Wine cellar opens at King Shaka International Airport

“The idea behind it is not only to provide patrons with an outlet to buy original wine product from this province, but also to be able to enjoy good quality wines and a wine drinking experience, within the airport environment,” says Stable's owners and founders, Tiny and Judy van Niekerk. “We will be holding wine tastings and introduce the public to food and wine pairings, in a relaxed, user-friendly way. As far as we know this is the first in-airport wine bar and cellar of its kind in South Africa.”

The professional team, led by Rupert Spence from Sphere Architects, has transformed the 50 sqm space into an inviting gathering spot for travellers. The food offering has been created by local ‘cuisine kings', Guy Wood and Brendon Newport of Beanbag Bohemia Concept Chefs and will include a choice of simple tasting menus, paired to complement the wines.

“The Durban airport boasts the largest number of ‘meet and greets' in the country and it's estimated that the new airport will serve approximately 7.5 million people per annum. In the absence of having a network of sales and marketing agents overseas, this provides a great opportunity for us to get our brand out into the marketplace both locally and abroad.”

While the airport cellar is the prime focus for the moment, plans are already in place for the opening of another cellar and restaurant in Umhlanga and the launch of it and the province's first vintage sparkling wine later this year.