The Goose

Aside from your own label, what do you have in your cellar?

Well I don’t generally have a lot of wine in my cellar because I drink a lot of it! I do enjoy a glass of wine. I rarely drink spirits and stick with water and wine with my meal. Travelling around the world and eating in restaurants most nights – I like to have a nice glass of wine.

When you’re in a restaurant do you stay true to your roots and pick South African wine?

Whenever I’m in a restaurant that has South African wine on the list I’ll go with that. I try and support the South African market. But there’s a lot of Chilean wine that has come a long way. I enjoy them too.

What’s your favourite hotel?

Well, we stay in a lot of them! The one group that stands out, especially in the Far East, is the Mandarin Oriental. They do put on a smart and special service in their hotels.

What about airlines? Do you have a favourite – or is a private jet the only way to go?

[Laughs]. I do travel private a bit when I’m in the States. I must say I fly British Airways most of the time when I can between America and Europe. From Europe to the Far East I like Cathay Pacific and then obviously Emirates is very good when flying to the Middle East.

What do you always take with you on a trip?

Family is number one. If they can come – if the kids are on holiday – then they travel with us. But one thing I always travel with is my pillow. I have a pillow of certain firmness. I just don’t like those soft pillows.