Says Marilyn Cooper, co-founding member and organiser of the festival: “We just could not fit anymore people in the exhibition hall. It is fantastic to see the growing interest in wine from this untapped market. Kaya FM's DJ T-Bose was our MC and he was magic with the crowds. The festival is open for only 3½ hours per evening and feedback from all stakeholders is that strategically and logistically, this festival was unsurpassed. We really need to look at expanding the space next year.”
The Standard Bank VIP Lounge on Friday evening was an amazing experience many will not forget. Speeches from Lincoln Mali, Provincial Director at Standard Bank, and co-festival founders, Marilyn Cooper and Mnikelo Mangciphu kicked the evening off followed by the talented music sensation, Lira, who played to an adoring crowd throughout the evening.
In keeping with one of the festival's primary objectives - to increase wine knowledge and local sales in the black South African market - the Wine Class, sponsored by Pick n Pay and the Cape Wine Academy, was a festival first. It offered visitors the opportunity to learn more about wine through relaxed classroom-style lectures presented by Mary Krone and Chris de Klerk, Cape Wine Master.
Says Chris de Klerk, “We had over 100 visitors take up the three classes we held. We are incredibly inspired by the enthusiastic response from these new wine drinkers. This is must-have for next year.”
Says Mnikelo Mangciphu, co-founding member of the festival and owner of the only wine shop in Soweto - Morara Wine Emporium: “It was a big and beautiful success for everyone. This year, we seem to have got it right. Next year, we will concentrate on a few areas such as food and wine pairing and linking Sowetan distributors to the wineries at the festival. We need to continue educating the black market on the etiquettes of wine tasting. I did notice that there are still some people that don't like to spit when tasting wine.”
Phillip, one of the four cousins of the Four Cousins brand says: “Saturday was crazy in terms of the volume of people... Space may become a problem with the next festival as it is growing beyond anyone's expectations.”
Says Johann Krige, Kanonkop Wine Estate: “This is a very interesting and important festival. I was astonished to see and learn the general interest shown in wines. It is a massive untapped market that has to be managed very carefully. The first thing we have to do is demystify wine and sell it as an everyday lifestyle commodity. The Soweto Wine Festival is the beginning of a long process and is fulfilling that need and is on the right track.”
