August 30, 2006
By Lucky Sindane
FOR those who appreciate the finer things in life, take the opportunity to test the rich bouquets and heady flavours of South Africa's finest wines and brandies at the Soweto Wine Festival this weekend.
The festival, on at the University of Johannesburg's Soweto campus (previously Vista University Soweto campus), runs from Friday, 1 September to Sunday, 3 September.
However, the refined and eloquent wines on display are not only for wine connoisseurs. Wannabe wine enthusiasts are welcome too.
Wine lovers toast to the success of the Soweto Wine Festival
"More than 100 wineries will be showcasing over 600 different wine and brandies to cater for the needs of wine connoisseurs, beginners and 'wannabe' wine enthusiasts in an informal and friendly environment," says the former chairman of the South African Wine and Brandy Foundation, Max Maisela. He is also the managing director of NBC Holdings consultants and actuaries.
Besides introducing the vast range of distilled elixirs to a whole new clientele, the festival also aims to promote Soweto as an attractive investment region and tourist destination.
After last year's successful inaugural event, festival originators Mnikelo Mangciphu and Thami Xaba established Soweto's first wine retailer, Morara Wine and Spirit Emporium, based in Mofolo central, Soweto.
And this year's event promises to be bigger than before – it has been expanded to include brandy.
"Soweto deserves a brandy festival," says the former director of the South African Brandy Foundation, Pietman Retief. "The support this product of the Cape has received from this area over many years has been phenomenal."
Visitors to the festival can savour a wide range of styles and cultivars, red and white wine, sweet and dry, as well as sparkling and cap classique. Wine Direct will take orders at the festival and deliver purchases directly to the customers.
Last year more than 50 waiters from selected Soweto outlets received training through the Cape Wine Academy. The course was sponsored by Wines Of South Africa.
This year more than 60 students from the University of Johannesburg's Soweto campus will attend the ABC wine course at the Cape Wine Academy, as well as being on hand to offer advice during the festival.
While the Friday event is not open to the public on Saturday, 2 September the festival is open from 6.30pm to 10pm and on Sunday, 3 September from 4pm to 8pm.
Tickets, at a cost of R35, are available from the Cape Wine Academy, FNB Conference Centre, 114 Grayston Drive, Sandton, or at the door.
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