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Matt Manning will open his new Culture Wine Bar this Halloween – but he ain’t scared of no Covid19.
Already Chef Patron at Grub & Vine and The Chef’s Studio, Manning’s latest venture is inspired by the Cape’s renowned wine culture. Located handily next door to Grub & Vine and at the same address in Bree Street, Cape Town, Culture is headed up by wine maestro, Chris Groenewald as Bar Manager.
Culture will house a curated selection of fine wines from the country’s most respected names, cult classics, hidden gems, natural wines, and special imports from across the globe.
Says Manning, “The great thing about wine is that it brings people together. We wanted to offer an inclusive space that is welcoming to people from all walks of life, and of all ages, backgrounds and professions, who have one thing in common – they appreciate good wine.
“We want to inspire our customers to explore varietals or styles that they may not be familiar with, and possibly discover something new that they love.”
Given that Culture will share a kitchen with Grub & Vine, patrons can also look forward to a bar menu that features a far more exciting offering than the obligatory salted peanuts.
“The menu will change regularly, and will feature satiating snacks such as a Richard Bosman charcuterie, artisanal cheese, pork pies and more,” says Manning. “Culture will follow the same ethos as that of our bistro: simple, honest and delicious fare that works beautifully with wine.”
Housed in a 200-year old Heritage building with yellow wood floors and an exposed brick wall that extends down one side of the space, Culture’s elegant interiors are the work of Monya Eastman of Stokperd.
Manning explains that he wanted the space to feel warm and welcoming, as well as both modern and timeless. This was achieved through a contemporary rust and ink colour palette, gold accents and a floral feature framing the arched window, while the semi-circular marble-topped bar and leather booths add curves to the long rectangular room.
Walk up the stairs, past the ornamental cactus leaves lining the walls, and just above the bar you’ll find the Wine Library; a hub for winemakers, reps and enthusiasts alike. Explains Manning. “For a monthly fee, wine farms will have access to a conveniently central hub where they will be able to store stock in a temperature-controlled facility, host tastings, network and more.”
Culture wine bar and the Wine Library join Manning’s other offerings located at the same address; interactive cooking space The Chef’s Studio, Grub & Vine bistro, and private dining room, The Green Room. Manning explains that with both Culture and the Wine Library, he wanted to invest in something that would complement what he was doing from a culinary perspective, as “food and wine will always be the perfect marriage.
“Each acts as a standalone offering with its own identity but is also in harmony with the other. While the challenges this year has brought with it have been tough, it has also inspired us to innovate so that we can now offer a number of unique experiences to our guests all under one roof – creating a food and wine destination,” he concludes.
