In this special episode of Cabernet Queens, Matt Morgan is thousands of miles from the usual setup - broadcasting live from Kruger Shalati, a Michelin-keyed lodge elevated over the Sabi River inside Kruger National Park, South Africa.

With Deb Lee back home and a stunning sunset over the bush, Matt is joined by Carmen, Sales Manager at Moths My Collection, and Tinashe Chirukure, resident sommelier at Kruger Shalati, for a three-wine tasting unlike anything the show has done before. Three South African bottles, all hidden in brown paper bags, a sommelier who grew up identifying fruit in his grandmother's garden in Zimbabwe, and a podcast that goes rather later into the evening than planned.

Key Takeaways

Kruger Shalati is unlike anywhere Matt has ever been on his travels.

Elevated directly over the Sabi River, with two Michelin Keys and its own sommelier, it is the kind of property that has to be seen to be believed - and Matt has promised the pictures on Instagram.

South African wine is barely represented in what reaches UK shelves.

Between tax, export logistics and the sheer exclusivity of the estates producing the best bottles, what most British wine drinkers know of South Africa is a fraction of what is actually out there.

The second wine sparks the most debate of the evening.

Both Matt and Carmen suspect Pinot Noir. Tinashe lets them go back and forth before revealing that the grape in the glass has a fascinating South African backstory rooted in a case of mistaken identity that lasted decades.

The third wine comes with one of the most famous names in South African history on the label.

An Italian cultivar, a story that neither guest sees coming, and a bottle that prompts the admission from Tinashe that the best wine is not always the most expensive one on the list.

Key Moments

"If it helps him become impartial with his sound judgement - I can do my job better with wine too."

"The wine they have in the stores is not the wine we actually have here. Don't judge us off that basis."

"Tea time, dinner time, anytime."

About Cabernet Queens

Cabernet Queens is the podcast where great wine meets even better stories. Each episode, hosts Matt Morgan and Deb Lee uncork a mystery bottle, share travel tales and take listeners along for the ride.

Part wine show, part travel podcast, part catch-up between two brilliant friends - grab a glass and drink along.

How to Get in Touch

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