Step off Bree Street and into Culture Wine Bar, and you’ll feel it right away — this is not your average wine bar. It’s lively, warm, and unpretentious, with the clink of glasses, conversation that spills easily from table to table, and a menu that celebrates good food as much as good wine.
Founded by chef-restaurateur Matt Manning, Culture was built on a simple idea: wine should be for everyone. Whether you know your vintages by heart or you’re just discovering your first glass, this is a place to explore without the intimidation factor. The team curates a selection that shines a spotlight on South Africa’s most exciting small-batch winemakers, chosen for authenticity, craft, and character.
What Makes Culture Unique?
- Food & Wine Together: The menu is designed for sharing and pairing. Think small plates and bistro-inspired dishes that elevate the experience without being overcomplicated.
- Membership Model: Culture isn’t just a bar — it’s a club. Members enjoy exclusive tastings, early access to rare wines, and insider events that bring them closer to the winemakers themselves.
- Special Wine Events: From themed tastings to collaborations with visiting producers, there’s always something happening to keep the experience fresh.
- Playful Merchandise: Forget stiff tradition. At Culture, you can take home a bottle of your new favourite wine — and a T-shirt boldly declaring “I am Chenin Blanc” or “I am Pinot Noir.”
A Home With History
Culture’s location at 103 Bree Street is part of its DNA. It’s the site of Matt’s first restaurants, the place where he got married, and the birthplace of Culture itself — launched in the middle of a pandemic with the determination to make wine culture more inclusive.
Raising the Bar
Recognition has followed quickly. At the Star Wine List of the Year awards, Culture walked away with top honours, including the Grand Prix. But accolades aside, what sets Culture apart is the atmosphere: a genuine community of wine lovers who come to share stories, taste new favourites, and feel at home. So, the next time you’re in Cape Town, add Culture Wine Bar to your list. It’s a celebration of wine that’s approachable, exciting, and always evolving — the way wine should be.
