Soweto Wine Festival is a sparkling success

This year there was an overwhelming response by local and international media. Nearly every major South African newspaper and TV channel was represented at the festival with over 160 media over both evenings. International representation included Japan, Belgium, Spain, France, EFE and Reuters.

Mnikelo Mangciphu, joint founding member of the Soweto Wine Festival and owner of Morara Wine Emporium in Soweto says, “Every year, it gets better and better. The organisers raised the bar for wineries and sponsors, allowing for greater interactivity between the crowds. The atmosphere was vibrant as new and connoisseur wine drinkers savoured their favourite from the hundreds of wines available.

Mpumi Ngobese, Manana Rikhotso, Charity Mabaso, Lindiwe Mabunda, Sylvia Siweya, Amani Chamane, Mpho Mondlani

“We proudly noticed an emerging trend in that visitors were slightly older this year and at the end of the evenings, there were some happy people but barely anyone was drunk. This shows us that the educational element is working. We don't want to encourage people to come for free drink. We want to encourage people who are interested in wine and learning about wine. Our overall strategy is educating about wine and we are succeeding. It really was the most fantastic event.”

2010 expansion

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, says, “A special thank you to everyone involved, especially our primary sponsors, Standard Bank and media sponsors, City Press, DStv and Kaya FM plus our wineries without whom, this festival could not happen. This was a phenomenal year and attendance exceeded our expectations.

Kaya FM's Phat Joe and fans

“Unfortunately, we had to turn away guests on both Friday and Saturday evenings so we will either be extending the festival to three days or look for a much larger venue. Our many wine estates handled the tasting tasks magnificently with at times the queues being three to four deep. A special thank you to Kaya FM's T-Bose and Phat Joe. They were a major hit and handled the announcements and prize giveaways throughout the evenings with immense professionalism.”

For more information, see: www.sowetowinefestival.co.za