After two years behind closed doors, boutique wine shop Vino Pronto has officially reopened in Gardens, welcoming wine lovers back to its long-standing Orange Street location.
The independent wine retailer resumed trading in June after temporarily closing in 2024 while the building underwent extensive renovations.
Manager Shirley Griffiths says the priority is reconnecting with customers after the lengthy closure. "People forget. They find new routes and new spots. It's just about getting the word out again that we're back."
Established in the area since 2001, Vino Pronto has become a favourite among wine enthusiasts for its carefully curated collection of South African wines. Alongside well-known labels, the boutique champions smaller producers, natural wines, orange wines and pét-nats (méthode ancestrale), offering shoppers the chance to discover bottles they may not find elsewhere.
The shop also stocks a small selection of imported Champagnes and Spanish wines, while its knowledgeable team helps customers choose the right bottle, whether it's for a special occasion, a gift or everyday enjoyment.
"We try to get people to describe the person they're buying for. I don't want to sell somebody red wine if they generally drink white wine," said Griffiths.
Recognising that many shoppers are budget-conscious, the store carries wines across a range of price points without compromising on quality.
Vino Pronto is also known for its limited-release wines from niche producers. "When they're gone, they're gone. If you miss it, you have to wait until next year," she said.
Friday wine tastings return
One of the biggest draws is the shop's regular Friday wine tastings, allowing Capetonians to sample wines in the CBD without making the drive to the Winelands.
Additional tastings are held during the festive season, with dates shared on the shop's social media channels and newsletter.
For Griffiths, these events are about more than simply pouring wine.
"If we have a winemaker tasting, they get to interact directly with the people drinking their wine instead of it being their agent," she says.
"They get a first-hand look at how consumers relate to their blood, sweat and tears in the bottle."
She adds that maintaining that connection between producers and wine drinkers is an important part of supporting South Africa's wine industry.
While Cape Town's packed calendar of wine events means there's plenty of competition for attention, Griffiths believes there's still a place for informal, approachable tastings where people can discover new wines and connect with the people behind them.
Whether you're looking for an everyday bottle, a rare small-batch release, or simply a Friday evening tasting in the city, Vino Pronto is once again ready to welcome customers through its doors.
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