ROOTED IN THE CAPE · Education, tastings & private curation

The cellar / Our philosophy

Serious about wine.
Never about pretence.

Good wine has a story. We’re here to help you hear it — and find your own place in it.

Ripening wine grapes in the Cape Winelands
Our vision

Understanding deepens enjoyment.

We believe wine becomes more rewarding when the questions feel welcome. Our approach honours the growers, the land and the craftsmanship, while making room for fresh perspectives and everyday language.

South Africa is our starting point. From the Cape’s heritage varieties to its evolving styles, there is a world of learning close to home.

The people behind the pour

Two perspectives.
One considered experience.

Portrait space reserved for Joshua Smitsdorff; professional headshot to be added
Portrait to follow

Co-Founder & Managing Director

Joshua Smitsdorff

Cellar strategy · Curation · Client experience

Joshua brings the strategy behind the cellar and the care behind the experience. He connects curation logic, business operations and technology to help clients make thoughtful choices, build purposeful collections and enjoy a clear, personal journey from the first conversation.

His focus
Cellar strategy, independent curation and thoughtful delivery
Portrait space reserved for Lloyd Jusa; professional headshot to be added
Portrait to follow

Co-Founder & Head Sommelier

Lloyd Jusa

Tasting expertise · Service craft · Education

Lloyd brings the perspective of the restaurant floor to the learning table. A Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers UK, his background includes senior sommelier and wine-programme leadership at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa. At The Cape Pour, that experience informs a practical approach to tasting, service and helping people feel at ease with wine.

Professional qualification
Certified Sommelier · Court of Master Sommeliers UK Source
On the floor
Senior sommelier & wine-programme background · Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa Source
Professional profile
Reserved landscape photography slot for the founders pouring and guiding a tasting; no actual event is pictured
Service photography to follow

Care in the pour. Confidence at the table.

A glass presented thoughtfully. A question answered clearly. The smallest details can make the whole experience feel more personal.

Why learn with us

A thoughtful approach.
A welcome for everyone.

01

Independent guidance

Learning begins with your taste, your questions and your goals.

02

Everyday language

Clear explanations, without making anyone feel they should already know.

03

A practical framework

Learn to look, smell, taste and describe, then build confidence through practice.

04

The Cape at the centre

South African wines lead the conversation, with the wider world as a useful comparison.

A place worth getting to know

Nine starting points.
Endless discoveries.

Explore more with Wines of South Africa’s guide to the winelands. Region descriptions are broad introductions; producer and site matter.

Let’s begin

There’s a seat for you at our table.

A first taste, a deeper understanding, or something made just for you.

Start a conversation

Welcome to The Cape Pour

A little age check.
Then, let’s explore.

This wine education experience is for adults aged 18 and over.

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A table worth gathering around

Make it your pour.

A personal tasting, thoughtfully planned.

  1. 1The occasion
  2. 2The selection
  3. 3Your details
Your occasion, in a few details.

Cape Town and the winelands are our proposed core area. Johannesburg and international travel can be scoped by arrangement.

Step 1 of 3

Prepare a draft on your device, review it, then send it from your email app. No reservation or payment is made.