AUGUST 2011 Edition

Kickin' it at the Wine Show in Jo'burg

The Wine Show Jo'burg has proven itself to be the biggest wine show of its kind in South Africa and having been part of the team for the second year in a row was so much fun. Those who know me will tell you that I'm not exactly the biggest fan of the city of gold, but I must admit, that I definitely look forward to traveling there for the Wine Show.

This year's show was once again a huge success with over 140 producers exhibiting over 900 different wines. I was in wino-heaven!

Over two days the majestic Coca Cola Dome in North Riding was converted into a showcase for wine producers and it was amazing to see it all come to life, first slowly with the stands being built, gradually building up until the buzz and excitement that one can feel in the air for the last hour before the show officially opens.

For me, the show kicked off on the Friday morning when I visited the IanF Show from 2 Oceans Vibe Radio in Millpark where we sampled some gorgeous Chenin Blanc from Land of Hope, and had some divine sushi to finish of their 'Japanese week'. Can't say I've ever had sushi for breakfast… Catch a recording of the show here.

5pm on the Friday afternoon came soon enough with punters lining up outside the doors of the Dome and that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the show. Over the weekend, there was an impressive selection of food and wine pairing events in the 'Friends for Dinner theatre' with executive chef from the Park Inn hotel in Sandton, Leon Hatton-Jones preparing the most sumptuous offerings which would've complemented even battery acid. Fortunately, there were only wickedly wonderful wines on offer at the Wine Show!

The 'Wine Theatre' also hosted some fun and informative sessions where show visitors could enjoy tasting wines from Idiom, Arumdale, Clos Malverne and a special selection of wines by myself and four of the Taste Team members.

Chatting to exhibitors over the three days, it would seem that they enjoyed the layout of the show. The fact that there was plenty of space and their stands larger than other shows, allowed them to really afford the necessary time to visitors in order for them to discuss their wines and estates rather than acting as mere bartenders at otherwise overcrowded shows.

General comments from show visitors were that they enjoyed the large selection of wineries that were represented at the show, whilst also being introduced to the names of farms that they'd never even heard of. The perfect showcase.

Media partners, Avusa (The Times, The Sunday Times, Sowetan and Sunday World) title-sponsor and logistics partner, Dawn Wing, also reported a fantastic show.

Last, but by no means least, the 12 winners of the Wine Laid Bare photo competition in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness were announced and the 2012 calendar was released. The overall winner was a beautiful mirror image photograph shot by Leon Laubscher. The new calendar is on sale now for only R100 with all proceeds going to Cansa.org.

And so another Wine Show Jo'burg ended as a huge success. Next up and very exciting is the Wine Show Road Show, which will be opening its doors to the public at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban from 11-13 November 2011. Kwa-Zulu Natal, we're coming to you!

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