David grew up in Cape Town and studied B.Comm at UCT. He furthered his studies at AAA in brand management and then went very corporate. He bailed after a year.
Currently, he owns Publik, a great little hole-in-the-wall wine joint and makes some wine under the Alphabetical and Dirty Julie labels with Simon Wibberley. David’s unpretentiousness when it comes to introducing good wine to South Africans who was fed conservative wine like they were fed conservative politics, is nice. I have a feeling that he has an innate curiosity that will lead to interesting future ventures to look out for. Pop in at Publik, situated on 81 Church Street, Cape Town and check it out for yourself - no stuffiness, just good honest wine drinking with good people.
I had a quick Q & A with David.
What vintage are you?
1980
What bottle sparked your love of wine?
Drinking the half-finished bottles with the team after nights bartending at Constantia Uitsig restaurant (now closed).
What would you be as a wine?
A blend.
Where are you happiest?
Going away for a weekend, cooking and drinking with my wife and closest friends.
What’s your greatest vice?
It’s got to be wine. And travel.
Best advice you ever got?
Don’t believe all the advice you receive.
Your cellar’s underwater, which bottle would you dive in and save?
A bottle of The Hedonist 2008, the first wine I ever made.
What’s the best and worst thing about the wine business?
The people. 90% amazing, but like anything there are exceptions.
What’s on your wine bucket list?
Making wine in Sicily.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
My wife and closest friends.
Which wine would you like served at your funeral?
It wouldn’t really bother me much, I guess!
Who would you point out as an up and coming tastemaker in South Africa?
I actually think the older guard are about to make a comeback.