Making history by being the most successful annual lifestyle event held in Soweto, and dubbed Mzansi’s trendiest wine festival, the 6th annual Soweto Wine Festival, taking place from the 2nd to the 4th September at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus, is promising to be bigger and better in 2010.
As a result of its extensive growth and increasing popularity, the 6th annual Soweto Wine Festival has raised the bar by increasing the festival length to 3 evenings; a large marquee will also be added to the side of the hall to cope with crowd capacity; and a business arena will be launched to showcase careers in wine, wine education, and entrepreneurial opportunities in wine.
Says Marilyn Cooper, Cape Wine Master, joint founding member of the Soweto Wine Festival and MD of the Cape Wine Academy, who are the organisers of the festival, “In our 6th year, we have no choice but extend the festival over 3 evenings and include a large marquee to allow for the enormous growth this festival is experiencing. It is the most exciting wine festival in South Africa. It is truly unique as it is visited by those who love the lifestyle wine brings.”
Visitors will be treated to the ultimate tasting experience with the opportunity to sample over 800 of South Africa’s best known wines. Approximately 100 wine producers including some of South Africa’s most reputable and award-winning labels will be there as well as our most successful empowerment brands. It is expected that in excess of 6500 visitors will be at the 2010 festival and delight in tasting a wide range of styles and cultivars, whilst interacting with lifestyle brands, having a meal in the food court, or taking a wine class.
Offering an educational component to visitors, Pick n Pay will present two one-hour food and wine pairing sessions hosted by wine experts and renowned chefs. Other major sponsors of the festival include Mango Airlines (Airline partner), Soweto Hotel (Hotel Partner), First Car Rental (Car Rental Partner), DStv (Gold Sponsor), Samsung Mobile (Silver Sponsor), City Press and Kaya FM (Media Partners).
Says Colleen Goodman, DStv Marketing Manager, “Once again DStv is proud to be partner of this year’s Soweto Wine Festival. We are proud to play a part in its astonishing growth and also helped introduce wine to the people of not only Soweto but to the people of Gauteng. We are also happy to have signed a three year deal to be part of the event, which gives us an opportunity for our brand to interact with our subscribers and also to introduce our brand to potential subscribers”.
Says Mango Airlines Marketing Manager Ryan Conybeare “We believe the Soweto Wine Festival to be one of the best of the lifestyle events in Johannesburg and have watched its growth over the years. It is fitting that the best low-cost airline adds its weight as the official Travel Partner to get South Africans nationwide to Soweto to experience Mzansi's hottest wine and lifestyle event.”
The introduction of a business arena will provide a strong platform for business opportunities and economic value to the South African wine producers by introducing South African wines to new markets via education and interaction that simultaneously increases local consumption and sales.
Mnikelo Mangciphu, co-founding member of the Soweto Wine Festival and owner of Morara Wine Emporium in Soweto says, “We are no longer a small festival. This fantastic festival is growing Soweto Style and is a ‘must-do event’ for every South African. A much anticipated change to the festival is the business lounge. The business of wine in South Africa has huge potential but is largely untapped by the black market. We need to share our knowledge to grow others. Wine is our heritage. It is time.”
Comments Cooper, “This year we are pleased that Norman Goodfellows and the Soweto Wine Festival will be launching the Soweto Wine Shop at the festival making it a one-stop wine shopping experience. Taste and Buy at great prices.”
