Great Domaines celebrated its third annual Burgundian feast this past weekend: La Paulée de Johannesbourg. “Inspired by the original La Paulée de Meursault, it is an opportunity for fanatical Burgundy lovers to meet and share great bottles from their cellars with each other. The pleasure derived from drinking a great wine is increased greatly by sharing it with “like -minded” people” says Wayne Visser, founder of Great Domaines.
La Paulée de Johannesbourg is also a philanthropic event. Great Domaines is dedicated to transformation in South Africa; starting with education. “We are privileged to be able to enjoy some of the greatest wines in the world and these are generally bought by people generous of spirit. La Paulée is an opportunity for privileged wine lovers, who are our friends, to make a difference through their donations” says Visser. “Responsible wine enjoyment is a symbol of civilised society and education is one of the pillars of civilisation. This is a cause well-worth supporting!” he adds.
Every year a number of Great Domaines’ producers generously contribute to the auction. “You can count on me for this worthy cause. I love your country and I can see how education is so crucial. I will donate a magnum” says Guillaume D’Angerville from the Domaine Marquis d’Angerville in Volnay. This is the kind of response Great Domaines gets when sharing their vision. Other wines on auction this year included a double magnum of Sadie Family Wines and Great Domaines Tempus 2015, a double magnum Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2013, a Jeroboam of Muga Rioja Selection Especial 2011 and a magnum of Jean Grivot Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2014.
To date, the Great Domaines trust and its sister company FPM (Financial Portfolio Management), have contributed towards the education of six children; the youngest of whom Sifiso is nine years old. Emmanual (A.K.A Huggy) is the first beneficiary of Great Domaines’ Education Trust – having completed his Matric, he now also has the title of WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) level 1 to his name and has been working for Great Domaines for two years.