Terrarium at Queen Victoria Hotel earns global wine list recognition

SOUTH AFRICA – Cape Town-based fine dining restaurant brand Terrarium, located at the Queen Victoria Hotel and operated by Newmark Hotels & Reserves, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Star Wine List Awards in the Best International Newcomer category.

The nomination acknowledges the wine list curated by Marlvin Gwese, Group Sommelier for Newmark Hotels & Reserves, whose approach showcases small, character-driven producers, Cape Winemakers Guild auction wines, and labels selected for their sense of place.

Every bottle on the list is carefully chosen to complement the bold, seasonal flavours of Chef Patron Chris Erasmus’ menu, which draws heavily on locally foraged ingredients.

Gwese said the nomination was a true honour and a reflection of the team’s dedication to delivering an outstanding beverage experience.

The wine selection at Terrarium is closely informed by the restaurant’s culinary philosophy, with dishes often built around wild mushrooms, coastal herbs, and other delicately flavoured ingredients.

These flavours, he explained, are ideally paired with structured, full-bodied white wines or mineral-rich reds that can bring balance and nuance to each plate.

Looking ahead, Gwese and the Terrarium team are expanding their Cape Winemakers Guild collection and sourcing exclusive, limited-edition releases to elevate the guest experience even further.

As part of his broader role, Gwese is also spearheading the development of a vintage cellar across Newmark’s portfolio, with a long-term vision to offer guests aged South African vintages with complexity and depth.

Neil Markovitz, CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, praised the nomination as a testament to the creativity and passion within the group.

He emphasised that each Newmark property is encouraged to tell its own story, and Terrarium’s recognition demonstrates the global appeal of authentic, locally inspired hospitality.

He added that the nomination reinforces the value of thoughtful curation both on the plate and in the glass, and reflects South Africa’s growing presence in the global fine dining landscape.

The winners of the Star Wine List of the Year International Open 2025 will be announced during a virtual awards ceremony on April 22 2025.

Terrarium’s nomination signals the emergence of a confident South African voice in global gastronomy, where wild, seasonal cuisine meets a wine programme rooted in depth, care, and a true sense of place.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.