South Africa and New Zealand share a lot of common features : 35 South latitude, rugby football, strange accent. And they both produce wines worthy of serious consideration. South Africa has been producing a lot longer than New Zealand (Jan van Riebeeck was commissioned in 1652 to start a vineyard in the Cape, but it was only in 1836 that James Busby attempted growing vines in Waitangi). So, which country makes the best wine and with which varietals?

Penny Heyes imports wines from five boutique producers in New Zealand and six in South Africa through her company Great Wine Online. She is well positioned to discuss the strengths of both countries. There will be an opportunity at the end of the tasting to order the wines sampled.