Sip, Savour, Sold Out: MATH Wine Club Sets Joburg’s Wine Scene Ablaze

Aslina Wines Paired With Calamari, Pork Belly and Berry Compote

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There’s a certain alchemy that happens at MATH Restaurant — a blend of flavour, atmosphere, and that effortless Joburg cool. And, once again, the MATH Wine Club delivered an unforgettable night in fine style. Even a soft summer drizzle couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the city’s wine lovers, who filled the restaurant in Waterfall Corner to capacity for the latest sold-out edition of the much-loved series.

Hosted on Thursday, 20 November, the evening unfolded as a slow, luxurious glide through beautifully crafted plates and expressive wines from Aslina, celebrating both South Africa’s vibrant food culture and the growing appetite for accessible, curated wine experiences.

The Cycle Shed at Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa

“We want our guests to feel like they’re enjoying a glass in their own living room — comfortable, welcomed, and part of something shared. That spirit of su casa, mi casa is at the heart of what we do.”

MATH Restaurant: A Place Rooted in Heritage

More than a dining destination, MATH Restaurant is a celebration of South African innovation and culture. Through elevated yet inclusive food experiences and its signature Wine Club, the restaurant continues to reshape how South Africans engage with wine — making it communal, warm, and wonderfully memorable.

Speaking to MATH founder, Puleng Mathabathe, he shared how the name of his restaurant has nothing to do with numbers, geometry or algebra at all. The restaurant’s name traces its origins back to the bustling township of Lebowakgomo. MATH was derived from the first four letters of Mathabathe’s surname, which was also the name of his parents’ hardware store called Math Electrical Hardware in Limpopo, which was a community gathering spot.

Now, fifty years later and in a different city altogether, MATH Restaurant continues the legacy of gathering and celebration, welcoming guests to simply co-exist. Artwork by Dustin August shows how a person is made from past, present and future versions of themselves and their families, allowing them to look at life from new perspectives and contexts.

A Coastal Beginning Paired With Crisp Freshness

Guests settled in with a quietly indulgent starter: mussels, shrimp, and calamari nestled in a velvety and spicy Napolitana sauce. Light, bright, and perfectly balanced, the dish found its match in the Aslina Sauvignon Blanc — a crisp, refreshing pour that set the tone for the night.

Colour, Texture & A Chardonnay With Character

The second course brought an earthy burst of colour: char-grilled carrots and beetroots served over spicy hummus, dotted with delicate feta crumbs. The Aslina Chardonnay 2023 stepped in with rounded warmth, elevating the dish’s smokiness and spiciness.

A Full-Bodied Moment in the Glow of Conversation

As the room grew more animated — glasses refilled whilst laughter boomed— the main course arrived: mint-crusted lamb draped in chipotle sauce, brightened by a lively corn salsa. The star pairing of the evening, Aslina’s Umsasane Blanc 2023, revealed its layered personality. Named in honour of winemaker Ntsiki Biyela’s grandmother, the wine offered depth, history, and the kind of generosity that stays with you.

A Light, Dreamy Finish

Dessert brought a refreshing close: a citrus-and-berry Eton mess swirled with Chantilly cream and berry compote. Paired with the elegant Aslina Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, it was a sweet, airy send-off that lingered long after the last spoonful.