The Cape Winelands is world renowned for its unique wine tasting experiences, but now in the heart of the Winelands, consumers can enjoy a surprising alternative: water tasting.
Move over, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon – there’s a new liquid taking centre stage at one of Stellenbosch’s most prestigious estates. Nico Pieterse, South Africa’s leading water sommelier, has partnered with the historic Lanzerac hotel to launch the country’s first fine water tasting experience, proving that H₂O can be just as sophisticated as any vintage.
The water whisperer
Pieterse, one of only two certified water sommeliers in South Africa, founded The Fine Water Company in 2021 with an ambitious mission: to elevate water from a basic necessity to a gourmet experience. His curated collection includes waters aged up to 100,000 years, sourced from glaciers, volcanic springs, and remote rainfall around the globe.
“The value of water should never be overlooked,” says Pieterse. “We’re here to showcase water, create awareness, and instil a passion for this essential resource. Water is so much more than just a thirst-quencher – it’s an essential, flavourful component of the epicurean experience.”
What makes water ‘fine’?
Fine water isn’t just about purity – it’s about terroir, the French concept typically associated with wine that describes how environment affects taste. Each premium water carries a unique mineral fingerprint, pH level, and texture that tells the story of its origins.
The waters in Pieterse’s collection range from Denmark’s ISKLD and Peru’s volcanic Socosani to Armenia’s naturally carbonated Jermuk. Some display subtle citrus notes, others hint at earthiness or delicate effervescence. Far from being bland, these waters offer layers of complexity that most people never knew existed.
The art of water tasting
The tasting process borrows elements from wine appreciation but introduces its own unique protocol. Guests use clear stemware to observe the water’s appearance, gently swirl to release subtle aromas, and take measured sips to detect minerality, texture, and pH variations.
“What sets water tasting apart is the focus on absence,” explains Pieterse. “There are no grape varietals or alcohol to navigate. Instead, the art lies in detecting the purest essence and finest distinctions – a barely perceptible shift in pH, the softness of bubbles, or delicate saltiness from an artesian spring.”
The Lanzerac experience
Nestled in The Library at Lanzerac, the 45-60 minute tasting features six premium waters – three still and three sparkling – each selected for their contrast and complexity. Guests explore each water’s geology, minerality, and unique story while learning the refined etiquette of water service.
The experience costs R350 per person and can be booked through DinePlan by searching for ‘The Library’ at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch. Weekend slots fill quickly with both locals and curious tourists eager to explore this novel sensory journey.
For those who choose not to consume alcohol, water tasting offers an equally sophisticated alternative. The experience provides all the ritual and refinement of traditional tastings while promoting wellness and mindfulness.
“It’s a perfect marriage of wellness and indulgence,” notes Pieterse. “Hydrating, mindful, and sensory-rich – it’s an adult tasting experience with its own quiet sophistication.”
A growing global trend
Water tasting is gaining momentum worldwide, with certified sommeliers emerging across continents and fine dining establishments beginning to pair waters with courses just as they would wines. The movement reflects a broader shift toward mindful consumption and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
At Lanzerac, this innovative offering extends the estate’s hospitality legacy by proving that water isn’t just an accompaniment to a meal – it can be the star of the show. In an era where craft consumption demands attention to detail, fine water drinking represents the future of mindful indulgence.
As Pieterse reminds us: “The right water can complement a dish just as perfectly as a fine wine.” In the Cape Winelands, that philosophy is now being put to the test – one carefully curated sip at a time.
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