In Conversation with Legendary Winemaker Ken Forrester

Before the England Vs. South Africa Test at Lord's this August, we were fortunate enough to catch up with legendary South African Winemaker and cricket-fan Ken Forrester to ask him about his lifelong love of cricket, what it means to him for his wines to be poured at The Great Wine Bar at Lord’s, and his perfect wine-pairings for a Test Match.

Ken Forrester Vineyards is located along “the golden triangle” of Stellenbosch; this prime land just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean was first planted in 1692 - a mere 330 years ago! Here at the foot of the Helderberg they focus on cool climate varieties, Chenin Blanc, Syrah and Grenache in the main, with some Merlot Cab Franc and Petit Verdot on the Southern slopes. Ken purchased the vineyard in 1993 as a family home and since then has steadily upgraded and replanted and created a comfortable wine lounge for tasting the delicious range, of just for contemplating the mountains and getting to know the dogs - always about 6 pooches of varying breeds, rescue dogs and some feisty Jack Russels!

GWC: “So tell us about your love of cricket, Ken.”

“Obviously School was the first real contact with Cricket in those days: playing off a mat! We were a mixed school and all the girls would come out to watch! As I progressed to high school my dad would take me to The Wanderers Cricket Club to see such luminaries as Graham Pollock playing at #4 with the best cover-drive in the business, or he’d go down on a knee and punish the ball to square leg sending many an umpire for the high jump. Peter Pollock bowling at over 90mph! Eddie Barlow, Mike Proctor and the great Barry Richards who I still play golf with - what memories! Then the new boys came along Shaun Pollock, son of Peter with a test career of over 400 wickets in 200 matches. AB de Villiers, the fastest ever 50/100 and 150 in One-Day-International, Herschel Gibbs the first ever 6 x 6 in ODI, Jaques Kallis with over 10,000 runs and 250 wickets; Hashim Amla the first batsmen to reach 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000 in ODI. What talent! And behind these few names another couple of dozen exceptionally talented players - dreams are made of this!!”

GWC: “As a great cricket fan, I imagine that you feel a great sense of pride that your wines are being served at Lord’s - both on the Great Wine Bar and also at the Edrich restaurant! What are your ideal wine pairings for a summer Test at Lords?”

“I’m so very proud to be on the list at Lord’s and The Great Wine Bar and can’t wait to have a glass of wine in the club someday!”

You’ve got such a carefully chosen selection of white, rosé and red wines for Members of the club and indeed the summer of cricket - the white wines show freshness and delicious fruit flavours with crisp acidity and a lingering aftertaste - there’s a totally smashable Rosé, try that with a block of ice!! Should raise an eyebrow, but so worth it!

If you’re onto some quiet contemplation on the 3rd day of the test you’ll need to consider the FMC, our premium offering, a world class wine happy in the company of rich Burgundies and discussions about Wisden's latest snippets: perfect as an opening bat. And later in the afternoon, perhaps a glass or two of The Gypsy - our Rhone ranger, elegantly poised Grenache and Syrah - perhaps a perfect night watchman!“

GWC: "Thanks for your time, Ken. It will be a very interesting Test. Cheers!

The Great Wine Bar, operated by The Great Wine Co is the the home of fine wine at Lord’s Cricket Ground - home of the MCC. Located in the Warner Stand, overlooking the Coronation Garden, the Great Wine Bar stocks a full range of fine wine by the glass and by the bottle including the immaculate wines from Ken Forrester.

Join us at the Great Wine Bar on your next visit to Lord's and enjoy one of Ken's top cricket-pairings.