Standing opposite OpenWine yesterday, we took a moment to observe in all the leafy roof tops on Wale street. Our eye was caught by “Elevate”, which looked like a new roof top bar. Upon closer inspection, it was a Cannabis Shop Cape Town, a new type of store that has bloomed during winter. The sound of a slapped bass drew our attention to OpenWine, where funky, live jazz echoes through the neighbourhood on a Sunday afternoon.
There’s something about Cape Town on a sunny Sunday that just begs for good wine, good music, and good company. Yesterday, we popped into Club Kloof for a spot of lunch before heading down the road for a crisp glass of wine. Located on Wale Street in the heart of the CBD, Open Wine feels like the exact type of bar you dream of finding when exploring a foreign city. The big sights are great! Important, in fact, but you want the kinetic energy of a local attended value to really give you a sense of city’s true vibe.
Not your average wine bar, the space is cozy but modular, divided into an outdoor lounge area, a rustic tasting bar, and a more intimate cellar section where you can really settle in, large open windows connect the musicians on the deck with the listeners on the inside.
Openwine’s extensive wine selection reflects the owner’s passion for local wine. They work closely with boutique wineries across South Africa, many of which don’t have wide commercial distribution, so you’re likely to taste something new every time you visit. I had a chenin yesterday that was unlike anything I’d had before! Smooth, fruity, but full, I was educated without even meaning to be educated!
Whether you’re into bold reds, crisp whites, or something a little funkier like skin-contact wines or pet-nats, there’s a curated bottle (or glass) with your name on it. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to guide you through your tasting journey, no matter your level of wine geekery.
What really made the afternoon unforgettable, though, was the live band that plays on Sundays. As the sun dipped lower and the glasses clinked, a local jazz trio set up near the front and brought the block to life. The vibe was effortlessly cool, as local people and tourists all mingle to the sound of R&B covers, jazz standards and contemporary expressions of jazz favourites.
Locals chatted, tourists took it all in, and a few brave souls even danced near the door. The music gave the whole experience a soul that’s hard to describe but easy to feel. Open Wine has become a favourite among Capetonians. It’s unpretentious but refined, welcoming yet intimate, and absolutely alive with flavour and sound. If you’re looking for a place to unwind on a Sunday, experience South African wine at its best, and soak up Cape Town’s cultural charm, Openwine is it.
Find OpenWine at 72 Wale Street in the CBD, Cape Town. Music starts at 5pm, come early to get a table from 3pm – yes, it’s that popular!
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