Sweet sales increase at the Wild Festival
Tuesday, 8 July, 2008
ML Communications
The sales of Tulbagh Wine Cellars' dessert wines more than doubled this year at the 2008 annual Kirkwood Wildlife Festival and it was enjoyed mainly with venison pita bread and kudu sosatie. The festival has again shown growth this year with more than 37,000 visitors (27-29 June).
Tulbagh Wine Cellars this year presented their own Wine garden (400 square meters) and it was here that the trend to enjoy dessert wine with venison clearly showed. Tulbagh Wine Cellars was the first supplier of wine at the festival four years ago.
According to Marketing Manager, Quintus Basson, the 1,800 bottles of the special festival dessert wine, the Disa Jerepigo "Sopkoppie", was sold out within a few days, while the Natural Village Sweet Rosé, Directors Port, Brulpadda Port and premium priced Klein Tulbagh Reserve Port, also sold like hot cakes.
"Because most hunting trips take place in the cold winter months, it has become a ritual to enjoy something sweet with the venison as it warms you from the inside. The huge success of the Kirkwood Wildlife Festival can be seen as evidence of a big market. The demand for dessert wine is a clear indication of a trend among people who enjoy nature as part of their lifestyle. Tulbagh Wine Cellars supports it, many of the dessert wines complement various venison dishes. In 2008 we have vinified additional fortified wines in various styles," says Quintus.
"The Tulbagh Wine Garden is conveniently situated for the walk weary festival visitors who can sit and take in the crowds while sipping Tulbagh wines. A good vantage point to listen to the live entertainment and relax in cosy comfort. Tulbagh Wine Cellars is a proud sponsor of this comfortable social venue."
The Eastern Cape's game industry also benefits from the festival, as it hosts what now officially is South Africa's second biggest wildlife sale. This year the total amount sold at the Kirkwood Wildlife Auction was R11,2 million, including a White Rhinoceros for R640,000.
The Absa Kirkwood Wildlife Festival is a community initiative run by a Section 21 Company. Surplus funds are invested in community projects and in promoting the Sunday's River Valley as an all-year-round tourism destination.
Thor Norman of Tulbagh Wine Cellars celebrates the high volume sales of their wines.
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