the
unsung
hero
DUMISANI BLESSING DUBE
IS THE ASSISTANT MANAGER
AT MEANDER FINE WINES IN
THE KZN MIDLANDS, wHO
UNEXPECTEDLY DISCOVERED By Anna Trapido
HIS di-vine CALLING PhotographS by
CRAIG SCOTT
THE EARLY BIRD
My childhood could not have been further away from the
world of fine wine! I come from rural Hlabisa in KwaZulu-Natal.
Growing up, I had to take my fathers cattle to the veld every
morning before I went to school. It was a peaceful, delightful way
to start the day I loved to pick wild monkey apples.
THOSE WITH PASSION, TEACH
When I was a kid, I dreamed of being a teacher. I was really
keen! So much so, that by the time I was in matric, I was even
standing up in class and teaching my fellow pupils during our
free periods! But it was not to be. I may not have become a
teacher in the traditional sense of the word, but every day, I get
the opportunity to educate the public about wine, so Im fulfilling
that original ambition in a way. I love to expand peoples horizons
and get them to take wine in new directions. Personally, I like
to experiment with African cuisine and wine I recently paired
inhloko (cows head) with a juicy red wine: to great effect!
SECURING A FUTURE
When I left school, I worked as a security guard at Mseni Beach
Lodge in Sodwana Bay. Through being there, I discovered that
I liked the vibe in the hospitality industry. I think it just suits my
personality sociability comes easily to me. I like meeting new
people. As the security guard, youre usually the first contact
with the guests; checking them in at the gate, helping them with
MEANDER FINE WINES, PIGGLY WIGGLY COMPLEX, R103/OLD MAIN ROAD, LIONS RIVER; 033-234-2913
their luggage... Im quite an observant person, so I used to notice
if the kitchen was getting busy and stressed, upon which I would
help them out. Over time, my managers noticed my enthusiasm
and, gradually, I became involved in non-security aspects of
the business. At first, I was a waiter, then became barman and
eventually the assistant operations manager. From there, I went
on to the Fern Hill Hotel and Training College in Howick.
THE VINES IN MY VEINS
Once I became interested in wine, there was no stopping me!
I had really found my true passion. I came from a home
environment where my family didnt drink anything alcoholic,
except traditional African beer at ceremonies, and my only
contact with wine had been behind the bar. Basically, until
I joined Meander Fine Wines, my feeling was that wine was just
that wine. That all changed when, on my first day at Meander,
there was a tasting and the wine rep put out 19 wines. No one
forced me to try it, but I felt encouraged to do so and I did.
I found that tasting wine, and picking up different notes and
aromas came naturally to me. I was fascinated by the variety
of flavour profiles and deeply impressed with the amazing
complexity in a good glass. I have, subsequently, completed
Cape Wine Academy wine and brandy courses, contributing to
my book knowledge of the subject. Sadly, I discovered from Day
One that I have an innately expensive palate Ive always had a
preference for the very best wooded chenins and chardonnays!