine for records with Nico Myburgh [father of current Meerlust owner Hannes].
Which are your favourite South African wine producers?
The wonderful vineyards adjacent to my hotels in Constantia and the Hemel-en- Aarde Valley are producing some of the finest wines of the Cape.
What was your most embarrassing moment to do with wine?
Years and years ago, trying to drink Cold Duck at a staff function!
What do you like least about wine?
Excessive acidity and high alcohol.
Which three people would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
Madiba, Auguste Escoffier and Brad Pitt – he stayed at The Marine and I wasn’t there!
What is your most treasured possession?
My two little Fabergé picture frames and the beautiful rose my family named after me. It grows in all our gardens.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Shoes.
How do you relax?
With my family over a traditional Sunday lunch in my home.
Who are your favourite writers?
I love historical biographies and novels; they offer a complete switch-off . At the moment I am reading Shakespeare by Bill Bryson – a brilliant little book.
Where did you spend your last holiday?
On a Silversea Cruise in Croatia.
What is your favourite city in the world and why?
Definitely St Petersburg, the Venice of the North. It is magical! The architecture, the gardens, the light and of course the Hermitage Museum and its contents.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To see South Africa peaceful, understood and respected by the rest of the world.
