Michelle Garforth-Venter on Bull's Blood and Chardonnay
Michelle Garforth-Venter
Television show host, journalist and environmentalist Michelle Garfoth-Venter became popular as a presenter on Top Billing and Morning Live. More recently you'll spot pics of her covered in creepycrawlies, holding pythons or with an owl perched neatly on her shoulder... Currently this bushbaby is hunting for a bottle of Chocolate Block. By Jeanri-Tine van Zyl.
What was the first bottle of wine that made sense and why?
I can't remember my first bottle of wine, but I do remember learning that the best wine in the world is the one that you like.
What was your most memorable wine experience?
Probably when I first visited Napa Valley when living in the USA. Sipping a Chardonnay overlooking the winelands made me realise just how stunning and picture-perfect our winelands here in SA are - and how top-notch our country's wines really are!
What wine that you have not yet tasted do you most want to taste?
I have been bold with my wine tastings and the most memorable is Bull's Blood - the nickname for a deep, rich red from Hungary - and the wine I have not yet tasted is a bottle I spotted the other day and have placed on my shopping list - the label said ‘The Chocolate Block' and that intrigued me.
What was the last wine that you bought?
A bottle of Mooiplaas Rosalind 2005.
How big is your wine collection and where do you store it?
We have a collection of reds in the ‘booze cabinet', as it is affectionately known, an antique cupboard that belonged to my gran that is in the lounge. I'd say we at any one time have about 30 bottles of a selection of reds and whites and always a few bottles of Champagne.
What was your most embarrassing moment to do with wine?
Too embarrassing to mention in this column, but dancing, a table and loud music came into play!
What do you like least about wine?
Finishing it.
What are your favourite restaurants in South Africa?
Being a new mom I don't get out much and I really love entertaining at home, so at the moment my favourite restaurant is my kitchen.
Which three people would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
Madonna, Hillary Clinton and Dr Jane Goodall.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Treating ourselves to weekend getaways at great hotels and lodges.
How do you relax?
Reading an interesting book and getting out into wild spaces filled with interesting species.
What is your favourite city in the world and why?
It would have to be Los Angeles because there is so much to do, see and learn.
