Since the subject of liquor has already been broached, I won't be so embarrassed about asking this.

What is a decent brand of champagne or sparkling wine that will be available in Lusaka?


Champagne is my beer...I've been known to drink a bottle every night while hunting. I drink Korbel (a California brand) at home. Not an expensive brand. But I don't want a cheap "rot gut" type of alternative. French champagnes aren't my favorite, but I would drink Moet White Star or Chandon if they are the only decent types available.

Is there a South African brand of sparkling wine that is extra dry or brut that would be available in Lusaka? We are flying through London directly to Lusaka (not passing through Jo'burg). I prefer not to deal with the Duty Free stores in London, plus I need more than the quantity they would allow me to purchase.

Remember this is like you guys drinking 4 beers!

I appreciate any recommendations.

Best regards, D. Nelson

Liquor and wine is limited and expensive in Zambia. If you want anything above "rot gut" quality you may have a hard time.

Graham Beck Brut NV is a good South African sparkling wine.

We have drunk it in Tanzania and Namibia. Don't know about availability in Zambia.

If I were you, I would talk to the outfitter about having some on hand.

As an aside, in 1994, Nelson Mandela toasted his inauguration as President of South Africa with a glass of Beck!

quote:

Nelson Mandela toasted his inauguration as President of South Africa with a glass of Beck!

Then it just might be good enough for me

Thanks for the info, you can't imagine how important this is to me! Like you guys being without any beer or good whisky!

Best regards, D. Nelson

Darin,

If you let your safari operator know basically what to look for they should be able to get what you need at Manda Hill. When I was there the selection was amazing for Africa and prices competitive with the US. We found Grande Marnier, good bourbon and loads of wine etc.

Mark

Thanks Mark;

I think my biggest problem is knowing what brand to request that is comparable to Korbel.

Maybe I'll have to go taste testing when I'm there!

Mrlexma's recommendation of Graham Beck Brut NV as a good South African sparkling wine sounds like I'm on the right track. I doubt they have California stuff in Lusaka.

Thanks for letting me know.... I really appreciate you input!

Regards, Darin

From Korbel you only have one basic route in tastes and that's up.........if you don't like French champagne and do like Korbel, I would suggest trying the latest batch of paint thinner, easily available........

Just kidding, but you're a classic example of one of my favorite sayings, French no less, ........chacun a son goute.

I'm not sure if you can buy it in the States, but I'm sure Mr Google will be able to confirm availability of the John Platter's South African Wine Guide. If you can buy it, the book has a write up of every wine that comes out of the SA vinyards.

I'd guess you should be able to buy the book fairly easily.

Ah, immediatly after posting this, I found this for you: http://www.platteronline.com/home/

I'd think the free 2001-2007 editions should be able to tell you all you need to know.

Shakari;

Thanks for the info...I shall pursue!

REgards, D. Nelson