Bar Code: Be an adult and wine about life

22 July 2015 - 02:01 By Sylvia McKeown

I have finally come to the stage in my life when I feel like an adult. Not in the sense that I have to pay my own rent or take responsibility for my (questionable) actions. It's far more serious - I now feel I should only drink good alcohol.There's still a place for R10 tequila shots, but what I and the rest of the "adult" population of Johannesburg needed was a place to unwind, sit and chat to friends over a glass of something special. A place that hasn't existed, until now.Ace + Pearl is a corridor of a fine wine bar, a haven of rich woods and rough face brick, stocked to the ceiling with cases of wine and personality.Husband and wife duo Derryn and Terrence Orpen opened their bar after encountering a bottle of Cartology from Alheit Vineyards in the Cape. Researching the wine, they were inspired by the winemaker's passion and vision and wanted to share his story - and those of other young winemakers like him - with interested drinkers."There are some amazing South African young wine makers that are producing honest, beautiful wines who aren't getting exposed," said Terrence.Their menu is awash with reds, whites and rosés, each with their own story, and prices start at R55 a glass.Different wines are highlighted each week with tasting options and regular "meet the makers" evenings .And, there is also a spot of Inveroche gin, a few craft beers and a namesake Irish Orpens cider - served in a champagne glass - for those who are less inclined to the vine.Ace + Pearl is open Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm. Shop 8, Albans Square, 357 Jan Smuts Avenue. Go to acepearl.com to sign up for their weekly newsletter to find out more about their wines of the week and meet the makers evenings...

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