Soweto Wine Festival gets even bigger
As a result of its extensive growth and increasing popularity, the 6th annual Soweto Wine Festival, taking place from 2 - 4 September 2010 at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus, has increased the festival length to three evenings; added a large marquee to the side of the hall to cope with crowd capacity; and will launch a business arena to showcase careers in wine, wine education, and entrepreneurial opportunities in wine.
In 2010, visitors will have an opportunity to sample over 800 of South Africa's best known wines from 100 wine producers including some of South Africa's most reputable, award-winning labels and our most successful empowerment brands.
It is expected that in excess of 6500 visitors will be at the festival to 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.
Sponsors
Major sponsors of the festival include Pick n Pay, Mango Airlines, Soweto Hotel, First Car Rental, DStv (Gold Sponsor), Samsung Mobile (Silver Sponsor), City Press and Kaya FM.
Offering an educational food & wine component for visitors, Pick n Pay will present two one-hour food and wine pairing sessions hosted by wine experts and renowned chefs.
Says Colleen Goodman, DStv marketing manager, "We are proud to play a part in its astonishing growth and that we helped introduce wine to the people of Soweto and the people of Gauteng. We 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."
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 wine festival. A much anticipated change to the festival is the business lounge. You must love wine to be in the business of wine. 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."
"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," says Marilyn Cooper, Cape Wine Master, joint founding member of the Soweto Wine Festival and MD of the Cape Wine Academy, organisers of the festival.
Festival details
Dates and times: Thursday to Saturday, 2 - 4 September 2010 from 6pm - 10pm
Venue: Main Hall, Soweto Campus, University of Johannesburg, Chris Hani Road, Soweto
Tickets: R60 per person
Ticket availability: At the festival, Pick n Pay Hyper Soweto, Morara Wines, and the Cape Wine Academy
For more information, visit: www.sowetowinefestival.co.za
