In Stellenbosch, South Africa, famous for its vineyards, a new experience is now attracting tourists: water tasting. At the Fine Water Tasting Room, visitors can discover the flavors and qualities of several waters from around the world, in an elegant setting similar to a wine cellar.
For some, it's a real surprise. Dere Vermeulen, used to drinking tap water, says: "I am a person who says water is water. But it was really very interesting to be able to taste the different flavors of the water. I didn't think I was going to do it.'
At the origin of this initiative, Nico Pieterse, one of the few certified water sommeliers in the world, explains: "It’s not particularly a connoisseur’s experience, it’s for everyone, because we all drink water. We all need to know water. There is a taste in the water and combining water with food is truly something refined."
For Pieterse, it is also about raising awareness of the value of water, particularly in a country where this resource remains precious. "When a faucet leaks or a pipe bursts, if the water had value, we would protect it immediately. We need to give value to water for people to take care of, because if it's free, it has no value.'
Visitors can taste up to six different waters, ranging from Himalayan springs to Czech glaciers, some even containing gold particles or rare minerals. For locals like Barend Marais, tasting is both a fun and educational experience: "My interest in water tasting comes from my love for water and my curiosity about what water tasting actually is. When we first hear about it, we say to ourselves ‘Haha, what could it possibly be? Water is water’."
With this initiative, Stellenbosch offers a new way to discover and promote water, while recalling its vital importance in a country regularly faced with droughts and shortages.
