The Good Value Guru Diaries 2010.
This book is a “Guide to unexpected people, places and potations in the Winelands”.Potations, if you didn’t already know it, means drink. And knowing Neil (and sure who doesn’t), you’d know that would be wine.
10 days, 100 wineries, over 1,200 wines tasted. This diary tells the story of that road trip, or should I say, wine trip.
It’s a rollercoaster ride of colourful characters and unexpected wine gems.
Neil Pendock has the knack of looking for the unexpected in unusual places, and usually finding it.
The writing is descriptive, colourful and draws the reader into a whacky world of wine, wine making and the different characters involved.
For me, it is one of the most enjoyable reads I’ve experienced about the world of wine in South Africa.
Platter’s it ‘aint, and that’s a blessing. The book is driven by the concept that South African’s are looking for a bang for their buck and wines that ding their dong.
I cannot think of anyone else today in South Africa who is so finely in tune with what the consumer really wants.
The design, illustrations and layout are a treat.
In fact, perhaps another one of Mr.Pendock’s talents is that he is a psychic, along with having the memory of a small elephant.
The drawings and graphics throughout the book are a delight.
Right at the back of the book there’s a list of 100 wines, helpfully broken down into price categories, starting at under R30.
What more does a serious wine drinker need?
There is one thing that puzzles me about Neil Pendock.
His knowledge about the wine business is vast. He has tasted more wines than I have had hot dinners. But here’s the thing; he’s not a wine snob.
So how comes he has not succumbed to this rather contagious disease in South Africa?
Do yourself a favour. If you are serious about getting some serious value in wines,want to drink some lively bottles, and want to be entertained and meet a colourful bunch of personalities along the way, get your hands on this book.
Incidentally, the designers and layout people who did this book are the same people who brought you the quirky and excellent packaging for Boer&Brit wine selection. They go under the name of Fanakalo.
WIN A COPY OF NEIL’S BOOK!!!!!!! 1st 4 correct entries win.
QUESTON: HOW MANY WINERIES DID NEIL VISIT IN ORDER TO COMPILE THESE DIARIES?
Answer to clare@spill.co.za
The Good Value Guru diaries 2010. A guide to unexpected people, places and potations in the Winelands. By Neil Pendock.
Cuspidor Press 2010.
R123 at Exclusive Books and all good bookshops.
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Thanks for the “heads-up” will def. get a copy!
100!
100 wineries………
Congratulations to AJ Nel, Chantal Olivier, Karen G and Lisa Key who were in like Flynn and answered the very simple question correctly. I’ll be in touch by e.mail to arrange delivery/collection of Neil’s wonderful book.
Much appreciated! Should be a brilliant read!
i want this!!!!!!!!!!!saw it snippet in Sarie Kos…and now, after reading this I just want it!
Hi Elsa,
You can buy it in any Exclusive Books, or in Societi Bistro on Orange Street, Cape Town.