Arlene Mains is the head winemaker for Seriously Old Dirt – and a serious talent, who’s worked at estates like California’s Opus One, Bourdeaux’s Mouton Rothschild and our own Rupert & Rothschild. Here’s what she loves beyond the world of a very, very good cabernet sauvignon-led red blend.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year – and why?
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell. Reading this book excited me, as it both challenged preconceived ideas that I had, as well as solidified others which innately I knew to be true but had not done enough of my own research, so to have confirmation was pleasantly gratifying.
How do you keep fit?
I love road running. I find it to be the best stress-reliever and a great way to explore new towns and cities when travelling.
Weeknight, low-key restaurant go-to?
Saigon Restaurant in Kloof Street, Cape Town. This place is an institution! Wholesome and flavourful, everything on the menu is a must-try!
What is the one artwork you’ll always love – and why? (You needn’t own it!)
My taste is quite varied, art is like fine wine to me, there’s a piece for every moment. But recently, at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, I came across a painting that I found to be haunting and couldn’t stop revisiting the image in my mind for days thereafter. It was a painting from a body of work by Italian artist Emanuele Giuffrida; it left an indelible impression on me.
Do you have a hobby? What is it?
I enjoy going to art galleries and listening to live jazz.
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
My watch (analogue). I need to know the time.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
Looking back now, it is so cringey, but my high school celeb crush was Michael Schumacher. I was weirdly obsessed with Formula 1 for a while and during that time he was world champion and his statistics were remarkable. The persona he gave off was nonchalant, cool, humble and a great display of sportsmanship – so basically irresistible!
Three songs that you’d take to a desert island?
This is a terribly hard question! I am one of those annoying people who, if you drive with me in the car and do radio (or Spotify) hopping, will probably sing or hum along to everything that comes on. Off the top of my head, these three songs come to mind: Now We Are Free from the original Gladiator soundtrack; Old Pine by Ben Howard; and Shooting Arrows by Lane 8 (featuring Poliça).
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