Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, reveals her favourite wines

Premier of the Western Cape and former mayor of Cape Town, Helen Zille is one of South Africa's most dynamic women. She is also leader of the Democratic Alliance, SA's official opposition party. Zille admits that her role is often accompanied by defeat - and when it strikes she sits down and analyses the state of affairs with a bottle of wine. By Jeanri-Tine van Zyl

What was the first bottle of wine that all made sense and why?
The Alto Rouge that was served at my wedding. It symbolises everything that that day meant to me.

 

What was your most memorable wine experience?
There have been several. When I have a big victory or a big defeat (there have been more of the latter than the former) I enjoy going out for a meal with my husband to talk things through. We then choose a good bottle of wine, and analyse what the event means, and where we go to from here.

What wine that you have not yet tasted do you most want to?
The bottles that we bought on our son's birthdays, which we kept for a special occasion that hasn't presented itself yet. I hope that they have aged well.

What was the last wine that you bought?
My husband buys the wine in our house, since it takes time and consideration, and he goes shopping with a wine guide. I am not patient enough for this.

How big is your wine collection and where do you store it?
We have a few special bottles, kept over many years, that are now in my study. Our collection is small -- about 15 bottles -- we usually buy for our own consumption and for visitors.

Which are your favourite South African wine producers?
Gesie van Deventer and her team at Domaine Brahms, in Agter Paarl.

What was your most embarrassing moment to do with wine?
When I was a young journalist, who joined the parliamentary news team, I knew very little about wine. My colleagues in the press gallery (men) insisted on taking me wine tasting in Stellenbosch. They explained that I would have to swirl the wine around the bottom of the glass and smell it; hold it up and look at it against the light and look at it; and then hold it to my ear and listen to it. They did a demonstration, and I earnestly followed suit. They then asked: what did it smell like? What did it look like? What did it sound like? I answered all three questions very seriously until they all burst out laughing. I then realised I had been taken for a ride.

What do you like least about wine?
It sometimes gives me a headache.

What is your favourite meal?
I like exotic meals, like Thai curries. I also enjoy a good steak at times. Or a rack of ribs.

What are your favourite restaurants in South Africa?
I usually don't get to choose restaurants. I go to places that other people have chosen. And I am generally not particularly fussy, except I like hot food to be served on a warm plate.

Which three people would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
Martin Luther, Galileo Galilei, people like that. I am fascinated by historical figures who really risked everything to tell the truth as they saw it. South African history is not short of these great figures -- but I am particularly interested in the great historical figures who paved the way for integrity, inquiry, freedom of speech, and conscience.

What is your current state of mind?
Relaxed.

What is your most treasured possession?
The photos of my children when they were babies.

What is your greatest extravagance?
The cost of highlighting my hair.

How do you relax?
By working slowly.

Who are your favourite writers?
Malcolm Gladwell, at present.

Who are your favourite musicians?
The Beams (before they broke up).

Where did you spend your last holiday?
Keurboomsriver

What is your favourite city in the world and why?
Cape Town, because I feel relaxed and at home here.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sitting on Lion's Head, sipping a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc, watching the full moon rising.