The Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) — founded in 1982 and celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2012 — is an association of South Africa's top winemakers, committed to maintaining and constantly improving the quality of their wines, thereby serving as role models for the Cape wine industry as a whole to uphold and build on the reputation of South African wine globally. This coffee table book primarily focuses on the winemakers and their thoughts, opinions and philosophies on all things to do with wine, from the growing, making and enjoyment of it, to its integral role — past, present and future — in the culture and lifestyle of the Cape and South Africa. Beautifully written by Wendy Toerien, the text is both lighthearted and entertaining as well as evocative and informative. Each of the 45 Guild members is featured in a profile piece that includes anecdotes, insights and experiences of a life with food and wine. Also included are two of each winemaker's favourite recipes, matched with one (or more) of his (or her) top wines. Sections dealing with the history of the CWG (interwoven with its role in leading Cape wine industry developments and initiatives), the workings of the CWG and its members (the philosophy of the traditional role of a guild as a touchstone for artisanal excellence), and the activities of the CWG (including the annual, internationally prestigious auction of selected members' wines and social responsibility programmes such as the Development Trust to mentor new young winemakers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and school funding) are another feature of this celebration of the Guild and its members.
