About Susan
Wine, travel, sport, fashion and restaurants, my five great muses.
I’ve always believed that the best things in life are meant to be savoured.
My love affair with wine began at home. I was lucky enough to grow up with a father who had an exceptional palate and a deep appreciation for red wine, and a mother whose passion for international travel opened my eyes and my palate to the wines, food and cultures of the world.
My corporate career eventually gave way to a life much closer to my passions. I ran two wine clubs, immersed myself in the world of fine wine and had the privilege of meeting some of South Africa’s most inspiring winemakers, many of whom generously shared their knowledge and craft with me.
Today, I curate and market an exclusive portfolio of wines at Robinson & Sinclair’s The Wine Shop in Loop Street, Cape Town, while also creating exceptional wine tourism experiences.
But wine has never existed in isolation for me. It is part of a much bigger lifestyle, one that encompasses beautiful food, extraordinary places, fashion, design, travel and the simple pleasure of discovering something wonderful and sharing it with others.
That philosophy is at the heart of Winestyle, my wine and lifestyle journal. Here, I explore the world through a slightly indulgent lens:
Remarkable wines and the people behind them, restaurants worth travelling for, irresistible food and pairings, inspiring destinations, fashion, interiors, markets and those beautiful discoveries that make life more interesting.
One of the most memorable chapters of my wine journey was creating garagiste-style Shiraz with South African winemakers William Everson in 2009 and 2011
Followed by a Méthode Cap Classique with David van Niekerk in 2012. These hands-on experiences gave me an even deeper appreciation for the artistry, patience and passion that go into every bottle.
Years of travelling through the great wine regions of Europe and the United States have further shaped my palate and my perspective. I’m drawn to wines with personality. Wines that tell a story, offer something unexpected and deliver exceptional value.
And then there is the giving back.
I sit on the committee of The Adele Searll 100 Club, which raises funds through annual events to sustain its bursary fund and help six young people pursue university studies. It is a cause close to my heart and a reminder that the good things in life are even better when they can be shared.
Winestyle is ultimately about curiosity.
It’s about following a scent, a flavour, a beautiful room or an intriguing label down a rabbit hole and seeing where it leads. It might be a cellar in Stellenbosch, a hidden restaurant in Paris, a market in New York, a beautifully cut jacket, a destination worth crossing an ocean for or simply the perfect bottle to open at the end of the day.