N1 began life in 1991 as a small butchery and meatpacking company. In 1996, identifying a greater need in the industry, they shifted focus and began to supply exclusively to the wholesale and export market – fast forward 20 years and they are the leading Cape Town Meat Wholesalers. While expansion into the Johannesburg area has been hugely successful, Cape Town retains (pardon the pun) Mother City status for N1. Not only is it one of the most beautiful places in the world, but last year Cape Town claimed 3rd place in the Conde Nast Best Food Cities in the World list. And let’s be honest, never far behind the perfect plate of food is the perfect glass of wine; so what better way to celebrate the city and chase down a splendid Merlot than an inner-city-wine-route.

Introducing Tuning the Vine, first of its kind and brainchild of the dynamic Shereen Amos, this inner-city-wine-route takes sippers and samplers on an urban wine adventure. Held on the Wednesday evening after First Thursdays (another fabulous event that attracts thousands of people every month to art galleries and the like across Cape Town), Tuning the Vine is a curated wine route which links 16 of the best venues in the heart of the city. Beginning at the Orphanage Cocktail Emporium, the route winds its way from one hot-spot to the next including Bacon on Bree (Cape Town’s very own ‘baconporium’); and new kid on the block Charango (delicious Peruvian grilled sirloin, lamb loin cutlets and BBQ pork belly); to House of Machines (an eclectic fusion of café and custom bike workshop) and ending at HQ a Parisian-inspired steak house, bar and lounge set in the historic Heritage Square.

The next Tuning the Vine takes place on Wednesday 9 March – tastings begin at 5:30pm and end at 9pm. Your ticket entitles you to taste wine at each of the venues along the route, you’re free to set your own pace and order of venues; although a 60-minute sommelier tour for small groups is also available should you prefer a guided navigation through the many wines on show. Tickets are available online at Quicket and on the night at two of the venues. So if you’re on a quest to find the best wine to complement any order from leading Cape Town Meat Wholesaler N1, be sure to buy a ticket – enjoy seeing the Mother City at its trendiest best and happy sipping.