Marilyn Cooper, co-founding member of the TOPS Soweto Wine Festival, in association with Food Network, says "Our venue, the University of Johannesburg, has a wonderful view of the Orlando Towers, so what better name to give this thirst-quenching, historical drink concept than Soweto Towers. I learned about this phenomena when I once sent a fine bottle of Rustenburg Gold with my Rotary exchange daughter to Argentina and on enquiring if the host father had enjoyed the wine, my daughter replied, 'Yes he loved it, but he drank it with cola'". The majority of Argentinians consume Kalimolsco daily. Over the years, in the Spanish speaking world, the name has changed to Katemba (or Catemba). It is also widely consumed in Angola and Mozambique. Mixing wine, red or white, is a European tradition. The spritzer, invented by the Germans and Austrians, is white wine with the addition of either soda or lemonade and was a fashionable ladies drink in the 1980s. The theory behind the spritzer is that it is more thirst quenching than wine alone, easier to drink and, thus, can be consumed in larger amounts. Joining forces with Du Toitskloof Wines, red and white Soweto Towers will be served, well-chilled and delicious. Look out for it and give it a try. The Soweto Wine Club Whilst at the festival, make sure you meet and greet Soweto’s most popular and successful wine club, the Soweto Wine Club, and its co-founder, Sipho Thomo. The Soweto Wine Club (SWC) was formed in 2005 (after the launch of the first Soweto Wine Festival in 2005) by friends who found that they had a love of good wine and good living in common. The Soweto Wine Club was co-founded by four professionals - Oupa Mokgatle, Mothibi Mohomane, Vusi Mahlungu and Sipho Thomo, all who are still very much involved. These founders are leaders in their own fields being a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, a law graduate, a business executive at a leading multinational and an emergency medical practitioner respectively. Says Sipho Thomo, “We started out by visiting each other’s homes bringing our favourite bottles of good, and not so good wines, but the numbers grew quickly and we were forced to move to accommodate venues such as Pubs and Restaurants around Soweto, spreading the culture and education in wine and our membership currently stands at around 300 people (plus around 200 Facebook followers).” Over the years, the wine club has been able to command an allegiance in Soweto synonymous with wine and therefore making the natural move into the business side of things. They have had the wine club company registered, have a website under construction, and will also be part of the TOPS Soweto Wine Festival, in association with Food Network, thanks to the Cape Wine Academy and Morara Wine Emporium. Comments Thomo, “The Soweto Wine Club has, on average, wine tasting sessions twice a month with themed nights, good food and cheese, and more recently, with musical performances and exhibitions such as jewellery and fashion. We have been fortunate to partner with two well-known establishments in Soweto, namely Wandies and Morara Wine Emporium, which have proven to be a winning formula that has translated in an increase of about 10% in wine sales. Concludes Thomo, “The TOPS Soweto Wine Festival will hopefully propel the Soweto Wine Club to even greater heights as we will be able to mingle with players in the industry. We are embarking on a road show throughout the month of August leading up to the wine festival, covering most of the good Restaurants and Pubs including a stint on Soweto TV, especially if we can secure a sponsoring partner.” The TOPS Soweto Wine Festival, in association with Food Network, is happening on Thursday 6th September to Saturday 8th September 2012. Opening times are Thursday and Friday from 18h00 to 22h00 and Saturday 17h00 to 21h00. The venue is the University of Johannesburg, Main Hall, Soweto Campus, Chris Hani Road, Soweto. Tickets are R120 per person and available at the festival, or online from www.webtickets.co.za or from Morara Wine Emporium in Soweto. Website - www.sowetowinefestival.co.za. Entrance closes one hour prior to closing.