South Africa embraces water tastings as Washington reels from sewage leakby AFP Staff WritersStellenbosch, South Africa (AFP) Jan 29, 2026Most tourists to Stellenbosch come for the wine but this small group was here for the water, sampling a selection of the world's finest varieties in an experience new to South Africa. "They are mainly award-winning waters," Pieterse said of his collection at his Fine Water Tasting Room, which he describes as the world's first such venue dedicated solely to water. - From beer to water -Pieterse, previously a brewer, developed an interest in water during the Covid?19 pandemic when South Africa banned the sale and distribution of alcohol. It led him to become one of only two certified water sommeliers in South Africa and fewer than 100 worldwide, he said. Some bottlers sell tap water purified through reverse?osmosis filtration which removes the minerals and flavour, he said.